79930 Kyrgyz Republic SABER Country Report EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT 2013 Policy Goals Status 1. Establishing an Enabling Environment The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic (GoK) has approved national laws and regulations to provide services and protect the well-being of young children. Mechanisms to improve coordination across Ministries and with non-government stakeholders are needed. The availability of financial data and level of investment in ECD are inadequate to meet children’s needs. 2. Implementing Widely Early childhood programs in the Kyrgyz Republic target all groups of stakeholders; coverage, however, is low. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those living in rural locations are less likely to have access to essential services, especially education interventions. Efforts are required to scale up interventions in all sectors, including those targeting children age 0 to 3 and in preschool education. 3. Monitoring and Assuring Quality There are sufficient data available on service delivery, but there is no system to monitor the development of individual children. Infrastructure and service delivery standards are established; compliance is not adequately enforced. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS THEWORLD THE WORLDBANK BANK 1 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 This report presents an analysis of the Early Childhood million (or 29 percent ). The Kyrgyz Republic is ranked Development (ECD) programs and policies which affect 126th in the UNDP Human Development Index Table and young children in the Kyrgyz Republic. This report is part has a gross national income of US$2,036 per person. of a series of reports prepared by the World Bank using Nearly 36.8 percent of the population lives below the the SABER-ECD framework and1 with financial and poverty line, and 8.6 percent of the eligible workforce is technical support from UNICEF. The Country Report unemployed.2 In recent years, ECD has gained includes analysis of early learning, health, nutrition, prominence in public discourse. The Law on Preschool social and child protection policies and interventions in Education of Kyrgyz Republic was approved in 2009, and the Kyrgyz Republic, along with regional and investment in early childhood education has increased international comparisons. from 2007 to 2010. Despite these advancements, only 17 percent of children ages 3 to 6 years are attending Kyrgyz Republic and Early Childhood preschool and there is inequity in access to all Development interventions by socioeconomic status and geographical region. The Kyrgyz Republic has a population of 5.5 million inhabitants, of which 65 percent reside in rural locations. The population below the age of 15 is 1.6 Russia Snapshot of ECD Indicators Kyrgyz Republic Armenia Tajikistan Uzbekistan Federation Infant Mortality (deaths 33 18 9 52 44 per 1,000 live births, 2010) Below 5 Mortality (deaths 38 20 12 63 52 per 1,000 live births, 2010) Moderate & Severe Stunting (Below 5, 18% 19% No data 39% 19% 2006-2010) Net Preprimary Enrollment 17% 34% 73% 7% 21% Rate (3-6 years, 2010) 3 Source: UNICEF Kyrgyzstan Country Statistics, 2010 ; *Uzbekistan preprimary enrollment rate as of 2006/07. 1 2 SABER-ECD is one domain within the World Bank initiative, Source: CIA World Fact book, Kyrgyzstan country page, 2011. Systems Approach to Better Education Results (SABER), which is designed to provide comparable and comprehensive assessments of country policies. T SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS THE WORLD BANK 2 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 SABER – Early Childhood Development Box 1: A checklist to consider how well ECD is SABER – ECD collects, analyzes and disseminates promoted at the country level comprehensive information on ECD policies around the world. In each participating country, extensive multi- What should be in place at the country level to promote coordinated and integrated ECD interventions for young sectoral information is collected on ECD policies and children and their families? programs through a desk review of available Health care government documents, data and literature, and • Standard health screenings for pregnant women interviews with a range of ECD stakeholders, including • Skilled attendants at delivery government officials, service providers, civil society, • Childhood immunizations development partners and scholars. The SABER-ECD • Well-child visits framework presents a holistic and integrated Nutrition assessment of how the overall policy environment in a • Breastfeeding promotion country affects young children’s development. This • Salt iodization assessment can be used to identify how countries • Iron fortification address the same policy challenges related to ECD, with Early Learning the ultimate goal of designing effective policies for • Parenting programs (during pregnancy, after delivery and young children and their families. throughout early childhood) • Childcare for working parents (of high quality) Box 1 presents an abbreviated list of interventions and • Free preprimary school (preferably at least two years with policies that the SABER-ECD approach looks for in developmentally appropriate curriculum and classrooms, countries when assessing the level of ECD policy and quality assurance mechanisms) development. This list is not exhaustive, but is meant to Social Protection provide an initial checklist for countries to consider the • Services for orphans and vulnerable children • Policies to protect rights of children with special needs key policies and interventions needed across sectors. and promote their participation and access to ECD services Three Key Policy Goals for Early Childhood • Financial transfer mechanisms or income supports to Development reach the most vulnerable families (could include cash transfers, social welfare, etc.) SABER-ECD identifies three core policy goals that Child Protection countries should address to ensure optimal ECD • Mandated birth registration outcomes: Establishing an Enabling Environment, • Job protection and breastfeeding breaks for new mothers Implementing Widely and Monitoring and Assuring • Specific provisions in judicial system for young children Quality. Improving ECD requires an integrated approach • Guaranteed paid parental leave of least six months to address all three goals. As described in Figure 1, for • Domestic violence laws and enforcement each policy goal, a series of policy levers are identified, • Tracking of child abuse (especially for young children) through which decision-makers can strengthen ECD. • Training for law enforcement officers in regards to the particular needs of young children Strengthening ECD policies can be viewed as a continuum; as described in Table 1, countries can range from a latent to advanced level of development within the different policy levers and goals. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 3 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Figure 1: Three core ECD policy goals Table 1: ECD policy goals and levels of development Level of Development ECD Policy Goal Minimal legal framework; Regulations in some Developed legal Non-existent legal Establishing an some programs with sectors; functioning framework; robust inter- framework; ad-hoc Enabling sustained financing; some inter-sectoral institutional financing; low inter- Environment inter-sectoral coordination; sustained coordination; sustained sectoral coordination. coordination. financing. financing. Near-universal Universal coverage; Coverage expanding but Low coverage; pilot coverage in some comprehensive gaps remain; programs Implementing programs in some sectors; established strategies across sectors; established in a few Widely sectors; high inequality programs in most integrated services for sectors; inequality in in access and outcomes. sectors; low inequality all, some tailored and access and outcomes. in access. targeted. Information on Information on outcomes at national, Minimal survey data Information on outcomes outcomes from national regional and local available; limited at national level; standards to individual levels; Monitoring and levels; standards for standards for provision for services exist in some standards exist for all Assuring Quality services exist for most of ECD services; no sectors; no system to sectors; system in place sectors; system in place enforcement. monitor compliance. to regularly monitor and to regularly monitor enforce compliance. compliance. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 4 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Policy Goal 1: Establishing an Enabling low-capacity facilities, often in rural communities, which lack the technologies and resources to enrich the wheat Environment found in more industrial-type mills.  Policy Levers: Legal Framework • Inter-sectoral Coordination • Finance The Parliament passed the Law on Breastfeeding and Marketing Substitutes of Kyrgyz Republic in December An Enabling Environment is the foundation for the 2008, which is based on the International Code of design and implementation of effective ECD policies4. Breast Milk Substitutes – an international health policy An enabling environment consists of the following: the framework for breastfeeding promotion adopted by the existence of an adequate legal and regulatory WHO. The Law formally recognizes breastfeeding as the framework to support ECD; coordination within sectors best nutrition for infants up to 6 months of age and and across institutions to deliver services effectively; aims to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding and, sufficient fiscal resources with transparent and during a child’s first 6 months. The law was efficient allocation mechanisms. spearheaded by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in conjunction with national and international experts. Policy Lever 1.1: Legal According to UNICEF, the Law does not require Framework significant financial resources to implement, but rather is expected to reduce Government spending on health The legal framework comprises all of the laws and care as a result of children having fewer infections due regulations which can affect the development of young to the protective qualities of breast milk. children in a country. The laws and regulations which In addition to these achievements, the MoH is currently impact ECD are diverse due to the array of sectors which developing a Nutrition Strategy for the Kyrgyz Republic influence ECD and because of the different that will emphasize young children and pregnant constituencies that ECD policy can and should target, women. Table 14 in Section 2.3 of this country report including pregnant women, young children, parents, and looks at the efficacy of these actions to improve caregivers. exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age. In recent years, the Kyrgyz Republic has taken steps to The Law on Preschool Education of Kyrgyz Republic develop and adopt national laws and regulations that encompasses early childhood education and care for promote appropriate dietary consumption by pregnant children from 6 months to 7 years of age and aims to women and young children. Deficiency of iron and folic achieve universal coverage in school preparedness acid in children’s diets is a problem in the region, program for children prior to formal admission to affecting the Kyrgyz Republic as well as neighboring school at age seven. Legislation on preschool education countries such as Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. is built upon a number of normative and legal acts of the Over the past decade the GoK has taken two concrete Kyrgyz Republic and international agreements and steps to address this issue. First, on February 18, 2000, treaties, including the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Parliament adopted the Law on Prevention of Iodine Law on Education, State Standard of Preschool Education Deficit Illnesses of Kyrgyz Republic (Law No 40), which and Care of the Kyrgyz Republic and most recently, the was later amended and supplemented on July 25, 2005. Law on