Gender Equity in Early Childhood Education

Why is Early Childhood Education Important?

Worldwide evidence shows the most disadvantaged children experience the most dramatic gains from early childhood care and education. ECCE is an umbrella that covers the education of young children (usually through 8 years old), with a primary focus usually on the educational period before the start of compulsory education. Early childhood education most typically refers to infant care, preschool, childcare centers, home care, pre-kindergarten, or kindergarten. Due to the broad definition of ECCE, early childhood programs serve a variety of purposes, but research increasingly highlights the importance of early childhood programming to achieving equitable, healthy, and productive societies.

Early childhood programs are designed to improve the survival, growth, and development of young children. Many are directed towards disadvantaged children, with the aim to improve school readiness skills and ameliorate achievement outcomes for disadvantaged students, including young girls (Schweinhart, 2005). ECCE also increases school readiness to improve educational achievement, resulting in greater earning potential and productivity. Lastly, early childhood programs provide socialization through children interacting with peers and adults, learning social norms and developing social-emotional and problem solving skills.

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