Regional forum shares experience in early childhood care, education

Measures to ensure equal access to quality early childhood care and education were discussed at a Southeast Asia regional forum held in Vientiane on May 14.

At the event, leading experts across the globe shared practical experience, support policies, as well as solutions to strengthening early childhood development.

Issues on the table included enhancing the transition from preschool to primary school and financing for early childhood care and education.

Studies have highlighted the importance of early childhood education to kids’ academic performance at primary school and even at higher levels, and their lifetime financial ability. Child development hinges upon their parents and caregivers.

Specialists held that the whole world is halfway to achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals while early education is an important component to realise the target.

Although more children in ASEAN member states have been able to access preschool education, there are persistent disparity and inequality in terms of access ability and education quality at both national and regional levels. The existing challenges have been even exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and environmental crisis.