Preschool Education of the Kyrgyz Republic (Law The Law mandates salt iodization and aims to reduce No 198), approved on June 29, 2009. The Law on the prevalence of iodine deficiency amongst all citizens, Preschool Education of the Kyrgyz Republic legitimizes with an emphasis on young children. Second, on March new emerging forms of early learning and preschool 11, 2009, the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic passed education (i.e. community-based kindergartens, school the Law on the Enrichment of Bread Flour (wheat) of preparedness programs, etc.). However, as is discussed in Kyrgyz Republic (Law No 78). The law envisages a Section 2.2 of this Country Report, capacity is limited phased transition of all mills to mandatory production (physical and personnel) to provide preschool education to of enriched flour. The rationale for a phased transition all children. For this reason, the GoK designed innovative is that approximately 50 percent of wheat is milled at 100-hour and 240-hour school preparedness programs offered at the premises of primary schools for children 4 Brinkerhoff, 2009; Britto, Yoshikawa & Boller, 2011; who do not attend formal early learning and preschool Vargas-Baron, 2005. education programs. The 100-hour program takes place SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 5 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 during the summer period and the extended 240-hours There is also provision for mothers to take up to 3 years program runs for four months in spring time and enrols unpaid leave. Overall, the level of financial support is children who are to enter primary school in the fall. significantly lower in the Kyrgyz Republic compared with Although these are creative interventions, duration is other countries in the region, as shown in Table 2. Article limited. A new 480-hour (full academic year) preparation 308 of the Code of Labor stipulates the same benefits apply program is being designed to replace the 100-hour and to adopted children up to 3 months of age, and that if a 240-hour programs. mother is unable to use maternity leave the father may be eligible. National laws mandate the provision of health care for Employers are required to provide the employee with pregnant women and young children. The GoK has the same job when she returns from maternity leave taken measures to build on existing legislation and and, in accordance with the Law on Breastfeeding and improve the availability of health services for pregnant Marketing Substitutes of the Kyrgyz Republic, provide women and young children. In 2005, the Law on Health break time for nursing mothers. According to the World Care of the Kyrgyz Republic was enshrined and Bank’s Women, Business and the Law database, the stipulates that children are required to receive a regulatory framework includes provisions to prevent complete course of childhood immunizations. and penalize the dismissal of pregnant women. Following, in 2007, the State Inter-sectoral Coordination Committee on Socially Significant and Dangerous Child protection policies and services are in the Infections mandated standard health screening for HIV process of being established in the Kyrgyz Republic. and STDs for pregnant women. More recently, in 2010, Issues of child and social protection are engrained in the The Observation of Healthy Children in Primary Health Strategy on Social Protection Development of the Kyrgyz Care (Regulation 589) provides clear guidance on well- Republic 2012-2014. In addition, the primary legal child visits, which include nutrition, physical and documents that enshrine child and social protection in law psychological development, as well as care for the are the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, Law of State development of children aged 0 to 7 years. At present Social Contracting (2008), Law of State Benefits (2009), most monitoring of child development is conducted by Code of Children (2012), and the Family Code (2003). At health providers at primary care facilities. the national level, the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) is tasked with many of the responsibilities that Policies offer suitable opportunities for parents and pertain to child and social protection including caregivers to provide care to newborns and infants in development of national policy, legislation, and programs. their early years. Chapter 24, article 307 of the Code of Territorial Departments of Social Development implement Labor of Kyrgyz Republic from August 4, 2003 states that national policy in social and child protection at the district women are entitled to maternity leave for a duration of 126 level. Furthermore, each local authority has a Commission calendar days (70 days prior to giving birth and 56 days after on Social Affairs that identify and support low-income birth) and article 133 entitles fathers to five calendar days of families with children and facilitate their enrolment in cash unpaid leave. Articles 44 and 94 of the Resolution on transfer programs. Regulation of Temporary Disability Allowance and Other important aspects of the child protection Maternity Allowance state that maternity leave benefits are regulatory framework include: the Law of the Kyrgyz paid by a combination of Government and employer Republic on Citizenship, which was modified March 27, contributions and should amount to 46 percent of wages. 2007 and requires all children to be registered at birth; Table 2: Regional comparison of maternity and paternity leave policies Kyrgyz Republic Armenia Russian Federation Tajikistan 126 days at 46% of wage; 5 140 days at 100% of wage 140 days at 100% of wage; child 140 days at 100% of days unpaid parental leave (more days for complicated rearing allowance available to wage, 547 days unpaid; for fathers, up to 3 years births), unpaid parental either parent or extended family no parental leave for unpaid leave for mothers leave up to 3 years; no member for up to three years, first fathers parental leave for fathers 18 months at 40% of wage and remainder at fixed payment Source: ILO, 2012. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 6 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 and the Law on Rights of People with Disabilities of the nutrition, and social and child protection that are Kyrgyz Republic from April 3, 2008 which aims to ensure delivered at different stages of a child’s development. In cross-sectoral services and support for children with 2007, the President’s Office started the process of special needs. This includes the right to inclusive designing the National Strategy for ECD. The strategy education, which is discussed in more detail under had four main components: i) maternal and child health Section 2.2 of this Country Report. (MCH); ii) preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT); iii) early childhood education; and iv) capacity The Child Code (2012) states that each court must have building and provision of social support for children and specialized juvenile judges and that law enforcement their families. Due to the political change and lack of officers require specific training to protect and ensure the support from line Ministries, the initiative was welfare of young children. The Government is currently abandoned. ECD is included in the master policy deliberating on how best to implement these requirements. documents for each sector (i.e. education, health and nutrition, social and child protection). These include: Policy Lever 1.2: Inter- the Education Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz sectoral Coordination Republic (2007-2010), Education Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2012-2020, Mid-term Development in early childhood is a multi-dimensional Education Development Plan of the Kyrgyz Republic for process5. In order to meet children’s diverse needs 2012-2014, National Strategy on Reproductive Health during the early years, government coordination is (2006-2015), the Code of Children (2012), and Strategy essential, both horizontally across different sectors as of Development of Social Protection of the Population well as vertically from the local to national levels. In in Kyrgyz Republic in 2012-2014. many countries, non-state actors (either domestic or international) participate in ECD service delivery; for this Mechanisms to support collaboration between State reason, mechanisms to coordinate with non-state actors and non-state stakeholders are limited. In the are also essential. education sector, collaboration between State and non- state stakeholders is achieved through the Coordination is not effective across ECD sectors. Development Partner Cooperation Council Education Historically, each of the three primary ministries Group, which serves as a platform for all stakeholders working with ECD aged children – Department of to share important information and coordinate School, Preschool and Extracurricular Education, within international aid. A separate subgroup on preschool the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES); education to bring together Government and partners is Department of Maternity and Childhood within MoH; being constructed. and Department of Child Protection, within MoSD – Starting in 2008, the health sector became the first sector have operated independently to develop and in the Kyrgyz Republic to adopt a Sector-Wide Approach implement services for ECD aged children within their (SWAp). Among the benefits have been increased respective domains. A multi-sectoral working group was coordination between Government, donors, and created to better align efforts and ensure that children stakeholders, improved budget processes, and greater are receiving holistic ECD services. However, the agenda reliance on country systems and processes. The Sector- has been predominantly focused on education in light Wide Approach project – supported through a syndicate of of recent policy discourse prioritizing preschool partners – is monitored through a Joint Annual Review and education expansion, rather than a coordination and bi-annual Health Summit. Improved coordination in health comprehensive approach to ECD. and nutrition has also been improved through the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI), The President’s Office initiated the process of which is a systematic approach to children’s health that designing a multi-sectoral ECD strategy. A child’s focuses on the whole child. Through this model health development does not occur in a vacuum. It requires a workers at the local level work directly with parents and safe, stimulating environment, with access to a stakeholders. multitude of interventions in education, health, 5 Naudeau et al., 2011; UNESCO-OREALC, 2004; Neuman, 2007. