2013年-世界发展银行全球_Independent_State_of_Samoa_Early_Childhood_Development___SABER_Country_Report_2013_25页_1mb

Summary of the Independent State of Samoa Early Childhood Development (ECD) Country Report

Core Content

This report provides an analysis of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs and policies in Samoa, based on the SABER-ECD framework. It outlines the current status of ECD in the country, highlighting areas of progress and challenges. The report emphasizes the need for a more integrated and comprehensive approach to ECD, focusing on three core policy goals: Establishing an Enabling Environment, Implementing Widely, and Monitoring and Assuring Quality.

Main Policy Goals and Key Points

1. Establishing an Enabling Environment

• Legal Framework:

  • Laws exist to ensure access to health and child protection services.
  • A legal framework for nutrition interventions is in the process of being drafted.
  • The National Health and Aids Policy encourages HIV and STD testing for pregnant women.
  • The Nursing and Midwifery Act of 2007 mandates international standards for health services.
  • The draft National Food Standards Bill aims to promote iodized salt and iron-fortified foods.

• Intersectoral Coordination:

  • There is no explicit ECD policy, but the National Policy for the Children of Samoa 2010-2015 covers ECD.
  • Coordination between ministries is limited, and there is no dedicated ECD coordination committee.
  • The National Council on the Rights of the Child includes various stakeholders, but is not specific to ECD.

• Finance:

  • ECD services are free in health and child protection sectors.
  • Public resources for ECD are low, and there is no clear methodology for forecasting ECD expenditures.
  • Preprimary education is privately provided, and there is no government policy on remuneration for preprimary teachers.

2. Implementing Widely

• Scope of Programs:

  • ECD programs are not fully established across all essential sectors.
  • Early childhood care and education services are not publicly provided and are limited to non-governmental and private organizations.

• Coverage:

  • Coverage of ECD services remains low.
  • Access is inequitable by socioeconomic status and urban/rural location.

• Equity:

  • There is a significant gap in service provision for the most vulnerable children and families.
  • Maternity leave policies in Samoa provide limited support compared to other Pacific nations.

3. Monitoring and Assuring Quality

• Data Collection:

  • Comprehensive survey and administrative data are lacking.
  • There is minimal national-level data on ECD outcomes.

• Service Delivery Standards:

  • Standards for ECD services exist in some sectors but are not consistently enforced.
  • Quality assurance mechanisms are not well developed.

• Recommendations:

  • Improved data collection is needed to monitor the effectiveness of ECD services.
  • A robust system for tracking and enforcing service delivery standards should be established.

Key Information and Regional Comparison

Policy Levers and Recommendations

Policy Lever 1.1: Legal Framework

• Recommendations:
  • Pass and implement the National Food Standards Bill to ensure iodized salt and fortified iron.
  • Revise maternity leave policies to provide more time and financial support for families.

Policy Lever 1.2: Intersectoral Coordination

• Recommendations:
  • Develop a national ECD strategy to enhance coordination and efficacy.
  • Establish a dedicated ECD coordination committee.
  • Consider appointing an institutional anchor to lead ECD initiatives.

Policy Lever 1.3: Finance

• Recommendations:
  • Create a systematic methodology for calculating ECD investment.
  • Work with non-state stakeholders to capture the full spectrum of ECD investment.
  • Improve financial allocation to ensure equitable access and effectiveness of ECD interventions.

Policy Lever 2.1: Scope of Programs

• Recommendations:
  • Expand ECD programs to include all essential sectors.
  • Ensure public provision of early childhood care and education services.

Policy Lever 2.2: Coverage

• Recommendations:
  • Increase the coverage of ECD services to reach more children and families.
  • Address the inequity in access between urban and rural areas.

Policy Lever 2.3: Equity

• Recommendations:
  • Target interventions to reach the most disadvantaged children and families.
  • Ensure equitable access across different socioeconomic groups.

Conclusion

The report identifies Samoa as an "Emerging" country in terms of ECD policy development. While there are existing legal and policy frameworks, they are not fully integrated or comprehensive. The country needs to strengthen its legal, coordination, and financial mechanisms to ensure that all children have access to quality ECD services. A national ECD strategy and improved data collection are critical to achieving these goals.