Setting up Sustainable Systems for ECD in Low-Resource Contexts

Group Submission Type: Panel Session

Proposal

Over the past decade, governments have notably increased their verbal commitment to expanding and improving ECD service provision. Global research on the value of ECD (particularly for the most-disadvantaged) and the returns on investment in early health, education and care have shifted the discourse around early childhood development programs from the provision of luxury services to the delivery of essential foundations for life-long growth and success. However, systems for expanding and institutionalizing ECD remain weak and fragmented in many contexts, and the sustainability of efforts is uncertain.

This panel provides insights into approaches and mechanisms that can increase the likelihood of high-quality ECD programs taking root and flourishing in resource-lean contexts. Diagnostic and evaluative processes and approaches that clarify sticking points and opportunities, while building long-term internal capacity within governments, are described in cases from Tanzania and Zanzibar. System improvements that can help build demand and leverage by demonstrating quality outcomes are illustrated in cases from Kenya and the Philippines. The panel as a whole represents a continuum of thoughtful, partnership-oriented design, implementation, and evaluation which allows country personnel to become invested in and capable of expanding and advocating for the extension of ECD programming.

Sub Unit

• SIG: Early Childhood Development

Chair

• Rachel Christina, Education Development Center (EDC)

Individual Presentations

• Tanzania early learning system diagnostic - Bidemi Carrol, RTI International; Katherine Anne Merseth, RTI International

• System sustainability for quality early childhood development and education in Kenya - Samuel Ngaruiya, RTI International

• Mind the gap: Creating bridges between ECD evidence and policy through an inter-agency learning partnership in Zanzibar - Abrahman Othman, Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Zanzibar; Emily Morris, University of Minnesota

• Extending systemic language and literacy learning in diverse mother tongues to Kindergarten: The Basa Pilipinas experience - Ces Ochoa, Education Development Center (EDC); Susan Bruckner, Education Development Center (EDC)

Discussant

• Rachel Christina, Education Development Center (EDC)