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 7 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Public sector financial policies are designed to Policy Lever 1.3: Finance promote free access to early childhood health and education services. In practice, large out of pocket While legal frameworks and inter-sectoral coordination payments are made for health services. According to are crucial to establishing an enabling environment for policy, health services related to pregnancy and young ECD, adequate financial investment is key to ensure that children are officially free. These services include: labor resources are available to implement policies and and delivery; immunizations; well-child visit; growth achieve service provision goals. Investments in ECD can monitoring and promotion; antenatal check-ups for yield high public returns, but are often undersupplied pregnant women; and treatment for various illnesses, without government support. Investments during the including diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, early years can yield greater returns than equivalent pneumonia, and tuberculosis. investments made later in a child’s life cycle and can lead to long-lasting intergenerational benefits6. Not only Despite well-established policy, individuals bear do investments in ECD generate high and persistent significant costs to receive health services. Table 3 shows returns, they can also enhance the effectiveness of other that out-of-pocket expenditures7 account for 86 percent social investments and help governments address of all private health expenditures. Although the data are multiple priorities with single investments. not specific to ECD aged children or pregnant women, the high rate of out-of-pocket expenditure indicates that, Expenditure for preschool education is calculated despite policy suggesting otherwise, there are private using a formula; however there is no clear method or costs associated with health services. At the regional criteria for determining and forecasting ECD level, only Armenia (93 percent) and Tajikistan (91 expenditures in health, nutrition, or child protection. percent) have a higher level of out-of-pocket The GoK’s Basic Principles of Budget Law of the Kyrgyz expenditure. As a percentage of the total health Republic document provides general guidance for each expenditures, out-of-pocket expenditures are 38 percent ministry to determine expenditures. According to the in the Kyrgyz Republic. Aside from the Russia Federation, MoES, expenditures on preschool education use four this is significantly better than the regional comparators. criteria: number of children, number of teaching positions, Government expenditure on health as a percentage of specific child characteristics, and geographic location. No GDP is 3.5 percent, which below the Russia Federation, formula or further breakdown was provided for this and nearly twice the expenditures of Armenia and country report. There is no documentation to evaluate the Uzbekistan. Approximately 85 percent of routine EPI criteria for determining ECD expenditures in other sectors, vaccines are financed by the GoK. nor is there coordination across sectors in determining expenditures for young children. Table 3: Select health expenditure indicators, compared with region Kyrgyz Russia Armenia Tajikistan Uzbekistan Republic Federation Out-of-pocket expenditure as a percentage of all 86% 93% 83% 91% 81% private health expenditure Out-of-pocket expenditure as a percentage of total 38% 55% 31% 67% 43% health expenditures Government expenditure on health as a percentage of GDP 3.5% 2.0% 5.0% 1.8% 2.5% Routine EPI vaccines financed by government, 2010 85% 66% No data No data No data Source: WHO Global Health Expenditure Database, 2011; TransMonEE Database, 2010; Source: UNICEF Kyrgyzstan Country Statistics, 2010. 7 Out-of-pocket expenditure is any direct outlay by households, 6 Valerio & Garcia, 2012; WHO, 2005; Hanushek & Kimko, 2000; including gratuities and in-kind payments, to health practitioners and Hanushek & Luque, 2003. suppliers of pharmaceuticals, therapeutic appliances, and other goods and services whose primary intent is to contribute to the restoration or enhancement of the health status of individuals or population groups. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 8 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 The level of public sector financial commitment to ECD To put this level of spending into perspective, according is low in education and difficult to ascertain in other to the 2008 Education Sector Fiduciary Capacity sectors. Table 4 presents the total public expenditure on Assessment conducted by the World Bank, the average preschool education by level of Government. State unit cost (cost per child per year) for preschool was provided preprimary school is primarily financed through about 6.010 som, which is almost three times as much State expenditures and local Government, with a small as the unit costs for primary and secondary education contribution from the Republic budget. Government (2.220 som). expenditures have increased by approximately 57 In response to this high unit cost, there has been a push percent from the period 2007 to 2010. Total spending in to create more State provided half-day kindergartens 2010 was 1.4 billion som (approximately USD 29 million)8 (compared with the current full-day, 8 hour approach). with both the State and local government providing 49 The non-financial merits for this approach are percent of financing requirements each. The remaining 2 expounded upon in Section 2.2 and Section 3.2 of this percent was contributed from the Republic budget. Country Report. From a financial perspective, the full- According to the National Statistical Committee, 424.6 day approach is expensive and currently achieves low million som, or 31.4 percent, of the 2010 budget, was coverage. The half-day approach could better utilize allocated towards staff salaries. Total government existing facilities and reduce the need for new facilities, expenditure on preschool education accounts for 9.4 and could support the reallocation of funding to service percent of government expenditure on education. This is delivery from infrastructure costs.9 a reasonable proportion of the budget to be allocated to preprimary schools and in many countries is sufficient to Table 5 presents total health spending in the Kyrgyz achieve high coverage levels. In the Kyrgyz Republic, Republic. There is no specific budget allocated towards however, despite this allocation, only 17 percent of young children and pregnant women. As such, it is not children aged 3 to 6 attend preprimary school. This possible to evaluate the breadth and effectiveness of the indicates that a reallocation of funds and more efficient level of investment. Overall expenditures toward health investments should be considered to improve coverage care have increased by 66 percent between 2007 and levels and ensure quality service provision. 2010. Table 4: Public expenditures on preschool education by level of Government (Million Som) Level of Expenditure 2010 2009 2008 2007 Total State expenditures on preschool education 664 650 586 432 Local budget expenditures on preschool education 660 617 555 408 Republic budget expenditures on preschool education 30 33 32 24 Total Government Expenditure on preschool education 1.354 1.300 1.173 864 Government Expenditure on preschool education allocated 424.6 to salaries Total Government Expenditure on preschool education as a 9.4% share of total government expenditure on education Source: UNICEF conducted Analysis of State Expenditures on Social Sector in Kyrgyz Republic, 2007-2010. 8 9 Exchange rate USD 1:47.1, January 1, 2011. For full evaluation of the cost effectiveness of preprimary school in the Kyrgyz Republic, see: Van Ravens, J. 2010. “A Better Future for Every Child: Financially feasible scenarios for the equitable expansion of preschool education in Kyrgyzstan�. Commissioned by World Bank, UNICEF, and Aga Khan Foundation. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 9 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Table 5: Expenditures on health care by source of funding (Million Som) Source of Expenditure 2010 2009 2008 2007 Overall State expenditure on health care 8.195 7.548 5.715 4.936 Internal funds from the Government budget 5.464 5.172 3.928 3.286 Republican Budget 4.668 4.397 3.242 2.852 Local budgets 796 775 686 434 External financing (SWAP and SIP) 1.121 823 507 521 The mandatory Medical Insurance Fund’s own funds 909 867 695 599 Special Funds and co-payment 702 686 585 530 Source: UNICEF conducted Analysis of State Expenditures on Social Sector in Kyrgyz Republic, 2007-2010. In addition to the above noted direct financial workload per month. For comparison, the general expenditures in ECD, the GoK supports ECD through poverty line per month was 2.154 som (USD 46) in specific tax and social transfer provisions, such as paid 2011. The Law on Status of Teacher of the Kyrgyz parental leave and transfers to vulnerable families. Republic (No. 9 dated January 14, 2001) states that Qualification criteria for the latter, which are enshrined teachers in preschool should be compensated equal to in the Law on Social Benefits of the Kyrgyz Republic, teachers in primary schools. In practice, the workloads categorize families earning less than 1700 som (USD vary and therefore compensation is not comparable. 36.10) and 1050 som (USD 22.30) as vulnerable, and extremely vulnerable, respectively. Vulnerable and Table 6: Level of remuneration for education professiona extremely vulnerable families receive at least 500 som Education Professional Minimum Maximum (USD 10.62) in financial support per month, and Administration 5.000 6.500 potentially more depending on geographical location Preschool teacher/worker 3.991 7.021 and number of children, amongst other factors. Source: Normative legislative regulations on salaries of works of educational organizations, MoES, 2011. Furthermore, according to the tax code, costs associated with preschool education (as well as basic, Policy Options to Strengthen the Enabling secondary, and tertiary education) are deducted from taxable income, and families with more than four Environment for ECD in Kyrgyz Republic children are eligible for further tax benefits. Full analysis  Legal Framework – One avenue to advance of these policies is beyond the scope of this Country the regulatory framework is to build flexibility into the Report; however there are other specific actions the maternity leave policy. As it stands, 55 percent (or 70 GoK could take to promote equitable child rearing and days) is allocated prior to birth, which provides support parents. These are presented in the policy children with only three months of care post-birth. options for this Policy Goal. This is a formative period of a child’s development, Early childhood care and education teachers are one in which adequate care is essential. Depending on compensated using established pay scales. Table 6 the individual family circumstance, a policy that presents the level of remuneration for education permits parents to shift days post-birth could provide professionals per month. Compensation ranges from children with enhanced attention and care without 5.000 to 6.500 som (USD 106 to 138) per month for substantive implications to public policy. The GoK administration staff, and 3.991 to 7.021 (USD 85 to 149) should also consider increasing the percentage of per month for preschool workers. Salary of preschool wages paid to mothers during the maternity leave teachers is determined according to the new instruction period to ensure that families have the financial of payment of educational officers of the Kyrgyz support for effective child rearing. Republic No. 270 (March 31, 2011) and includes level of education, calculation of pedagogical experience, and SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 10 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013  Inter-sectoral Coordination – The GoK consider is a conditional cash transfer program, which should revive the development of the National ECD provides supplemental income to families, contingent Strategy to enhance the coordination and efficacy of upon a set of conditions being met (such as the child the ECD system and articulate the services provided to attending preschool, receiving health and nutrition children and key stakeholders involved, including each services, or completion of parental training programs). of their respective responsibilities. The policy should Such a program could complement or replace the include a set of goals or objectives and an existing social transfer program, which would enhance implementation plan to outline how the policy will be access to ECD interventions while still providing the achieved, including creation of a lead agency to necessary financial support to families. champion ECD and mechanisms to foster coordination. Policy Goal 2: Implementing Widely  Finance – To fully evaluate the strengths and  Policy Levers: Scope of Programs • areas for improvement within an ECD system, it is Coverage • Equity necessary to have a comprehensive, systematic methodology for calculating investment in ECD. Currently, it is difficult to disaggregate spending in Implementing Widely refers to the scope of ECD health, nutrition, and social and child protection by ECD programs available, the extent of coverage (as a share age group. Within education, data are available only for of the eligible population) and the degree of equity select inputs of service delivery and by level of within ECD service provision. By definition, a focus on Government expenditure. There are no data that ECD involves (at a minimum) interventions in health, measure level of investment in rural and urban areas, or nutrition, education, and social and child protection, by Oblast division. In developing a comprehensive and should target pregnant women, young children and methodology it could also be useful to work closely with their parents and caregivers. A robust ECD policy should non-state ECD stakeholders to capture the full spectrum include programs in all essential sectors; provide of ECD investment. This will provide policy makers with comparable coverage and equitable access across detailed information to evaluate and effectively cost regions and socioeconomic status – especially reaching ECD interventions, and shift financial allocation to the the most disadvantaged young children and their interventions with the greatest return on investment. families.  