Early Childhood Care and Education in Ethiopia

Abstract

Early childhood care and education in Ethiopia is a critically important topic for consideration to promote the holistic development of citizens, quality education as well as the country's economic development. Indeed, these days it is encouraging to note that there have been promising initiatives in early childhood care and education to ensure access and equitable education in the years to come. This article first presents the theoretical foundations and global trends of early childhood care and education. It then highlights indigenous childrearing practices, traditional early childhood education, and the development of modern early childhood education in Ethiopia. It also briefly discusses the preparation of early childhood education teachers and provides an overview of policy directions and strategies in the country. The article concludes with a reflection on the current state of early childhood care and education and its future prospects in Ethiopia.