Empowering Early Childhood Education in Saudi Arabia: Programmes and Initiatives
Executive Summary
Several programmes were developed to address various needs in Saoudi Arabia. To cater to children aged 0-6, initiatives such as Early Learning Standards and National Curriculum development were implemented. Additionally, a virtual kindergarten was introduced during the COVID-19 quarantine for children. To further support early childhood education, a dedicated platform was established to benefit children. These efforts aimed to enhance children´s knowledge and social skills. Moreover, these programmes sought to assist young mothers in rejoining the workforce after childbirth by ensuring better availability of ECE for all eligible children.
Implementation
Saudi early learning standards implemented in all kindergartens after training teachers. National curriculum developed for children aged 0-6, with an introduction meeting for implementation in classrooms. Virtual kindergarten founded in 2019, providing a virtual educational environment for children unable to attend nearby schools. Early childhood education platform for children with 11 educational units and 50 learning activities per unit. The virtual kindergarten application is a vital tool for expanding access to early childhood education nationwide and aiding infant´s holistic development. Demand for the service increased during the pandemic, introducing early childhood education to new segments of society.
Stakeholders and partners involved
The programmes are administered by the Ministry of Education and the beneficiaries are the teachers and the children across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Impact
Curricula and standards: the implementation of these curricula and standards introduced a new approach to early childhood education which is aligned with the Saudi Arabia 2030 Vision for modernization. The virtual kindergarten application is a vital component of national efforts to expand access to early childhood education, which aids infant’s holistic development. The application provides interactive content that includes 11 educational units, with each unit containing 50 different learning activities
Innovations
Empowering Programme Dissemination through Centralized and Regional Structures
The Ministry of Education has established a centralized structure for efficient dissemination of programmes. This structure ensures that regional and local offices play a key role in the dissemination of programmes across different areas. The regional and local offices are a critical component when implementing any programme as they are responsible for delivering the programmes on the ground. The offices are staffed by experienced and motivated teaching staff whose main focus is to enhance programme delivery.
Constraints
No constraints observed, as the project has been enthusiastically received by teachers, parents, and children.
Tailoring Programs to Specific Needs Leads to Successful Implementation and Positive Outcomes
Programmes tailored to meet the specific needs of the target population have been met with positive reception and immediate application. The participants have embraced these programmes wholeheartedly, expressing their satisfaction and approval.