Finance – Further data and analysis are Policy Lever 2.1: Scope of required to determine the scope of investment to scale Programs up interventions and develop a holistic ECD system that provides all children with the required services to reach Effective ECD systems have programs established in all their potential in life. Current coverage levels are low essential sectors and ensure that every child and and quality needs to be enhanced, underscoring the expecting mothers have guaranteed access to the necessity to allocate a greater portion of resources to essential services and interventions they need to live young children and pregnant women. healthfully. The scope of programs assesses the extent to which ECD programs across key sectors reach all  Finance – In addition to existing policies to beneficiaries. Figure 2 presents a summary of the key support young children and promote effective child interventions needed to support young children and rearing (e.g. maternity leave, tax deductions, transfers), their families via different sectors at different stages in a the GoK could consider targeted mechanisms to child’s life. improve living conditions and quality of life for families with lower socioeconomic status. One social program to SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 11 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Figure 2: Essential interventions during different periods of young children's development ECD programs are established in each of the core ECD which make education accessible to children living in areas of focus: education, health, nutrition, and social remote areas. It has also provided ongoing training for and child protection. Coverage varies by intervention. more than 80 kindergarten staff, appropriate teaching- There are programs that target the three main ECD learning materials, and a learning environment that groups – children aged 0 to 83 months, pregnant emphasizes parent and community involvement. women, and caregivers. Figure 3 presents a selection of Another innovative program is the MoH “A ECD interventions in the Kyrgyz Republic. Many of the comprehensive program to reduce micronutrient GoK provided programs are sector specific. Some NGO deficiency among children aged 6 to 24 months in the interventions have a multi-sectoral approach, which Kyrgyz Republic�, which is supported by UNICEF. The means that interventions cover more than two sectors program consists of several components. The first and are integrated. component is promoting nutrition of pregnant and An effective example of a multi-sectoral intervention in nursing women, including exclusive breastfeeding and the Kyrgyz Republic is the Aga Khan Foundation ECD complementary feeding). The second component program. Started in 2005, the program operates in provides vitamin and mineral supplement “Gulazyk� in remote communities of Osh and Naryn oblasts and spans powder form for home food enrichment of children both education and health and nutrition sectors to aged 6 to 24 months for the prevention of iron provide learning opportunities for young children as well deficiency and anemia. The third component includes as to improve the health of mothers and children. To training of health workers and volunteers to provide date, the program has made possible the renovation and mothers care for the development and dissemination of construction of 48 central and satellite kindergartens, educational materials. The fourth component of the SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 12 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 program is the introduction of the new WHO standards Talas. According to the results, nearly 90 percent of (2006) to assess the physical development of children mothers reported that they would continue use of and the fifth component aims to enhance coordination Gulazyk (after initial stock was used). Among all across sectors. The pilot project was implemented in participating children the prevalence of iron deficiency Figure 3: ECD programs in the Kyrgyz Republic anemia decreased from 45.5 percent to 33.4 percent. the evaluation undertaken in 2011, 95 percent of Until recently, the program covered about 250,000 researched 5-6 year olds watch the program. children under 2 years of age, which is about 90 percent Table 7 provides a list of essential interventions of the target group (except the central part of Bishkek). operating in the Kyrgyz Republic. Four categories are Despite the prospect for this intervention, political used to classify coverage: low, moderate, approaching tension surrounds the use of Gulazyk. universal, and universal. In 2006, with the support of UNICEF, Open Society Foundation, Asian Development Bank and Aga Khan Policy Lever 2.2: Coverage Foundation, the animated child’s television program Keremet Koch (“Magic Journey�) – a similar concept to Sesame Street – was created to great fanfare. Everyday A robust ECD policy should establish programs in all children and their parents live out the adventures of the essential sectors, ensure high degrees of coverage and main characters and learn new skills such as preparing reach the entire population equitably–especially the for school, coping with life’s difficulties, and healthy most disadvantaged young children–so that every child hygiene. One of the best features is that the program is and expecting mother have guaranteed access to available and socially and culturally relevant to all essential ECD services. children, including those in remote areas. According to SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 13 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Table 7: ECD programs and coverage in the Kyrgyz Republic Scale ECD Intervention Pilot Out of 9 Coverage programs provinces Education State-sponsored preprimary/kindergarten education, 9 Low State-sponsored ECCE (100/240-hour preschool program) 9 Approaching Community-based ECCE X Low Health Antenatal and newborn care 9 Approaching Integrated management of childhood illnesses and care for development 9 Approaching Childhood wellness and growth monitoring 9 No data National immunization program 9 Universal Nutrition Micronutrient support for pregnant women No data Food supplements for pregnant women No data Micronutrient support for young children No data Food supplements for young children (Gulazyk) X 8 Universal Food fortification 9 Moderate Breastfeeding promotion programs (breastfeeding promotion) 9 Low Anti-obesity programs encouraging healthy eating/exercise No data Feeding programs in preprimary/kindergarten schools 9 Low Parenting Parenting integrated into health/community programs No data Home visiting programs to provide parenting messages No data Special Needs Programs for OVCs (Boarding schools & children’s homes) 9 Moderate Interventions for children with special (emotional and physical) needs 9 Moderate Anti-poverty Cash transfers conditional on ECD services or enrollment No data Comprehensive A comprehensive system that tracks individual children’s needs No data Source: SABER-ECD Policy Data Collection Instrument and SABER-ECD Program Data Collection Instrument.. The level of access to essential health interventions is Turkey, and slightly below Uzbekistan. In addition, low for young children. Table 8 presents the level of approximately 45 percent of children below 5 years of access to a selection of essential ECD interventions for age with suspected pneumonia receive antibiotics in the young children in the Kyrgyz Republic and select Kyrgyz Republic; this level is slightly above of the level in countries in the region. Currently, only 22 percent of Tajikistan, yet significantly below that of Uzbekistan. children below the age of 5 with diarrhea receive oral Although these results are comparable to neighboring rehydration and continued feeding, which is countries, it is important to emphasize that, by comparable to results in Tajikistan and international standards, they are low and underscore 10 the necessity of improved health services to ensure that Kyrgyz Republic Divisions includes 7 oblasts (Chui, Issyk-Kul, Talas, children in need are receiving the requisite services to Naryn, Batken, Osh, Jala-Abad ) and two big cities (Bishkek and Osh). ensure safe and full development. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 14 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Table 8: Level of access to essential health interventions for young children Kyrgyz Russia Tajikistan Turkey Uzbekistan Republic Federation Children below 5 years of age with diarrhea who receive oral rehydration and continued feeding, 22% No data 22% 22% 28% 2006-2010 1 year olds immunized against DPT, 2010 96% 97% 93% 96% 99% Children below 5 years of age suspected of 45% No data 41% No data 56% pneumonia who receive antibiotics, 2006-2010 Source: UNICEF Kyrgyzstan Country Statistics, 2010. Table 9: Level of access to health interventions for pregnant women Kyrgyz Russia Tajikistan Turkey Uzbekistan Republic Federation Births attended by skilled attendants, 2006-2010 99% 100% 83% 91% 100% Pregnant women who benefit from at least four No data No data 49% 74% No data antenatal visits, 2006-2010 Source: UNICEF Kyrgyzstan Country Statistics, 2010. Table 10: Level of access to essential nutrition Interventions for young children and pregnant mothers Kyrgyz Russia Tajikistan Turkey Uzbekistan Republic Federation Vitamin A supplementation coverage for 97% No data 95% No data 94% children 6-59 months of age, 2010 Children who are exclusively breastfed until 6 32% No data 25% 42% 26% months of age, 2006-2010 Population that consumes iodized salt, 2006- 76% 35% 63% 69% 53% Children below 5 suffering from moderate and 18% No data 39% 12% 19% severe stunting, 2006-2010 Source: UNICEF Kyrgyzstan Country Statistics, 2010; WHO World Wide Prevalence of Anemia 1993-2005. In contrast, 96 percent of 1 year olds are immunized More data are required to fully evaluate the level of against DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccine), coverage for services for pregnant women. indicating that vaccine promotion programs and the Law on Health Care of the Kyrgyz Republic are effective Young children and pregnant women have uneven in promoting high coverage. access to essential nutrition interventions in Kyrgyz Republic. Table 10 presents the level of access to The level of access to essential health interventions for essential ECD nutrition interventions for young children pregnant women in the Kyrgyz Republic is difficult to and pregnant mothers. The results are varied, indicating calculate, as data are insufficient. Table 9 attempts to that the Kyrgyz Republic successfully provides some shed light on the level of access to a selection of essential services to young children, but others are essential health interventions for pregnant women. The missing. One example of a successful intervention is only indicator for which data are available is the Vitamin A supplementation, which provides coverage to percentage of births attended by skilled attendants. At 97 percent of children aged 6 to 59 months. According 99 percent, this represents a substantial achievement. to a national study (2009), the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among children has decreased considerably. