Building Desired Outcomes in Early Childhood Education Programs through a Competency-Based Approach: Global Experience and Lessons for Viet Nam

Desired outcomes in early childhood education programs represent the expectations educators have regarding what most children should know and be able to achieve by the end of preschool. These outcomes are specified through measurable and assessable indicators, reflecting educators’ aspirations for holistic child development. Expressed as developmental milestones, these desired outcomes outline general expectations for knowledge and skills children should acquire by the end of each age stage. Core qualities and foundational competencies essential and appropriate for their age are articulated in these outcomes, encompassing domains such as physical, socio-emotional, language, math, science and technology, and arts. This study examines the experiences of Singapore, South Korea, the United States, and New Zealand to derive lessons for building desired outcomes in early childhood education in Viet Nam through a competency-based approach.