CONTRIBUTION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION TOWARDS QUALITY EDUCATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Abstract

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on equitable and quality education, while also advancing broader goals such as poverty reduction, gender equality, and lifelong learning. Beyond school readiness, ECCE fosters holistic development-cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical-creating the foundation for higher-order skills like problem-solving and creativity, as outlined in Bloom’s Taxonomy. This study employs qualitative document analysis, synthesizing evidence from UNESCO, UNICEF, the UN 2030 Agenda, and academic research. Findings underscore ECCE’s transformative role in sustainable development by enhancing human capital, reducing inequalities, and strengthening social cohesion. The study calls for integrating ECCE into national education policies with sustainable financing and workforce support to ensure inclusive lifelong learning for all.