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 15 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 An important intervention for a mountainous, physical, mental, and spiritual health of landlocked country such as the Kyrgyz Republic is salt children; iodization. Iodine, which is a micronutrient and dietary • Shape civic consciousness, patriotism, respect mineral, is not prevalent in the country’s soil and as for State symbols, the State and native such is not derived from the local food supply (generally language, and the environment in children; natural iodine is more common near sea coasts). It is for • Foster creative skills of children according to this reason that the GoK created the Law on Prevention age and intellectual and physical abilities; of Iodine Deficit Illnesses of the Kyrgyz Republic. • Provide effective, continuous learning from According to UNICEF MICS10 data, 76 percent of the preschool to primary school; and, population consumes iodized salt. Other studies suggest • Provide parents (caregivers) with advice and this rate may be much higher and underscore the information on early childhood education and importance of further research. care. At 18 percent, the level of moderate and chronic The term “preschool education institutions� is used to undernutrition (stunting) is not considered “severe�, yet describe the collection of early childhood education it still represents an area for improvement. Nearly one service delivery models in the Kyrgyz Republic. Unless in five children is not receiving a sufficient and balanced stated otherwise, all enrollment data presented in this diet to maximize their physical development. As a report refers to State kindergartens. A brief description result, there are serious implications for a child’s holistic of the types of preschool education institutions is development. The period between conception and the provided in Table 11. No enrollment data are provided age of 2 is a window of opportunity to address and for the numerous types of schools, and therefore it is prevent the damage caused by undernutrition. If not not possible to evaluate the scope of coverage of each addressed, a child that suffers from undernutrition will approach. An in-depth analysis of the impact and not fully develop physically, which in turn hinders applicability of each model could be informative for linguistic, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. policy makers and ECD stakeholders, and could highlight The result is diminished human capital and lower considerable overlap in terms of the organization and lifetime earnings for the individual, which in turns limits objectives of models. a country’s prospects for economic growth and development. In order to prevent undernutrition, State kindergartens, a legacy of the Soviet era, provide children require proper nutrition from the prenatal coverage to slightly over 17 percent of children aged 3 period onwards (especially in the first 1,000 days of to 6 years, down from 34 percent in 1990. State life). Breast milk is considered to be the best method to kindergartens usually operate for 8 hours per day. Each feed an infant during the first 6 months, giving the child kindergarten has sleeping and kitchen facilities, as well all the nutrients and calories needed for proper growth as ample support staff. In recent years community- and development. Only 32 percent of children are based kindergartens (CbKs) have grown in number, with exclusively breastfed until the age of 6 months. the support of international agencies. Between 2006 Improving these rates represents a terrific opportunity and 2010 attendance increased from 2,050 to more to reduce the prevalence of stunting and improve child than 7,000 children aged 3 to 6 years (roughly 2-3 development indicators. percent of the cohort). Many of CbKs provide half-day programs in order to extend the coverage of children. The level of access to early childhood education (preschool education) has increased since 2000, but Figure 4 presents the net enrollment rate for select remains very low. Further to the brief discussion in neighboring countries. Although enrolment has Section 1.1, this section provides a synopsis of early increased from approximately 8 percent in 2000 to 17 childhood education in the Kyrgyz Republic. The Law on percent in 2010/11, it is below the level of other Preschool Education of the Kyrgyz Republic outlines the countries in the region (such as Armenia, 34 percent objectives of preschool education as follows: coverage) and well below regional leaders, such as the Republic of Moldova (coverage 79 percent) and • Ensure the right to preschool education for international exemplars such as Sweden (93 percent each child, including maintaining and promoting and 95 percent at age 5 and 6, respectively). It is 11` important to note that CbKs have grown in prominence See Policy Lever 3.1 for explanation. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 16 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 in recent years. As noted in Section 2.1, they are Development Bank, Aga Khan Foundation, and UNICEF, innovative early learning programs that contribute to target the most in need districts with high poverty rates expanding access in remote areas of the Kyrgyz and low preschool education enrollment. Republic. CBKs established, with the help of Asian Table 11: Types of preschool education institutions Preschool model Brief description of preschool institution Day Nurseries Children aged 6 months to 3 years of age, provides care and development Provides short-term and full day care for children who do not attend Maternal Schools kindergartens, includes interactive education for children and adults Children aged 3 to 7 years of age, provides care and development, mostly Kindergartens operated by the State For children with special needs (speech disorders, intellectual development Special Kindergartens disorders, visual and hearing impairments, etc.) Part of the health care system, for orphans and children without parental care, Children’s Homes as well as for children with special needs below 3 years of age, supported by the GoK For the physical and mental development of children, early identification of Child Development Centres individual needs for children, diagnostics and special education services, as well as medical care for children A structural unit of local government bodies usually intended for children aged Community Based 3 to 7 years old where children are taken care of, education, and developed Kindergartens including (both full and half day sessions. The latter is intended to optimal use of half day programmes resources and increase of children’s coverage by child education program) 100 & 240-hours of preschool provided during the summer and spring term 100- & 240-Hour Program prior to primary school entry SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 17 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Figure 4: Net preschool enrollment rate (as percentage of children aged 3 to 6) 100.0 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 0.0 Republic of Moldova Armenia Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Uzbekistan Source: TransMONEE data set, 2011. Figure 5: Regional comparison of 3 to 6 year olds not in preschool education (2009/10) Source: TransMONEE data set, 2011. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 18 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Viewed from a different lens, Figure 5 presents the wealthiest 20 percent of the population. The results regional comparison of 3 to 6 year olds not attending demonstrate that access to birth registration is preschool education in the year 2009/10. As can be seen, equitable and underweight prevalence in children the Kyrgyz Republic is one of four countries where more below age 5 does not vary significantly by income level. than 80 percent of children do not attend preprimary There is minor inequity in the number of skilled education. Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Bosnia and attendants at birth. Surprisingly, the only indicator for Herzegovina are the three other countries.In 2006, the which there is high inequity is the number of children MoES introduced the 100-hour prior-to-school below 5 with diarrhea receiving oral rehydration and preparation program for children 6 years old who had no continued feeding. In this instance, 49 percent of access to preprimary education. The program focuses on children within the poorest quintile receive oral improving social awareness and operates in primary hydration and continued feeding, compared with 20 schools during the summer months. Approximately 40,000 percent of the richest quintile. This may be explained by children (nearly 40 percent of the eligible population) use of other treatment mechanisms by wealthier attended in the inaugural year, and by 2010 more than families, or could reflect targeted interventions that 70,400 children were covered. In 2011, the MoES reach the poorest children. Further analysis is required. introduced the 240-hour school preparation program Figure 7 presents the four indicators used in Figure 6 within the frame of the FTI-II (Fast Track Initiative, Second plus an additional indicator (percentage of population Grant). Over 40,000 and 55,000 children attended the using improved sanitation) to evaluate equity by rural 240-hour program in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The and urban locations. The results indicate that there is upcoming Global Partnership for Education (formally FTI) no inequity by underweight prevalence, and although project aims to create a 480-hour program that will be access is higher in urban locations, the inequity is not extended to all children during the year prior to entry into significant for birth registration, skilled attendants at basic education. birth, and access to improved sanitation faculties. Children below 5 years of age with diarrhea living in urban locations are more likely to receive oral Policy Lever 2.3: Equity rehydration and continued feeding than children living Based on the robust evidence of the positive effects ECD in rural locations. interventions can have for children from disadvantaged Figures 6 and 7 show that, for the most part, there is backgrounds, every government should pay special no substantive inequality in access to health, nutrition, attention to equitable provision of ECD services11. One of and social protection interventions in the Kyrgyz the fundamental goals of any ECD policy should be to Republic. The findings differ for the education sector. provide equitable opportunities to all young children Figure 8 presents wealth disparities in access to and their families. preschool for various countries in the region. Aside Young children and pregnant women have equitable from Belarus, where coverage levels are high and access to health and nutrition services; however there there is almost no inequity, neighboring countries all is inequity in access to preschool in the Kyrgyz have high (and very high) levels of inequity. This is Republic. Using data from the UNICEF Multiple particularly evident in the Kyrgyz Republic, where the Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS, 2006), information on enrollment level amongst the richest 20 percent is access to several interventions and ECD outcomes by approximately 50 percent and less than 10 percent for socioeconomic status and rural/urban location is the poorest 20 percent. This shows that State available in the Kyrgyz Republic. Figure 6 compares birth preschool services are not well targeted. Children from registration rates, skilled attendants at birth, better off families attend State kindergartens, whereas underweight prevalence, and the number of children children from poorer households who would benefit below 5 years of age with diarrhea who receive oral most are not enrolled because of lack of places in rehydration and continued feeding for the poorest 20 schools. percent of the population with indicators for the 12 Engle et al, 2011; Naudeau et al., 2011 SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 19 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Figure 6: Equity in access to health and child protection services & outcomes by socioeconomic status 100 80 60 40 20 0 Under-fives with Underweight diarrhoea receiving oral Birth registration (%) Skilled attendant at prevalence in children rehydration and 2000-2010 birth (%) 2006-2010 under five (%) 2006- continued feeding (%) 2010 2006-2010 Richest 20% 95 100 2 20 Poorest 20% 94 93 2 49 Source: UNICEF Kyrgyzstan Country Statistics, 2010. Figure 7: Equity in access to health and child protection services and outcomes by rural/urban location 100 80 60 40 20 0 Under-fives with Underweight diarrhoea receiving % of population using Birth registration (%) Skilled attendant at prevalence in oral rehydration and improved sanitation 2000-2010 birth (%) 2006-2010 children under five continued feeding facilities, 2008 (%) 2006-2010 (%) 2006-2010 Urban 96 100 2 26 94 Rural 93 96 2 21 93 Source: UNICEF Kyrgyzstan Country Statistics, 2010. