Expand special needs preschool classes in all primary schools, says Teo

 

Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching says the pandemic and school closures had disrupted the learning and development of many children, especially those with special needs.

PETALING JAYA: Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching has called on the education ministry to expand its special education preschool classes in all primary schools.

“While some of the students with special needs will be receiving their preschool education in private education institutions, the fees charged by these institutions are rather high for some and completely unaffordable for many,” she said in a statement today.

Citing a parliamentary reply from education minister Radzi Jidin last month, Teo said only 2.5% or 192 out of 7,700 primary schools in the country offered specific preschool education classes dedicated to special education needs.

She also noted that there were only 1,132 children with special education needs enrolled with the ministry.

“That’s why it is pertinent for the education ministry to expand its special education preschool classes in all the primary schools.”

Teo, who was deputy education minister in the Pakatan Harapan administration, said early identification was crucial for children with special needs as early intervention and treatment of developmental issues increased their chances of improvement.

“The education ministry also needs to ensure there is a sufficient number of well-trained teachers, specialists and resource personnel to aid and educate special needs students to equip them with life skills in preparation for adulthood and working life,” she said.

She stressed that the Covid-19 pandemic and school closures had disrupted the learning and development of many children, especially those with special needs.

“The education ministry should adopt international best practices and be committed to enrolling more students with special needs in preschool education,” she said. - FMT