Early Childhood Education in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Early childhood education in Lao People’s Democratic Republic is comprised of crèches, which provide care for infants aged from 3 months to 2 years; kindergartens, which provide structured learning opportunities for children aged 3–5; and preprimary preschools, which provide a kindergarten experience for 5-year-olds living in rural and remote areas where a regular kindergarten is not available. Responsibility for providing early childhood education resides with the Ministry of Education and Sport. Private providers, found mainly in urban areas, account for a growing proportion of all enrolments, and development partners provide valuable support in rural and remote parts of the country. Participation by 5-year-olds in kindergarten is not compulsory but is increasing rapidly. By 2019–2020, 82.7% of all 5-year-olds participated in kindergarten. This chapter reports on access, curriculum, quality, inclusion and equity, teacher training, and leadership and management in the sector. Challenges documented concern constraints on access to early childhood education, poor quality teaching and learning in the sector, management weaknesses, and an overall lack of sufficient funds. However, the sector is progressing and should achieve the goal of universal participation by 5-year-olds in kindergarten by 2030.