WISE@Doha: Early Childhood Education

WISE@Doha, ‘Early Childhood Education,’ took place at Hamad bin Khalifa University, on 9 October 2016 in Doha, Qatar.

In collaboration with Cambridge University and local partners, WISE explored recent developments in Early Childhood Education, considering core principles for provision, pedagogy, and curriculum, as well as addressing challenges and opportunities. This event was an opportunity for invited participants to reflect on the priorities of this crucial field. It took place regarding WISE 2015 Research series publication entitled ‘Quality in Early Childhood Education: an International Review and Guide for Policy Makers.’

Prof. David Whitebread, of Cambridge University, the lead author of the report and a distinguished authority in ECE, addressed the gathering and led a panel discussion, followed by a “World Café” style workshop designed to engage the participation of attendees. Local partners of WISE included Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Academy and Qatar University Early Childhood Center.

Other speakers included:

  • Dr Asmaa Al-Fadala, Director of Research, World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE)
  • Mr. Stavros N. Yiannouka, Chief Executive Officer, World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), Qatar Foundation, Qatar
  • Ms Aisha Al-Khelaifi, Director of Early Years Education Department, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar
  • Dr Chris Diane Coughlin, Associate Professor, Child Development and Early Childhood Education, Qatar University, Qatar
  • Mr Ghulam Bhatti, Primary School Assistant Principal, Qatar Academy Sidra, Qatar

The discussions were intended to raise awareness of the key role that quality ECE plays in our children’s success, both in their later education, and in their working lives – and as happy, thriving individuals. WISE is committed to promoting and supporting ECE among educators and policymakers with the ultimate goal of building a more cohesive and secure society.

Program

Quality in Early Childhood Education: an International Review and Guide for Policy Makers

High quality early childhood education has an important impact on later development and learning of children. It comprises the emotional, social and cognitive development, as well as the key transversal skills including language, self-regulation and playfulness. Why is education in the early years so crucial? And what policies and practices make quality early childhood education universally available?

This report explores the key international developments in early childhood education, including the main principles for provision, pedagogy and curriculum. It also reviews different international approaches to quality in early childhood education, including from a developmental perspective, through recognized international reports and concrete case studies in the field. The conclusion addresses the implications for policy and practice on both global and local scales.

This report has been reviewed by:

  • Wendy Ellyatt, Chief Executive, Save Childhood Movement
  • Prof. Jane Payler, Professor of Education (Early Years), University of Winchester ; Chair of TACTYC: Association for Professional Development in Early Years Educators, Faculty of Education and Language Studies

With the contributions from:

  • Jo Ellis, Assistant Principal, Early Education Centre, Qatar Academy
  • Maryam Alhajri, Principal, Qatar Academy Al Wakra

Download the Full Report

david-whitebread

Prof. David Whitebread

Director, Research Centre on Play in Education, Development and Learning (PEDAL), University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Dr. Martina Kuvalja

Research Associate, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge

Dr. Aileen O’Connor

Dr. Aileen O’Connor is a PhD researcher in the Faculty of Education in the University of Cambridge.

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