KUCHING: Sarawak is developing an Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Framework to provide clearer and more consistent direction for the sector.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the framework would help define what quality ECCE should look like in the Sarawak context.
She said it would bring key aspects of early childhood development under one framework, while creating greater alignment among the various agencies and providers involved.
“We have many agencies and providers, each with different mandates, expertise and strengths. That diversity is valuable.
“At the same time, we need greater alignment around what matters most: the outcomes we want for our children. This requires us to look beyond the boundaries of individual sectors,” she said.
She said this in her opening address at the Sarawak Preschool International Convention (SPIC) 2026, officiated by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, at The Waterfront Hotel here today.
Fatimah said the framework would bring together areas such as access and quality, inclusion, child development and learning, educator professionalism, family engagement, early intervention and good governance.
It would also address safe and supportive environments and the transition of children into formal schooling.
“A young child does not experience education, health, nutrition, family wellbeing, protection and community life as separate systems. To the child, they are all part of the same life.
“Our response must therefore be equally connected. The stronger the links between these different areas, the better we are able to understand and respond to the needs of the whole child,” she added.
The convention also saw early childhood institutions and educators recognised for quality and inclusive practices.
The ‘Anugerah TASKA Berkualiti 2026’ award went to SeDidik Kuching Zone Operations Manager, Awang Kederi Awang Mahdar, and TASKA di Tempat Kerja SeDidik Baitul Makmur 2’s Head Educator, Dayang Hamimah Awang Hamdan.
TADIKA Bodhi’s Principal, Catherine Chai Fui Choo, and Supervisor, Kho Kui Ching, received the ‘Anugerah TADIKA Berkualiti 2026’ award.
Community TASKA educators, Rosni Salleh and Cathrine Sebarang, received the ‘Anugerah Khas IPAKK 2026’ award.
Meanwhile, Nur Hafizah Abdul Talip received the Inclusive Teacher Award for SeDidik, while Jong Suk Ying received the Inclusive Teacher Award for private kindergarten.
Alandra Flora Isa received the Inclusive Master Trainer Award.
