Early Childhood Education in Brunei Darussalam

Early childhood education was formally introduced to Brunei Darussalam in 1979. Since then, the sector has grown in stature, playing a vital role in the national education system. The inauguration in 2007 of Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad ke-21 (known widely as SPN21), a long-term plan for the education system, highlighted the sector’s importance in providing a solid foundation for children making the transition to primary education. This chapter provides a profile of Brunei’s early childhood education sector, addressing access, curriculum, quality, inclusion and equity, teacher training and professional development, and leadership and governance. It also reports on trends and key challenges.