Teachers working in childcare and pre-school centres will have to possess at least a diploma qualification from 2020, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

He said the regulations would involve all childcare and pre-school centres under the government and private agencies.

"The time frame given is to enable the existing teachers who have yet to possess a diploma qualification or are keen to obtain it (Dipolma in early childhood education)," he told reporters after officiating the simultaneous delegates meeting of Kubang Kerian UMNO division Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri wings here today.

Mahdzir, who also UMNO supreme council member, said so far the regulations had been enforced at pre schools under the Education Ministry and other agencies such as the Community Development Department (Kemas) and National Integration and Unity Department.

"We want to streamline, not in terms of the curriculum but teaching professionalism because early education as early as aged three years is very important fror a child," he said.

Meanwhile he said all state Education Department and schools were encouraged to implement programmes that could uplift the Independence Month celebration.

He said apart from flying the Jalur Gemilang activities, other programmes to enliven the spirit of patriotism and a love for the country included oratory competitions and narrative history.

Mahdzir hoped the Independence Month celebration that starts on Aug 16 would be well received by educators and students.