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.