M. Nazmul Haq Professor, University of Dhaka Bangladesh

Background of ECCE Early childhood start from the beginning of conception and continuing up to age eight. But the name and range of early childhood searvice varies according to different stakeholders In line with DFA and EFA goals Bangladesh adopted the term as Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). The issue came into the focus after the submission of Education Commission Report 2003 and also from the PRSP document published in 2005.

Background of ECCE (cont.) Before the emergence of ECCE there was a baby class or pre-one grade in large number of primary schools. Later on this idea of baby class was accepted by government as ECCE. Government has now authorized some NGOs to deliver and support ECCE through government and non-government primary schools. The overall scope of ECCE in Bangladesh is limited to children of 3-5 years of age and is provided through formal and non-formal primary schools.

Statistics of ECCE At present nearly 15% of children aged 3 – 5 years are attending some form of ECD classes. Over 26,000 primary schools have ECD class Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MOWCA) run ECD classes through home based learning centers. UNICEF support some ECD centers in the remote hill districts through NGOs. More than 150 NGOs operate ECD centers in the country in fragmented way.

Age groupBenchmark Total ( 3 - 5)10,19311,02210,75311,682 Boys ( 3 - 5)5,1915,6145,4775,950 Girls ( 3 - 5)5,0025,4085,2765,732 Situation of PPE children in the country (in 000) If 15% of this children are being served now then what Would happen for the rest ? If current rate of implementation of is maintained then 5.87 million will remain out of the programme ?

Types of ECCE Programme Basically there are two types of ECCE programme. School based programme Community based programme School based programme will take care of 5 year old children. Community based programme will take care of 3-5 year old children.

Operational Strategies The present early childhood education is now implemented in the form of baby class or Pre-Primary Education (PPE). The PPE will work under the coordination of MOPME. The planning, implementation and monitoring will be done by DPE. The PPE will be implemented by NGOs, CBOs, and private organizations under direct supervision of government.

Operational Strategies (cont.) It is suggested to maintain a uniform curriculum for all the PPE classes. NCTB would prepare all the learning materials. Training to PPE teachers will be provided by government by involving both government and other non-government organizations.

Opportunities ECCE programme is now focussed by government PPE framework is developed and approved by the government (MOPME) Development of curriculum framework for under 3 is now in progress (MOWCA) Large number of NGOs have come forward to undertake ECCE programme

Challenges Only a small portion of 3 – 5 year old children is considered Highly critical age group 0 – 3 is not considered for ECCE Largely poor and disadvantaged community children are still unsearved Lack of community motivation for ECCE Following a national standard for ECCE Monitoring and supervision of ECCE programme Finally, resource mobilization for the programme