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 20 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Figure 8: Wealth disparities in access to preschool (% of children 36 to 59 months currently attending preschool) There does not seem to be a gender gap in preschool According to data of the Association of Parents of enrollment in the Kyrgyz Republic; in the 2010/11 Disabled Children there are 22,000 children with school year 49 percent of children enrolled were disabilities living in Kyrgyz Republic, although this female. number is likely understated. For many of these There is a policy to promote equitable access to ECD children, access to the country’s system of specialized services for children with special needs, but it has not education facilities is very limited. According to the been implemented. The Law on the Rights of People MoES, there are 14 special kindergartens (3-7 years) with Disabilities in the Kyrgyz Republic (No 38, April 3, servicing 1,556 children. Ten of these special 2008) states that every citizen has the right to kindergartens are located in Bishkek City, two in Osh education. According to the Constitution of the Kyrgyz City, and one in both Chui oblast and Osh oblast. Republic, the 2003 Education law, as well as the national education programs adopted by the Kyrgyz Republic, the education system should ensure equitable Policy Options to Implement ECD Widely in access to education, revise regularly the learning Kyrgyz Republic programs as well as adapt to new learning techniques,  Scope of Programs – The Kyrgyz Republic’s ECD improve constantly the quality of education, and use system includes a combination of interventions the educational resources in a cost-effective way. operated by State and non-profit organizations, with some provision by private entities, too. Due to the This includes inclusive education, but it has not yet been highly sectoral structure of service delivery and fully implemented. Informal observations suggest that ineffective coordination across sectors, there is poor many children with special needs (both ECD and older knowledge of what interventions currently operate. It children) are home schooled and receive no formal would be useful to undertake a mapping exercise to education. In addition to a lack of services, negative or develop a database of ECD interventions. Such an indifferent public perception, discrimination and initiative could be facilitated as part of the National ECD inadequate infrastructure affect these children. A Strategy and will enable policy makers and ECD rigorous study could help inform this policy area and stakeholders to both raise awareness and improve improve implementation. targeting mechanisms, especially for education SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 21 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Policy Lever 3.1: Data interventions during the expansion of the 480-hour Availability program.  Scope of Programs – There should be continued focus to address nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life. Accurate, comprehensive and timely data collection can The MoH “A comprehensive program to reduce promote more effective policy-making. Well-developed micronutrient deficiency among children aged 6 to 24 information systems can improve decision-making. In months in the Kyrgyz Republic� is a strong first effort particular, data can inform policy choices regarding the to address undernutrition, however support from volume and allocation of public financing, staff Parliament is essential. Improvements are required to recruitment and training, program quality, adherence to scale-up and increase take up. In particular, the standards and efforts to target children most in need. program should strive to better educate parents and caregivers about the benefits of the nutritional Administrative and survey data are collected on access supplement and provide them with the skills and to education and child protection for young children, knowledge to effectively use the product. and survey data are collected on access to health and nutrition interventions. The availability of administrative  Coverage – Coverage levels of preschool are very data varies by sector in the Kyrgyz Republic. As illustrated low. The GoK 100-hour and 240-hour programs is in Sections 2.2 and 2.3 of this Country Report, innovative and provides children some exposure to early administrative data effectively capture indicators childhood education, however it does not effectively pertaining to access to preschool education, including address the learning needs of young children to ensure gender, age, urban and rural location, mother tongue, and they have the skills to transition and excel in basic enrollment by Oblast. Some financial data are available, education. For these reasons the 480-hour program has but they do not fully capture the level of investment in the potential to drastically enhance the effectiveness of ECD. Administrative data are also strong in child preschool and improve school readiness for all children. protection, especially in relation to child residential In the design of the program, provisions should be made institutions. Administrative data are not differentiated by to conduct a robust impact evaluation. In parallel, in socio-economic status. Figure 8 depicts the large disparity addition to the above noted mapping exercise, the in access to preprimary school by wealth quintile, and MoES should undertake an in-depth analysis of the underscores the necessity to have a more robust data set. various modalities of preschool education to fully Most administrative data are collected on an annual basis. evaluate and identify the most effective approaches The primary source of survey data is the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. The Kyrgyz Republic Policy Goal 3: Monitoring and Assuring participated in the third version (MICS-3) in 2006 Quality and has agreed to partake in the upcoming fourth  Policy Levers: Data Availability • version (MICS-4). MICS-3 was conducted by the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Quality Standards • Compliance with Republic with financial and methodological support Standards of UNICEF. Many of the health and nutrition indicators are presented in Sections 2.2 and 2.3. Monitoring and Assuring Quality refers to the existence of Table 12 presents availability of data to monitor ECD information systems to monitor access to ECD services and in Kyrgyz Republic. outcomes across children, standards for ECD services and systems to monitor and enforce compliance with those Data are not collected to measure child development standards. Ensuring the quality of ECD interventions is vital outcomes in the four interrelated domains of child because evidence has shown that unless programs are of development. The four interrelated domains of child high quality, the impact on children can be negligible, or development are: even detrimental. • Physical development: defined as an individual’s rate of growth, physical fitness, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and self-care abilities. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 22 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 • Cognitive development: encompasses progress in directions and cooperating with requests), social analytical skills, mental problem-solving, memory, and perception, and self-regulatory abilities (having early mathematical abilities. emotional and behavioral control). • Language development: demonstrated through both Select data are collected by the MoH to monitor physical verbal and non-verbal communication, including development. Box 2 presents the Chilean Biopsychosoical babbling, pointing, and gesturing in infancy, followed by Development Support Program. By international the expansion of vocabulary and speech construction. standards, this is one of the most advanced approaches to • Social and emotional development: in early years this child monitoring. Developing a comparable system can encompasses a child’s relationships with caregivers and only be achieved as part of a larger, systemic approach to their immediate surroundings, in later years this ECD, however study of this approach sheds light on the expands to include social competence (getting along importance of child monitoring across all domains. with others), behavior management (following Table 12: Availability of data to monitor ECD in Kyrgyz Republic Administrative Data: Indicator Tracked Special needs children enrolled in ECCE (number of)  Children attending well-child visits (number of) X Children benefitting from public nutrition interventions (number of)  Women receiving prenatal nutrition interventions (number of)  Children enrolled in ECCE by sub-national region (number of)  Is ECCE spending in education sector differentiated within education budget?  Is ECD spending in health sector differentiated within health budget? X Survey Data Indicator Tracked Population consuming iodized salt (%)  Vitamin A Supplementation rate for children 6 -59 months (%)  Anemia prevalence amongst pregnant women (%)  Children below the age of 5 registered at birth (%)  Children immunized against DPT3 at age 12 months (%)  Pregnant women who attend four antenatal visits (%)  Children enrolled in ECCE by socioeconomic status (%)  SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 23 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Box 2: Chile: The Biopsychosocial Development Support Program Summary: Chile Crece Contigo (“Chile Grows With You�) is an highly integrated approach towards ECD. One of the program’s key accomplishments is the ability to provide timely, targeted service delivery. A core element that makes this possible is the Biopsychosocial Development Support Program, which tracks the individual development of children. The program commences during the mother’s initial prenatal check-up, at which point an individual “score card� is created for the child. Each of the primary actors within the Chile Crece Contigo comprehensive service network – including family support unit, public health system, public education system, and other social services – have access to the child’s file and are required to update it as the child progresses through the different ECD services. If there is any kind of vulnerability, such as inadequate nutrition, the system identifies the required service to address this issue. Through the integrated approach to service delivery and information system management, these services are delivered at the right time and in a relevant manner, according to each child’s need. Key considerations for the Kyrgyz Republic:  Streamlined, holistic child monitoring achieved through highly synergetic partnership across sectors;  Responsive system that tailors to the individual child’s need, especially for children at risk; and,  Child monitoring is an important consideration to ensure appropriateness and impact of revised learning standards. includes personal hygiene, for instance. Policy Lever 3.2: Quality In 2006, a group with representatives