The Government of Uzbekistan has been increasingly paying attention to improve Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services in the country, to ensure universal enrolment at primary and secondary schools. Towards this end, UNICEF complemented the Government of Uzbekistan’s efforts by providing technical support in mapping preschool education policies and programmes and identified barriers to the participation of parents and community in ECCE.
We undertook a comprehensive Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) study in Uzbekistan to assess the demand for and participation of ECCE services in Uzbekistan. The study determined physical, psychological and cognitive needs of young children (aged 0-6 years) and assessed perceptions towards the nature, quality and affordability of services provided in the ECCE centres. As part of the study, we developed Behaviour Change Communication Strategies to enhance demand for ECCE services. In addition, based on the study, we developed baseline indicators and rationales for future investments aimed at improving equitable access and quality enhancement of ECCE programmes by the Government of Uzbekistan.
