ASEAN wants better early child care

ASEAN wants better early child care

SINGAPORE (DPA): Child care and development policy planners
from member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) wrapped up a three-day meeting on Friday by
resolving to draft guidelines setting member nations "on a clear
path toward better care" for the young.

Delegates attending the ASEAN Early Child Care and Development
Project in Singapore adopted a working plan allocating tasks in
"priority areas" to different countries in the 10-member
grouping.

"The first meeting on early child care and development held by
ASEAN signifies the increased importance ASEAN is placing on this
area," a joint statement said.

Malaysia will develop the guidelines setting minimum standards
for the licensing and monitoring of child care services, it said.
Coming up with an early childhood curriculum is the domain of the
Philippines, establishing training programs for child care
practitioners was assigned to Singapore, and compiling a regional
directory of training agencies and resources is up to Thailand.