Scaling a learning-through-play model for early childhood education in El Salvador

 

This project aims to develop learning tools and teaching practices to support early childhood education and facilitate the transition to primary school through the effective integration of play-based pedagogies, contributing to a more comprehensive and inclusive learning experience for boys and girls.

It seeks to scale up the impact of the early childhood education model “Growing and Learning Together,” which consists of a combination of curriculum adaptations, development of adapted content and guides, training and accompaniment of teachers and management-level support. It aims to strengthen the competencies of teachers and educators in play-based and meaningful learning experiences to promote an inclusive and friendly school transition pedagogy that supports the comprehensive development of literacy, numeracy and social-emotional learning.

The scaling-up strategy involves research into the factors that either hinder or promote the development of play-based pedagogy. This research is based on the experiences of nine municipalities where the innovation has already been implemented and tested. The strategy also includes the co-design of scaling-up approaches with the ministry of education, and knowledge mobilization at various levels. This involves collaboration with representatives from the ministry of education, local organizations working with early childhood education, community leaders and caregivers responsible for the children who are the target population of the project.

This project is funded under the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Knowledge and Innovation Exchange, a joint endeavour between the GPE and IDRC to connect expertise, innovation and knowledge to help low- and middle-income countries build stronger education systems and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goal on education.