Melody Kindyland USJ Taipan, Subang Jaya

Melody Kindyland is a household name in the Malaysian preschool sector, especially in its native Penang where it was first established in 1992.

For over 30 years, it has stayed true to its mission of helping children discover their potential by inspiring love and joy in learning. The brand spread its wings to the Klang Valley in 2018 with branches in Puchong, Bangsar South, and Kota Kemuning.

Its latest addition, Melody Kindyland USJ Taipan, opened its doors in 2023 in the bustling commercial area of USJ Taipan – providing families in the area with an excellent preschool option that focuses on holistic development and nurturing children into competent 21st-century learners.

A warm and nurturing space

Melody Kindyland USJ Taipan occupies two corner shop lots and spans three floors, with beautiful spaces designed to be conducive for children aged two to six years old.

We were warmly welcomed by the principal, Ms. Khai Ling, who immediately emphasised how health and safety is taken seriously here by having us sanitise our hands thoroughly before entering the premises.

This attention to detail underscores the care and consideration given to the child’s experience at the school. Children are grouped according to their ages to ensure easier contact tracing, and they undergo daily temperature and health checks daily before they check in for the day.

Surfaces and materials are sparkling clean, the furniture and facilities are appropriately child-sized, and common areas are installed with CCTVs for added security. The open layout and brightly lit environment also create a welcoming ambience that sets the tone for children to play, learn, and socialise.

Comprehensive curriculum

Melody Kindyland’s learning philosophy is built on four pillars. They are:

1. A strong Academic Foundation , which goes beyond the basics of literacy and mathematics, but also cultivates aspects such as critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively.

2. Creativity, Innovation & Adaptability through a multi-disciplinary S.T.R.E.A.M. curriculum, which stands for Science, Technology, Reading (and wRiting), Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. This affords children with plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning and discovery.

3. Global Citizenry & Character Education, where children are taught virtues of self-respect and are guided to be kind, fair, and responsible individuals wherever they go.

4. A Conducive Learning Environment, centred around the i-Melody concept, features seven learning spaces, each carefully designed and curated to help the child in a particular aspect of their development. These include the Inventor Space, Math Space, Exploratory Space, Literacy Space, Orchestra Space (rhythm, music and movement), Discovery Space (S.T.R.E.A.M and robotics and coding), and Yay! Space (physical and play).

One of the school's standout features is the semi-outdoor play area on the first floor, which is protected from the rain and sun, but retains an open layout. The space is ideal for activities like water play and flour play, which is essential for sensory development in younger children.

As for the school’s curriculum, there is a gradual progression which helps children adapt according to their pace. Toddlers enjoy a play-based approach with hands-on learning activities designed to nurture development of their senses.

These themes flow into the three-year-old programme, where they focus on foundational and fundamental skills as well as knowledge, such as pre-writing skills, phonetic awareness, basic mathematical concepts, simple scientific skills, and prosocial behaviours. As children move on to higher grades, they are introduced to subjects like Bahasa Melayu, Cambridge English, and Mandarin, with an increasing emphasis on academics, yet it is still integrated with hands-on learning to maintain the holistic development in children as they prepare for primary school.

Thanks to this balanced approach, the children can easily adapt to future streams, be it at national schools or international schools. More importantly, it fosters a deep understanding and love for learning, which is a crucial part to a child’s learning journey and future success.

Engaging activities, and building strong community connections

Melody Kindyland USJ Taipan currently provides half-day and full-day programmes, alongside a variety of enriching after-school activities including ballet, keyboard, and Taekwondo classes. Twice a year, the school organises educational trips to places such as local farms.

Another key aspect that differentiates the school is its commitment to building strong connections between the school, the teachers, and the parents. It takes a village to raise a child and Melody Kindyland well understands that it is a collective effort to create the best learning environment and experience for a child in their early years.

Aside from keeping parents updated on their child’s progress via weekly updates on the LittleLives app, the school has parent-teacher meetings and regularly holds parental engagement programmes by inviting expert speakers to share their knowledge on parenting.

“We hope to spread knowledge on parenting and create a circle of support,” says Ms. Khai Ling. “It’s about involving parents in the learning process and helping them cope better in their parenting journey. Our school culture is also one of unity, love and respect. The UPLIFTING core values of Unity, Professionalism, Love, Innovation, Friendliness, Truth, Inclusiveness, and being Global Minded create a happy and passionate environment for both our staff and students,” she adds.