Opening your own preschool is not just a business — it's an opportunity to shape young minds and contribute to the future of education.
Whether you’re a passionate educator, a business owner looking to enter the early childhood education (ECE) field, or someone planning to transform your enrichment center into a licensed preschool, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to legally start a Tadika in Malaysia.
There are two main categories of early childhood education centers in Malaysia:
| Type | Age Group | Governing Body | Common Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taska | 0–4 years | Department of Social Welfare (JKM) | Childcare center |
| Tadika | 4–6 years | Ministry of Education (MOE) | Kindergarten / Preschool |
This article focuses on Tadika, which serves children aged 4–6 and must follow MOE’s requirements.
Preferably a commercial unit (shop lot / office unit)
Residential premises require land-use conversion approval
The space must have proper ventilation, safety exits, and basic fire safety equipment
Submit BORANG A (Application Form) to your local District Education Office (Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah)
You must include supporting documents such as teaching schedules, curriculum plans, and layout diagrams
Fire Department (BOMBA) – Fire safety compliance certificate
Ministry of Health (KKM) – Hygiene and facility approval
Local City Council (Majlis Perbandaran) – Business license
Site and floor plans of the center for capacity approval
The Malaysian Ministry of Education requires:
A minimum of 1,000 teaching hours per year
Core learning areas include:
Malay, English (plus Mandarin/Tamil if applicable)
Mathematics, Science, Art, Music
Physical development and social-emotional learning
You are free to integrate methodologies such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or thematic-based learning — as long as you meet the core academic standards.
| Role | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| Teacher | Diploma in Early Childhood Education or SKM Level 3+ |
| Senior Teacher | DKM (Level 4) with at least 3 years of experience |
| Principal | DKM or DLKM with additional leadership/management training |
All teaching staff should be formally qualified and encouraged to complete basic first aid training.
Each child must have at least 4 square meters of classroom space
The center must include:
Child-friendly toilets
Safe indoor learning and play areas
Clearly marked emergency exits and extinguishers
Kitchen (if meals are provided) approved by KKM
Develop a clear curriculum identity — e.g. bilingual, arts-based, Montessori
Use both online and offline marketing strategies to attract families
Set up a professional communication system with parents (e.g. newsletters, apps)
Join trusted family education platforms to increase visibility and credibility
Host open days, trial classes, and parent-child events to build trust and engagement
Q: Can I open a preschool if I don’t have a teaching background?
Yes. You can operate as the business owner or license holder, but your teaching staff must be qualified according to MOE standards.
Q: How long does the registration process take?
On average, 4 to 6 months, depending on document readiness and approval turnaround from various departments.
Q: Can I operate from a residential home?
Yes, but you must obtain land-use conversion approval and meet strict safety and hygiene requirements.
Starting a preschool is a fulfilling venture that combines education, community, and business.
With proper planning, legal compliance, and a strong educational vision, your Tadika can provide a safe, nurturing environment for young learners — and become a respected institution in your community.
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