Definition:

• Group settings deliberately intended to effect developmental chnages in children from birth to the age of entering the first grade (Gordon, A.M & Browne, K.W)
• The care and education of children from birth through age eight and includes serving the families (Teacher Education Partnership Commission)

Why we need early childhood education?

• Recognition of the importance of early years e.g. be prepared for primary education, tabula rasa
• Increasing demand for child care and changing enrolment patterns e.g. no one take care of the child at home
• Changes in family life e.g. both parents are working, living away from relatives
• Benefits of early childhood education e.g. learn basic skill for primary education, develop social skills

What is in the early childhood education?
Malaysia National Preschool Curriculum

• Language and communication development
• Moral and spiritual development
• Cognitive development
• Socio-emotion development
• Physical development
• Creativity and aesthetic development

World (general)

• Language development
• Spiritual development
• Cognitive development
• Emotional development
• Physical/Motor development
• Creativity development
• Social development