More affordable childcare centres on the cards

FOUR Jauhar Childcare Centres (JCC) will start operations in June to provide more affordable early education options in Johor.

State women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail said the centres would be managed by Darul Ta’zim Family Development Foundation (YPKDT) in collaboration with Johor Housing Development Corporation (PKPJ).

“We wanted to use available space at People’s Housing Projects (PPR) for JCC.

“We have identified the ground floors of PPR Melana Indah, PPR Taman Cendana, PPR Desa Mutiara and one PPR in Kluang for these centres.

“The focus is in Johor Baru city as demand for affordable childcare is high,” she said when met by StarMetro after launching Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) Butterfly Childcare Centre.

Khairin-Nisa (right) launching the centre in Iskandar Puteri.

The centres were identified based on discussions with state housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, who is in charge of PKPJ.

Khairin-Nisa said currently, there were five JCCs operating in Pontian, Batu Pahat, Iskandar Puteri, Segamat and Muar.

“We plan to have 11 JCC under YPKDT by 2030,” she said, adding that the agency was also open to applications to become childcare centre operators for other government agencies.

Applications for the position of child carers at the four JCCs have also opened.

“Priority is given to those living near PPR areas,” she said, adding that they must undergo training provided by YPKDT.

Separately, she said all childcare centres in Johor were required to instal closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) before applying for permission to operate from the Welfare Department.

“Some operators thought with the Permata Childcare Course (KAP) certificate, they could start operations immediately.

“They need approval from three technical agencies, namely Health Department, Fire and Rescue Department and the respective local councils before they can apply for approval.”

The new MBIP Butterfly Childcare Centre can cater to 72 children and has been in operation since January.

The facility is equipped with a classroom, pantry, changing room and playground.