Comparative Analysis of Early Childhood Education in Asia-Pacific Region

Abstract

This study explored the early childhood education quality assurance policies and mechanisms among the top ten performing countries in Asia-Pacific Region that belong to the top 45 countries across the world offering preschool education and ranked by the Economist Intelligence Unit in terms of quality in which high standard level policy, availability of preschool and affordability of the program. Early childhood practices were identified and used as basis for its comparative analysis in order to have a clear outline of each country. This research used qualitative content analysis. Data and materials needed were gathered through data minding from reliable sources like websites, and data bases. Moreover, these countries were chosen due to accessibility of available data shared in the public domain. Purposive sampling was utilized based on the selection criteria. Data collected was examined and analyzed so similarities and differences as well as issues and concerns were identified to come up with a model/quality framework for the 21st century early childhood education in the Philippines. Results showed that the ten countries offered Kindergarten and preschool classes for young children ages 1-5 years old. Some countries have mandatory preschool education, provide financial assistance, high teacher-pupil ratio, teachers with bachelor degree holder specializing early childhood education. The findings recommend that the Philippines through Department of Education may consider the quality standards of other countries to enhance the implementation of Early Childhood Education.