Parliament to Vote on Early Childhood Education Bill
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
The House of Representatives is set to vote on a proposed law that would significantly expand the government's role in early childhood education, potentially transforming the sector.
The bill, introduced by MP Basma Mubarak, aims to bring the establishment and management of kindergartens under the direct responsibility of the Ministry of Education, alongside its existing roles of encouraging private sector involvement and providing oversight.
Currently, the Ministry of Education's responsibility is limited to licensing and regulating private kindergartens. The proposed law seeks to change this, reflecting a broader shift toward lowering the compulsory education age.
The Ministry of Education, in its response to the bill, acknowledged the recent issuance of a regulatory framework for independent early childhood education institutions. "This framework aims to improve the quality of services, increase investment in early childhood education, and strengthen oversight," the ministry added. However, the Ministry's response did not explicitly endorse the proposed change in its direct role.
Despite this, the parliamentary Financial and Economic Affairs Committee strongly supports the bill, although it recognised that its implementation would require additional budgetary allocations. The committee highlighted that entrusting the Ministry of Education with the establishment and management of kindergartens represents a valuable investment in human capital, contributing to sustainable economic growth.
The committee recommended approving the proposed bill, citing several positive impacts: reducing financial burdens on Bahraini families, improving salaries for kindergarten workers, and leading to a significant improvement in the quality of services provided.
It's worth noting that MP Mubarak's explanatory memorandum underscored the bill's goal of developing the kindergarten sector in line with sustainable development principles. It also aims to raise salaries for qualified kindergarten teachers to match those of primary school teachers serving in public schools, as well as ensuring a supportive environment for children's development.
The House of Representatives' Services Committee has also recommended approval of the bill, which will be put to a vote in Parliament this coming Tuesday.
Currently, the Ministry of Education's responsibility is limited to licensing and regulating private kindergartens. The proposed law seeks to change this, reflecting a broader shift toward lowering the compulsory education age.
The Ministry of Education, in its response to the bill, acknowledged the recent issuance of a regulatory framework for independent early childhood education institutions. "This framework aims to improve the quality of services, increase investment in early childhood education, and strengthen oversight," the ministry added. However, the Ministry's response did not explicitly endorse the proposed change in its direct role.
Despite this, the parliamentary Financial and Economic Affairs Committee strongly supports the bill, although it recognised that its implementation would require additional budgetary allocations. The committee highlighted that entrusting the Ministry of Education with the establishment and management of kindergartens represents a valuable investment in human capital, contributing to sustainable economic growth.
The committee recommended approving the proposed bill, citing several positive impacts: reducing financial burdens on Bahraini families, improving salaries for kindergarten workers, and leading to a significant improvement in the quality of services provided.
It's worth noting that MP Mubarak's explanatory memorandum underscored the bill's goal of developing the kindergarten sector in line with sustainable development principles. It also aims to raise salaries for qualified kindergarten teachers to match those of primary school teachers serving in public schools, as well as ensuring a supportive environment for children's development.
The House of Representatives' Services Committee has also recommended approval of the bill, which will be put to a vote in Parliament this coming Tuesday.
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