Early Childhood Development in Cape Verde and Guinea
The note explores the need to identify both cost effective, and adaptable interventions in the promotion of early childhood care and education (ECCE) programs, to benefit communities, and countries at large. To this end, based on a Bank sector study that examines such programs in Cape Verde, as a relatively wealthy African country, and in comparison Guinea, as a relatively poor country, it is emphasized that the feasibility of different approaches may be country specific. The study questions the overall status, and profile of early childhood development programs, and the factors determining child enrollment in pre-school programs, as well as the extent of influence of pre-school attendance in child development. It also reviews the program characteristics, seemingly effective in terms of child development, including the policy implications of these programs in terms of costs, financing, and implementation. Findings, and recommendations suggest that pre-school education can be a double-edged sword, that can both alleviate, and exacerbate disparities, while wide variations in pre-school effectiveness indicate the many factors influencing its success. But government plays a critical role in supporting ECCD programs, that is, it can improve efficiency, and equity. Highlights feature longer-term impact of pre-school for primary school performance, and how to best expand access to pre-school, without raising public expenditures.
Summary: | The note explores the need to identify
both cost effective, and adaptable interventions in the
promotion of early childhood care and education (ECCE)
programs, to benefit communities, and countries at large. To
this end, based on a Bank sector study that examines such
programs in Cape Verde, as a relatively wealthy African
country, and in comparison Guinea, as a relatively poor
country, it is emphasized that the feasibility of different
approaches may be country specific. The study questions the
overall status, and profile of early childhood development
programs, and the factors determining child enrollment in
pre-school programs, as well as the extent of influence of
pre-school attendance in child development. It also reviews
the program characteristics, seemingly effective in terms of
child development, including the policy implications of
these programs in terms of costs, financing, and
implementation. Findings, and recommendations suggest that
pre-school education can be a double-edged sword, that can
both alleviate, and exacerbate disparities, while wide
variations in pre-school effectiveness indicate the many
factors influencing its success. But government plays a
critical role in supporting ECCD programs, that is, it can
improve efficiency, and equity. Highlights feature
longer-term impact of pre-school for primary school
performance, and how to best expand access to pre-school,
without raising public expenditures. |
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