When it comes to early childhood education, every parent wants the best for their child.
But there are so many options in this day and age.
The two most popular ones being both Tabika Kemas and private kindergartens.
While both have their own pros and cons, your choice should ultimately boil down to what you can afford and what your goals are for your child’s learning journey.
Here are the pros and cons for Tabika Kemas and private kindergarten.
Tabika Kemas
Tabika Kemas is a preschool program funded by the Malaysian government.
It provides early childhood education for children between the ages of 4 to 6 years old.
The curriculum is based on the National Preschool Curriculum Standard and is designed to promote cognitive, physical, emotional as well as social, development.
Some Tabika Kemas also provides meals, healthcare, and transportation aid.
Here the pros and cons of Tabika Kemas.
Pros of Tabika Kemas
Affordable: for families with a strict budget, Tabika Kemas is definitely the more inexpensive option. Refer to the following for a list of fees that you will be required to pay.
Preparedness: One thing Tabika Kemas is good for is if you want to give your child a head start in their studies. Tabika Kemas will definitely prepares your kids for entry into the mainstream education.
Play learning: Play-based learning is a big part of Tabika Kemas. This curriculum can foster creativity as well as allow students to enjoy and have fun during the learning process.
Cons of Tabika Kemas
Strict requirements: There are certain criteria that your child needs to fulfil in order to qualify for a spot at a Tabika Kemas.
Strict curriculum: Tabika Kemas is based on the National Preschool Curriculum (KSPK) curriculum. Parents can’t opt their kids out of subjects or choose extra electives.
Limited hours: Tabika Kemas typically operates for half a day, usually between 8am to 12pm for morning sessions. This may be inconvenient for working parents.
Limited locations: Tabika Kemas is only available in selected areas. You will need to search up the addresses closest to your house to see if it’s feasible for your time and schedule.
Private Kindergarten
Private kindergartens are preschools operated by private organisations or individuals.
There is more diversity when it comes to the curriculum and teaching methods.
Some places even offer special subjects not available at Tabika Kemas, such as third language or music.
You can expect your child to receive extra personal attention from educators due to the smaller class sizes.
Pros of Private Kindergarten
More choices: There are probably more private kindergartens available in a certain postcode than Tabika Kemas. You will be spoiled for choice as to the option that may be available to your child.
Specialised subjects: Students may have more freedom to choose electives or drop certain subjects but this of course depends on the school. Some schools even cater to special cases such as ADHD, Down Syndrome and even autism.
Diverse curriculum: Private kindergartens tend to offer more diverse and even experimental or alternative teaching methods that aim to make learning more efficient, immersive and enjoyable for children.
Cons of Private Kindergarten
Cost: Private kindergartens are known for their exorbitant prices. So unless money is no issue, you may not be able to afford the school fees.
Quality control: Each private kindy may have their own levels of quality control. Some may be more sophisticated than others in terms of learning material, facilities and even virtual tools.
Grading system: Academic-based kindies often follow a grading system that rely on tests, exams and revision. This may not be ideal for kids who thrive in a play-based learning environment.
Tabika Kemas and Private Kindergarten: Which One Is Better?
It’s important to do your own research when it comes to choosing the best preschool you’re your kids.
A good tip is to always visit the schools of your choice along with your child(ren) so they can experience what it would be like learning there.
This also gives you a good chance to ask the teachers any questions or concerns you may have regarding the wellbeing of your child.
Also, don’t forget to compare prices between each school; especially if you’re choosing to go the private route.
Ultimately, the choice between Tabika Kemas and private kindergarten depends on many factors.
This would include the location, price, curriculum quality of education, facilities, and whether your child will enjoy themselves, of course.
That said, we hope the above tips will greatly help you on your journey to choosing the best preschool education for your kids.
Good luck, parents!
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