Innovation
Internationally, the trend is towards the integration of early childhood programs.
Nine OECD countries have now combined their early education and child care systems for young children under one government department. Their experience shows that greater progress is made when a central vision guides early childhood policy, and a dedicated ministry is charged with translating the vision into reality. Which ministry this may be is not as important as its capacity to be child-focused and to build a philosophy and practice that embrace, the contributions of all relevant ministries, local authorities, and parents. Various analyses show the advantages of bringing policy-making under one ‘roof.’
Transforming existing programs—child care, family support programs, early intervention, family health programs, and Kindergarten—into community-based hubs is time-consuming. It requires change in staff roles and may require new skills. Time to develop relationships and protocols is essential. Funding support for transforming how programs are structured helps to build sustainability.
Existing mandates and government funding streams are typically not suited to innovation, but community leaders are. By starting small, this kind of leadership can demonstrate a new vision for governments.