ECCD in Bhutan Karma Gayleg, 2012

ECCD Strategies With emphasis on equity and access Parenting Education through NFE Early Stimulation through Health Services Interventions in schools through teacher capacity building Early learning and parenting through ECCD Centres With emphasis on equity and access ECCD Strategies Karma Gayleg, 2012

Status Government approval of policy underway ELDS for children age 36 – 72 months in place Community based ECCD program growing and expanding (coverage of 10% achieved) Early Childhood Parenting Education through NFE achieved 40% coverage Communication for Development and Advocacy efforts continuing Early Stimulation integrated in Health Services piloting in 7 districts begun started. Development of ECCD professional development courses underway

Looking Ahead…… ECCD Plans in the Next Five Years Expansion of the Community ECCD Program and decentralization of planning and establishment to district level (target 40% by 2017) Regularization of the employment status of ECCD Facilitators as regular contract employees of Dzongkhags. Strengthening Early Childhood Parenting Education through Non Formal Education (target 100% by 2017) Strengthening Early stimulation through Health Services (target 100% by 2017) Capacity building of ECCD Facilitators and leaders through certified courses Capacity building of pre-primary teachers to promote ECCD approaches in the first years in school (step by step approach) Enhance studies on ECCD programs and practices Consolidation of quality of ECCD programs

Challenges Lack of awareness on the importance of ECCD Human Resource & capacity Access – terrain & scattered population Quality – quality assurance system

It takes many people to teach a child all that he or she should know. Tashi Delek & Thank You