A Comparative Insight into Early Childhood Education Policies of South and Southeast Asian Countries

The current study presents a policy analysis of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in six countries namely Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. It addressed three basic questions. What are the core areas in ECCE policies and how these areas are addressed? What challenges are faced by the countries in implementation of the policies? Using thematic content analysis policy documents, curriculum frameworks, international reports and journal articles, the research identified the following core areas access, equity and inclusion, curriculum and pedagogy, teacher training, health and nutrition, parental involvement, governance, funding and monitoring. The cohesiveness of the policy varies across Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nepal due to difference in governance, monitoring, funding and teacher competency. Malaysia has shown a better ECCE framework implementation due to centralized system. Findings reveal need for mutual collaboration networks with proper mechanism for action plan development. Funding or investments may be enhanced as it is the best ever investment made in humans’ life. The research will contribute in building a regional effort for achieving education for all and recommends interventions in training, curriculum, core areas, investments for making ECCE more equitable and inclusive.