Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) provisions in Ethiopia: A Macro-Level Analysis of Practices in the Country

Abstract

The longer presence of early childhood education and care in Ethiopia and the notable milestones recorded in the process are remarkable and need to be appreciated. However, the system has equally been incarcerated with various challenges limiting its growth; yet amidst several opportunities that would have helped nurturing the system. Several research investigations were done to unearth these experiences and show directions for professionalizing the services. However, macro-level experiences that help understanding more decisive issues are yet to be examined. This article attempts to conduct critical analysis of these decisive issues employing a systems approach to early childhood development and education (ECDE) development and practice with the ‘Nurturing Care Framework’ and the ‘Integrated Multisectoral Approach for Low Income Countries’ embedded in it. The analysis unfolds that the current policy and legislative frameworks seem to provide an enabling condition for a multi-sectoral and integrated ECDE system in the country; but critical gaps were identified both in design and delivery of ECDE in the country. The need to ensuring a more enabling ECDE conditions, comprehensive ECDE implementation with reasonable fidelity, and monitoring experiences to unlock the system that operate in full force are needed. It concludes suggesting the need for a more inclusive, multisectoral, integrated and contextually relevant mechanism to address the critical gaps.