Tadika

Tadika is a Malay-language term for a kindergarten or preschool, used in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and other Malay-speaking communities. It refers to early childhood education centers that serve children typically aged 4 to 6 years, though some programs accept younger or older children depending on local policy.

Programs emphasize play-based learning and social development, introducing basic literacy and numeracy, as well as health, motor skills, and creative activities. Daily activities often include circle time, storytelling, arts and crafts, music, indoor and outdoor play, and guided learning tasks designed to build readiness for primary school.

In many countries Tadikas may be private, nonprofit, or government-supported. In Malaysia, Tadikas often operate under national guidelines and may implement the Kurikulum Standard Prasekolah Kebangsaan (KSPK) to standardize learning outcomes across centers.

Tadika serves as a foundation for formal education, helping children develop language skills, emotional and social readiness, and basic numeracy before entering primary schooling. The quality and accessibility of Tadika programs vary by region, and ongoing reforms in early childhood education seek to improve training and resources for educators.