from the Standards Ministries of Education and Science, Health, Social Ensuring quality ECD service provision is essential. A focus Protection, Justice, and Finance, as well as local and on access – without a commensurate focus on ensuring international NGOs began working with UNICEF to quality – jeopardizes the very benefits that policymakers further strengthen standards. The new standards cover hope children will gain through ECD interventions. The children ages 3 to 6 years and include indicators of child quality of ECD programs is directly related to better development in the following areas: physical and cognitive and social development in children.12 motor; cognitive; socio-emotional; approaches to learning; and art and esthetic. The document also Clear learning standards have been established and provides strategies for parents and teachers to align are in the process of being revised. The State Standards and enhance “everyday� activities in accordance with of Preschool Education and Child Care (2005) sets clear the new indicators. The new standards are awaiting child development indicators and learning standard for approval by the MoES. each stage of a child’s development. Standards are Requirements for ECCE professionals are set by the disaggregated as follows: by month for each of the child’s MoES and apply to pre-service and in-service training. first 12 months; for the age of 2 years; for the age of 3 to 4 The MoES sets pre-service and in-service training for years; for the age of 5 years; and for the age of 6 to 7 teachers. As per these requirements, teachers are years. For example, child development objectives by the required to complete a four to five year tertiary or age of 5 years include: psychomotor development, vocational (college) program that includes a pedagogical including balance, ability to play with balls, use of puzzles practice (e.g. supervised internship) and ECD specific with four to ten parts; psychosocial development, courses. including ability to construct opinions, follow rules and interact with peers; cognitive development, which refers All preschool teachers are required to undergo to ability to count, communicate, and distinguish between professional upgrading trainings at least once in five some objects and characteristics; and vital skills, which years. These trainings include the following topics: skills and values on communication and interlinks; education 13 Taylor & Bennett, 2008; Bryce et al, 2003; Naudeau et al, and care of preschool aged children; child development; 2011V; Victoria et al, 2003. and, professional skills development. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 24 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Figure 9: Layout of Kindergartens (full day) CbKs and the 100- and 240-hour programs offer short in-service training. In all models teachers focus more on play-based method than formal instructional Sleeping Sleeping teaching, but no study has been conducted to evaluate room with room with the methods and results of teaching practices. cots cots The MoES and MoH have established clear service delivery and infrastructure standards; however standards can be confusing, and further analysis is Class/play Class/play required to ensure the standards promote high-quality room room (20 children) (20 children) preschool. The quality and effectiveness of preprimary education in the Kyrgyz Republic are unclear. Data from the 2009 Program for International Student Assessment weekends, non-working days and holidays. State (PISA) indicated that students who had received more kindergartens must operate for a minimum of eight than one year of preprimary education performed better hours per day. To this point, it is important to than those who had not. However, a 2011 Early Grade emphasize that this system strongly resembles that of Reading Assessment (EGRA) for Grades 2-4 found that the Soviet era and remains popular amongst parents. By Russian-speaking students with preprimary experience international standards, eight hours is excessive, and as performed better compared to those without, but there discussed in Section 1.3, the cost can be prohibitive. was no difference in performance between Kyrgyz- Presented in Figure 9, the physical layout includes a speaking students with and without preprimary classroom and associated sleeping room with cots and experience. Neither of these exercises included students full bed spread for 20 children. In this setting, a two who had attended the 240-hour preparation program. classroom center with full capacity serves 40 children. The curricula covering preprimary education programs A recent UNICEF supported study proposes a gradual are inconsistent and incomplete. The preprimary transition to a shift-based model for preschool institutions. curriculum applicable to State kindergartens reflects a The concept of the shift system is based on international play-based model and focuses on psychomotor and research, which suggests that duration (length in psychosocial skills. It is not aligned either with the newly preschool in years), rather than just intensity (hours in the revised primary curriculum (particularly with respect to day), is the key to successful ECD outcomes. This approach literacy and numeracy) or the preschool preparation utilizes space better, which is critical considering the lack programs. The State kindergarten curriculum and the of suitable facilities. Rather than having two classrooms preparation programs are also not aligned with early and two sleeping rooms, the sleeping rooms are converted learning development standards (ELDS). into classrooms that also accommodate 20 children. Over The State Standards of Preschool Education and Child the course of the two sessions, the total capacity is 160 Care (2012) is set by the MoES and includes both children, or four times that of the full day system.13 infrastructure and service delivery standards. The Staffing of State-operated preschool education institutions infrastructure standards build upon the Sanitarian is determined according to standard staffing procedures Norms and Rules of Building using Preschool approved by the GoK. Preschool education institutions can Organizations (No 51, October 31, 1999). The two main be established as state, municipal, private or other forms provisions are: (i) all preschool facilities must have of ownership. Private and other preschool education access to potable water, functional hygienic facilities institutions can be established both as for-profit and non- and electricity; and (ii) construction standards must profit organizations. The establishment, reorganization include all aspects of the building (roof, floor, structural and closure of preschool education institutions are carried soundness, windows, building materials, etc.). out in accordance with the procedures set forth by the Hours of operation and duration of studies of preschool legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. education institutions are legislated by the GoK. Current On 27th of May, 2008 the Collegium (Board) of the Ministry regulations stipulate that full day State kindergartens of Education and Science of Kyrgyz Republic adopted a may select flexible hours by forming groups with 14 different durations of stay up to 24-hours and also on McLean, H. Orozova, R. No Wolves along the Way: Towards a National ECD Model for Kyrgyzstan – UNICEF’s Pilot SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 25 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 program of licensing non-governmental preschool in Policy Lever 1.3, the Government increased hourly educational organizations, which includes a set of required wages for teachers by 40 percent in 2011 in part to documents that must be provided in order to get obtain address this issue. an operating license. At present time there are 78 private kindergartens that have license of the MoES. Data are not available to assess compliance with Infrastructure standards for health facilities were infrastructure and service delivery standards. UNICEF established through the Building Norms and Rules of is currently working with the MoES to undertake an Kyrgyz Republic of Public Building and Constructions (No assessment of all State and non-state preschool 62, April 16, 2001) document. Similar to preschool education facilities to assess both infrastructure and facilities, standards include all aspects of the building service delivery standards. The results will be presented (roof, floor, building materials, etc.) and access to in 2013 in the publication “Reducing the disaster of potable water, hygienic facilities, and electricity. vulnerability of children in Kyrgyzstan.� Reports indicate that classrooms are not adequately Service delivery guidelines for health providers are equipped with teaching-learning materials. This currently being developed by the Maternity and shortage was partially addressed through FTI-II Childhood Department and will apply to ECD aged allocations to the 240-hour program, but more children and pregnant women. The guidelines are resources are required, especially in Kyrgyz language expected to incorporate and expand Article 81 of the and in light of the Government’s planned increase in the Law on Health Care of Kyrgyz Republic, which stipulates duration and coverage of the preparation program. that health service providers are required to complete training in early childhood health service delivery. Information is not available on the number of health centers that meet infrastructure and service delivery standards. According to policy, infrastructure Policy Lever 3.3 standards for health facilities are inspected immediately following construction, and on an annual basis Compliance with Standards thereafter. Despite this policy, no data are available Establishing standards is essential to providing quality on the number of centers currently operating and ECD services and to promoting the healthy development how many adhere to operating requirements. of children. Once standards have been established, it is critical that mechanisms are put in place to ensure Figure 10: Education level of public preschool workers compliance with standards. 3% Teaching professionals do not fully comply with Higher Education established pre-service requirements. According to the 9% (2694) National Statistical Committee, there were 4,884 public and private preschool workers in 2010 (see Figure 10). Special College Approximately 55 percent of workers had completed a Degree (1600) university program (higher education) and 33 percent 33% 55% had special college degrees. A further 9 percent had not Incomplete Higher completed higher education, and 3 percent had Education (448) completed primary education only. The teaching population is aging and few young professionals have Secondary General Education (142) been attracted into the field, in part due to low salaries and professional status, and because of limited professional development opportunities. As mentioned Source: National Statistics Committee, 2011 . SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 26 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 providers are adhering to the standards and producing Policy Options to Monitor and Assure ECD high-level ECD outcomes, the GoK should allocate more Quality in Kyrgyz Republic resources to effectively monitor compliance of early childhood professionals and services provided to young  Data Availability – Recognizing that children. Impact evaluations could be very valuable to comprehensive data collection promotes rational and expound upon the current preschool education modalities effective policy making, the GoK should strengthen its and highlight efficacies and areas for improvement. data collection capabilities to ensure availability of high- quality, comprehensive data on intervention access and quality. In conjunction with a shift to a more holistic Comparing Official Policies with Outcomes ECD system, one avenue could be development of an Table 13 compares select policies which affect ECD with individual child tracking system across the different related outcomes in the Kyrgyz Republic. The