» Topic List
	Objectives and Justification Indicators and targets Strategy and Coverage Main Programmes and Activities Management and Monitoring Arrangements Financing Plan Capacity building

Objectives and Justification » Up

The early childhood education (ECE) programme outcome will be to expand equitable access to ECE programs for 5 years-old children, targeting those communes with high new enrolment rates and high repetition rates in primary schools. The broad strategic direction will be moving towards a more community-based and child-centered approach, which offers better prospects of increased coverage and affordability than the current pre-school system. It is anticipated that this program will be complemented by other donor and NGO financed pilot innovations, including Commune Council managed ECE initiatives and alternative parental home-based approaches. The Department of Early Childhood Education will have responsibility for strategic oversight and quality assurance.

The expansion of early childhood education is a key strategy in addressing late entry into primary schooling, reducing levels of grade 1-2 repetition and grade 4-6 drop out, increasing completion rates and improving student performance. Early childhood education (ECE) provision for 5 year olds will provide better preparation for students upon entry to primary education and help to encourage entry at 6 years of age.

Indicators and targets » Up

• Increase ECE enrolment of five-year old in either a formal or community-based setting from 20% in 2005 to 50% by 2010 and

• Increase ECE enrolment of 3-5 years old in either a formal or community-based from 10% in 2005 to 30% by 2010.

• Conduct mid-term assessment of implementation of ECE program during 2005/06.

Strategy and Coverage » Up

The target coverage for EFA cannot be met through the provision of formal pre-school services alone. To overcome this, the ECE department will prioritise supporting the mobilisation of alternative programs through an increasing focus on demand-side interventions including community and home based approaches, private sector involvement and partnerships with NGOs, particularly in disadvantaged and under-served areas, and through encouraging greater inter-ministerial responsibility for ECE services.

Main Programmes and Activities » Up

• Expand and stimulate the enrolment of 3 to 5 years-old pupils, especially 5 year-old pupils to have enough capability to study in grade 1 with quality and efficiency. Implement and pilot school readiness program for under-6 year old pupils before enrolment in grade 1 of primary education. This program will focus on training preschool teacher on teaching and learning methods and standard test preparation on student learning by the Dept of ECE.

• Expanding community and home based education programs, including community-based information campaigns, to provide holistic early childhood interventions, especially in disadvantaged environments, by parents/care workers, drawing upon activities in and around the community and the home.

• Strengthening monitoring through operational expenditure for central and provincial officials in order to support planning, management and monitoring activities.

Program Management and Monitoring » Up

The Department of Early Childhood Education will be responsible for the management and monitoring of the Program. MoEYS will review other appropriate institutional arrangements including responsibilities at provincial and district levels, and coordination with other relevant bodies including the EFA Secretariat and Committee, and Commune Councils.

Financing Plan » Up

Given the limited scope for Government provision of ECE, it will be important to mobilize non-Government contributions including in-kind community contributions, private sector partnership financing, and complementary donor and NGO support.

Table 2: Early Childhood Education Financing Plan

Activities	Costs in Riels millions
	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
1. Pre-school for 5 year old pupil	600	645	790	835	920
2. Community/home based ECE	100	135	145	200	210
3. Strengthening Program Monitoring and Support	55	65	65	65	70
Resources: Total	755	845	1,000	1,100	1,200

Capacity Building needs: » Up

• Train technical staff of all levels on administrative and technical skills and how to improve, relationships and cooperation especially among district level, Commune Council and community-based care group leader, or "core mothers"

• Support for ECE officials at central and provincial levels in upgrading qualifications in relevant areas and subjects.