Ivy Kids Pre-School, Melaka (Tadika Hatten Edu Cates & Hatten Edu Cates Child Care Centre)

Established in 2016 under the Hatten Group brand, Ivy Kids Pre-school Melaka was founded with a vision to provide exceptional early childhood education. This licensed taska and tadika welcomes children aged 18 months to six years old from diverse nationalities, providing them with a multicultural environment that enriches their learning experiences and creates global citizens. 

The best of both worlds

Ivy Kids Preschool offers a unique blend of the Reggio Emilia approach and the Cambridge Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), while still aligning to the National Standard Preschool Curriculum (KSPK). Through these approaches, children are nurtured in an environment that values both play and academics. 

The Reggio Emilia philosophy emphasises child-led exploration, creativity, and inquiry-based learning, allowing children to express themselves freely and think critically. Complementing this is the Cambridge EYFS framework, which introduces structured academic learning to prepare children for the transition to primary school.

Learning goes beyond textbooks: for example, children may take part in inquiry-based projects that encourage them to explore big ideas and think critically. A simple theme like ‘animals’ can evolve into discussions about habitats, sounds, and even environmental issues like extinction. This dynamic approach keeps learning fresh and engaging. 

Arts are also seamlessly integrated into the curriculum. Children participate in hands-on projects using recycled materials to nurture their creativity and create environmental awareness. Meanwhile, speech and drama classes, storytelling sessions, and performances during concerts and celebrations help build confidence and communication skills. 

• Pre-Nursery (18 months to 2 years): Focuses on developing essential social, language, physical, and cognitive skills through activity-based learning. Children engage in play that promotes fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving, and early communication.
• Nursery (3-4 years): Builds on foundational skills with an emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and social development. The introduction of the Cambridge EYFS framework in Nursery 2 provides structured learning experiences, encouraging creativity through music, art, and interactive play.
• Kindergarten (5-6 years): Combines inquiry-based learning with academic preparation for primary school. Children explore complex concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and gain proficiency in English, Mandarin, and Bahasa Melayu. Teachers support families with primary school assessments, so that they can smoothly transition to both national and international schools. 

The preschool offers a full-day programme from 8.30am to 3pm, and options for extended care (daycare) until 5pm. 

The daily timetable includes a mix of academic lessons, enrichment activities, and outdoor play. Extracurricular programmes such as Taekwondo, baking classes, and speech and drama sessions add variety and excitement to the children’s day.

A campus designed for learning and fun in a safe environment

Spanning an impressive 25,000 square feet, Ivy Kids Preschool’s campus is thoughtfully designed to support holistic development. The front area houses the kindergarten (ages 4-6), while the back is dedicated to the taska (ages 3 and below). 

Key facilities include an indoor playground that is safe and engaging for all age groups, as well as a sky garden, a serene space on the 7th floor of the building where children can take part in gardening and outdoor activities. There is also a sandpit and bicycle area to encourage physical play and motor skill development. Children enjoy 30-40 minutes of outdoor play daily, whether in the indoor playground or the sky garden. 

Additionally, the preschool also has a library, atelier, and a music and movement room. to inspire a love for reading and artistic expression in children.

Safety is, of course, a top priority – the school employs strict security measures that include CCTV, locked glass doors accessible only to staff with ID, and stringent health protocols. Meanwhile, meal menus are designed under the guidance of a nutritionist and catered for by professional chefs under the Hatten Group. 

A supportive community

Ivy Kids Pre-school’s dedicated team of educators and caregivers are professionally qualified and have a heart for children. The school maintains low teacher-to-student ratios to ensure personalised attention. 

At the same time, understanding that nurturing a child takes a village, the school emphasises building strong parent-school partnerships. Regular parent-teacher conferences, sports days and charity events, as well as cultural celebrations create opportunities for parents to engage with their child’s learning journey. The school also uses the LittleLives app to keep parents updated on daily activities, behaviour, and academic progress.

The Ivy Kids difference

What sets Ivy Kids Preschool apart is its holistic approach to education. By blending the child-centred Reggio Emilia philosophy with the structured Cambridge EYFS curriculum, the school offers the best of both approaches, while keeping in mind the needs of the Malaysian education system. 

Trilingual language instruction, a vibrant learning environment, dedicated educators, and a strong focus on community and inclusion make Ivy Kids Preschool an excellent choice for parents in Melaka.