Exploring Knowledge and Skills of Special Needs Children among Preschool Teacher in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

Abstract

This research was conducted to see the level of knowledge and skill faced by KPM preschool teachers in receiving students with special needs or children delay development in KPM preschool classes. Qualitative approaches were conducted, and 5 respondents were selected among KPM preschoolers. The results of the study showed that there were impact factors between the readiness, knowledge, and acceptance of teachers towards children who need special education. The implications of this study are expected so that every teacher can fully accept special education children without any bias to achieve the Malaysian National Objectives. Findings from the interviews showed that support groups are also necessary to help preschool teachers be more prepared in terms of emotions, knowledge and skills in handling special needs students in preschool classes. Preschool teachers also need to be given more exposure and training on modules and pedagogy of special needs students starting as early as when they receive teacher training. This is because the potential of preschool teachers to handle with special needs students is challenging throughout their service.