By Andreas Schleicher, OECD Director for Education and Skills
High-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Children who attend well-designed early learning programmes are more likely to succeed in school, reach higher levels of education and find rewarding employment. ECEC also offers a unique window to develop key capabilities such as curiosity, empathy, creativity and other social and emotional skills. These are essential in the 21st century and often evolve into lasting personality traits.
That is why it is great to see South Africa moving quality foundational learning to the centre of educational priorities in this G20 presidency. Last month, representatives from the G20 and its partners met outside Johannesburg to discuss the importance of framing early childhood education as a global economic and social imperative. I couldn’t agree more.
The benefits of high-quality ECEC extend well beyond the individual. More educated populations are associated with stronger workforces, greater innovation and improved social cohesion. High-quality ECEC also supports broader labour market participation by enabling parents to work, contributing to a larger workforce and reducing the risk of children living in poverty. It strengthens children’s readiness for school and boosts labour market outcomes – thus having the potential to contribute to a fairer society. In short, ECEC is an investment that produces huge social and economic dividends.
Our challenges
Many G20 countries face similar issues. For example, disadvantaged children, particularly those under the age of three, are often far less likely to access early childhood education. In other words, children who need early childhood education the most, often receive the least of it. Cultural barriers, affordability, and a lack of accessible information can prevent families from enrolling their children, and these barriers are most acute for those who stand to benefit the most from it. And even if vulnerable children have access, they are disproportionately excluded from high-quality learning opportunities. So the challenge for G20 Ministers is twofold. They must find ways to remove barriers to participation and ensure high quality early education is provided to all children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The OECD has outlined a comprehensive policy roadmap on early learning to support ministers in this area. There are three critical areas of focus:
Invest in the workforce
Improving the quality of ECEC starts with investing in the workforce. According to the OECD’s TALIS Starting Strong survey, staff report high levels of confidence in supporting general child development, but far lower confidence when working with disadvantaged children or responding to diversity. This is a clear signal that more training and support is needed, especially in inclusive practices. However, many face limited opportunities for professional development as well as low wages and job insecurity, which does not help to attract and retain a qualified workforce. Leadership also matters. Skilled, empowered leaders can build stronger teams, foster collaboration, and ensure that quality standards are upheld even in the most challenging settings.
Develop universal policies but give extra help where it’s needed most
Every child should have the chance to benefit from quality early education – but not every child starts with the same opportunities. Children facing the biggest hurdles should get the most support. OECD countries such as Luxembourg and the Flemish Community of Belgium have introduced targeted subsidies that reduce the costs of early childhood education for low-income families. If we want to level the playing field, it’s not enough to open the door; we need to guide those who are furthest from it.
Bring education, health and social services together
For many families, getting support means bouncing between different systems – one for health, another for childcare, and yet another for family help. But when services are joined up, the impact is bigger and the process is easier. In Queensland, Australia, some centres offer everything in one spot: playgroups, early learning, health checks and parenting support. It’s a simple idea that makes life easier for families and gives kids a stronger start.
ECEC, the most cost-effective investment
ECEC should not be a luxury or an afterthought. High-quality early childhood education is our most cost-effective strategy for reducing social inequality, improving long-term outcomes and building fairer, stronger societies. As foundational learning is a priority in this year’s G20 Education Working Group, this is a chance for countries to commit – not just in words, but in policy and practice.
This is the first blog in a series about South Africa’s G20 education priorities. Read more about the G20’s plans here: https://g20.org/track/education/
