QUALITY ECD FRAMEWORKS OSISA REGIONAL ECD CONFERENCE 3 TO 5 DECEMBER 2013 DR JULIANA SELETI UNICEF SOUTH AFRICA

WHAT ARE ECD QUALITY FRAMEWORKS Quality ECD frameworks are organised plans which outline: the knowledge and understandings of specific quality goals/objectives to be targeted, to attain different aspects of ECD planning and implementation, effectively and efficiently. Standards and indicators to guide quality practices in ECD for the best interest of the child and those who care for them

WHAT ARE ECD QUALITY FRAMEWORKS They provide the parameters for measuring, monitoring and evaluating ECD programmes services and interventions Quality frameworks address questions of what, who, why and how quality frameworks are not prescriptive but are flexible tools to be used innovatively to inform specific areas of ECD planning and implementation. ECD quality frameworks should be context, value and needs specific.

PURPOSE OF ECD QUALITY FRAMEWORKS To improve various aspects of child development provisioning, for the achievement of improved child, family and community outcomes Provide the guidelines and practical ideas to inform best practices for the care,protection and early stimulation of young children in their different environments and contexts. To set benchmarks for beneficial early care and learning experiences To determine quality factors relating to early childhood experiences To provide accountability and transparency

TYPES OF ECD QUALITY FRAMEWORKS ECD quality frameworks are often developed at global, regional, national, provincial, local and even organisational levels. ECD frameworks are designed to improve and enforce quality provisioning in ECD

TYPES OF ECD QUALITY FRAMEWORKS Cont… ECD Quality frameworks provide guidance through various quality standards statements and indicators to ensure achievement of child development outcomes. ECD Quality Frameworks focus on:  Early Learning  Curriculum  Child Development Outcomes towards holistic development

TYPES OF ECD QUALITY FRAMEWORKS Cont…  Health and nutrition  Social welfare and protection  Parenting programmes  Different programme and services approaches  resources and the care and learning environment  Teacher and practitioner capacity development  Child care and early learning systems  Determinations on policies,regulations and legislative determinations  Management

EXAMPLES OF QUALITY FRAMEWORKS Laws and Legislation Policies Guidelines Standards Documents that directly address specific quality issues and determinants

CONCLUSION ECD Quality Frameworks should be developed using a consensus approach and should be systemic and a normal way of caring for and educating young children. Quality frameworks should be prioritised elements of ECD provisioning in every country.

Thank You