Globally, millions of children do not have access to early childhood education programmes. Early
childhood education programmes are institutions which provide early care and education to young
children. The programmes lay strong foundation for children’s development and education. The
programmes have many benefits to children, families and economies. The benefits include:
Provides adequate school readiness skills, leads to high achievement scores, produces more
educated workers, creates more income and increased tax revenues. Investment in high quality
early childhood education programmes builds human capital for economic development and breaks
the cycle of poverty and inequalities. Countries should use early childhood education programmes
as a tool for social and economic development.