GoK’s Law sectors in order to measure a child’s overall ECD on Breastfeeding and Marketing Substitutes of the Kyrgyz outcomes and respond accordingly with specific Republic is a seemingly well-designed policy. However, at services as required. this time only 32 percent of children are being exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age and stunting levels are  Quality Standards – Consistency in learning high. One explanation is that this policy was implemented standards and teacher training across State and non-state in 2008 and there is a lag effect. Similarly, the Law on provided preschool education is poor. The revised and Preschool Education of the Kyrgyz Republic encourages modernized early learning standards should be adopted preprimary school and stipulates that school preparedness with a matter of urgency. It is critical that these standards program is required prior to school entry at age of seven. are fully applied in all settings, regardless of whether they In practice, only 17 percent of children attend preschool are State or non-state operated. To strengthen the quality although the school preparedness programs have high of early childhood education, greater emphasis on teacher coverage. At the other end of the spectrum, birth training is required. Pre-service standards are not being registration is 94 percent, indicating that the national met, and in-service training is disparate. The CbKs offer the policy mandating the registration of children at birth is most robust in-service training, which deserves further effective. The Law on Prevention of Iodine Deficit Illnesses evaluation and could act as a model for a national system. of Kyrgyz Republic is fairly effective, with 76 percent of the population consuming iodized salt according to UNICEF  Compliance with Standards – Data are insufficient MICS data. to monitor compliance with the GoK’s standards to guide the implementation of ECD service delivery and provide a safe environment for young children. To ensure service Table 13: Comparing ECD policies to outcome ECD Policies Outcomes Nutrition � Law on Breastfeeding and Marketing Rate of exclusive breastfeeding until Substitutes is based on the International the age of 6 months 32% Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes � National policy mandates the iodization of Percentage of households salt for human consumption consuming iodized salt: 76% Child Protection � National policy mandates the registration of Birth registration rate: 94% children at birth Education � Preprimary education is not compulsory 17% Enrollment (3 to 6 years) SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 27 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Table 14: Comparing ECD policies to outcomes in the Kyrgyz Republic and select countries Kyrgyz Republic Armenia Russia Federation Tajikistan Salt Iodization Salt Iodization Policy Mandatory Mandatory No policy Mandatory Population Consuming Iodized Salt 76% 97% 35% 63% Appropriate Infant Feeding and Breastfeeding Promotion Compliance, Code of Marketing of Law Law No policy Law Breast Milk Substitutes Exclusive Breastfeeding (6 32% 35% 40% 25% Months) Preprimary Education Compulsory; Not compulsory; Not compulsory; Compulsory age 5 to Preprimary School Policy largely State State and non- mainly State 7; mainly state provision state provision provision provision Preprimary School Enrollment 17% (3-6 years) 34% 61% (0-7 years) 7% (3-6 years) Rate Birth Registration Birth Registration Policy Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Birth Registration Rate 94% 96% No data 88% Table 14 compares ECD policies to outcomes in the enrollment level at 61 percent. Lastly, each of the four Kyrgyz Republic, Armenia, Russia Federation, and countries mandates birth registration. Data are not Tajikistan. The existence of laws and policies alone do available for the Russia Federation. In Tajikistan, 88 not guarantee a strong correlation with desired ECD percent of children are registered. This rate is 94 outcomes. In many countries, a disconnect exists percent and 96 percent in the Kyrgyz Republic and between policies on paper and the reality of access and Armenia, respectively. service delivery on the ground. For example, each of the Kyrgyz Republic, Armenia, and Tajikistan mandate salt Preliminary Benchmarking and International iodization and have established laws that comply with Comparison of ECD in Kyrgyz Republic the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes until 6 months of age, however the Table 15 presents the findings from the SABER-ECD percentage of the population that consumes iodized assessment of ECD policy in the Kyrgyz Republic. The salt ranges from 63 percent to 97 percent in these three country has an emerging Enabling Environment, countries, and none have achieved high rates of highlighted by strong national laws and to promote the exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months. The Russia provision of essential ECD services. Coordination is Federation does not have a policy for salt iodization and classified as latent. Finance has improved in recent years, only 35 percent of the eligible population consumes however further investment is required to achieve higher iodized salt. Conversely, the Russia Federation also does coverage and quality. Implementing Widely is emerging. not have a law or policy that comply with the Interventions target all groups of stakeholders, however International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk coverage can be improved to reach a larger percentage Substitutes, yet at 40 percent, the rate of exclusive of ECD aged children and pregnant women. Access in breastfeeding until 6 months is higher than in the other health, nutrition, and social and child protection is countries. equitable; however equity is poor in education. Monitoring and Assuring Quality is emerging. Data Tajikistan mandates compulsory preschool education, availability and quality standards require improvements, yet enrollment is very low. In Armenia and the Russia and it is necessary to implement effective measures to Federation the Governments are required to provide ensure compliance. Table 16 presents the preliminary preschool education, however attendance is not regional and international comparison. On the one end of compulsory. Russia Federation has the highest SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 28 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 the spectrum, Sweden is the gold standard for ECD the highest level of ECD development out of the systems and achieves “advanced� for all policy levers. As former Soviet countries presented in this report. It is documented in this report, Chile is a country that has worth noting that areas that require improvement in taken substantial strides to improve the level of ECD in Russia Federation, including coordination, data recent years and offers valuable lessons for other availability, and compliance with standards, also countries. The level of development on most policy represent areas for improvement for the Kyrgyz Republic. levers in the Kyrgyz Republic is comparable to neighboring countries such as Armenia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The Russian Federation has achieved Table 15: Benchmarking Early Childhood Development Policy in Kyrgyz Republic Level of Level of ECD Policy Goal Policy Lever Development Development Legal Framework Establishing an Enabling Inter-sectoral Coordination Environment Finance Scope of Programs Implementing Widely Coverage Equity Data Availability Monitoring and Assuring Quality Standards Quality Compliance with Standards Latent Emerging Established Advanced Legend: Table 16: International Classification and Comparison of ECD Systems Level of Development ECD Policy Goal Policy Lever Kyrgyz Russian Tajikistan Armenia Chile Sweden Republic Federation Legal Framework Establishing an Enabling Coordination Environment Finance Scope of Programs Implementing Coverage Widely Equity Data Availability Monitoring and Quality Standards Assuring Quality Compliance with Standards Latent Emerging Established Advanced Legend: SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 29 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Conclusion In recent years, ECD has gained increased attention and The SABER-ECD initiative is designed to enable ECD prominence in the Kyrgyz Republic, as is evident through policy makers and development partners to identify the development of a National Strategy on ECD opportunities for further development of effective ECD and the Law on Preschool Education of the Kyrgyz systems. The SABER-ECD classification system does not Republic. However, the National Strategy on ECD has not rank countries according to any overall scoring; rather, been endorsed by the Government, and there seems to be it is intended to share information on how different ECD some reservations on the part of key ministries. It is critical systems address the same policy challenges. This that the current momentum for ECD is seized in order to country report presents a framework to benchmark the further develop the ECD system and ensure that each child Kyrgyz Republic’s ECD system; each of the nine policy has access to the services required to fully develop and levers are examined in detail and some policy options reach his or her potential in life. Table 17 below are recommended. summarizes many of the discussion points and policy options that have been identified through this analysis. Table 17: Summary of policy options to improve ECD in Kyrgyz Republic Policy Policy Options and Recommendations Dimension • Modify maternity leave policy to provide flexibility to parents, and ensure adequate financial support during early stages of a child’s development • Develop secondary legislation to enforce implementation of Law on Preschool Education of the Kyrgyz Republic Establishing an • Revive the process of the National ECD Strategy development, including development of a Enabling costed implementation plan Environment • Continue to strengthen inter-sectoral coordination amongst participating government agencies, and between State and non-state stakeholders • Develop methodology to effectively measure and track financial investments in ECD • Consider increasing financial commitment to ECD sector, with particular focus on improving access to quality preschool education • Undertake stocktaking exercise to document and map existing interventions • Reach children 0 to 3 with multi-sectoral services and reach their parents with education messages • Focus on raising the rate of exclusive breastfeeding Implementing Widely • Address challenges associated with use of micronutrient supplements, including approval from Parliament • Increase coverage of preschool education; clarify various modalities for service delivery • Eliminate inequity in access to preschool education by increasing service provision and targeting children from lower socioeconomic families and rural locations • Enhance data collection system • Monitor child development indicators in four interrelated domains of child development Monitoring and • Evaluate qualifications of ECD workers on an ongoing basis Assuring Quality • Strengthen mechanisms to ensure compliance with service delivery standards and to measure the related outcomes • Develop standards of children aged 0 to 3 years SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 30 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Acknowledgements Human Development ECA team, the UNICEF Kyrgyz This Country Report was prepared by the SABER-ECD Republic Country team, and the Government of Kyrgyz team at World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC. Republic. For technical questions or comments about The report presents country data collected using the this report, please contact the SABER-ECD team SABER-ECD policy and program data collection (helpdeskecd@worldbank.org). instruments and data from external sources. The report was prepared in consultation with the World Bank SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 31 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 www.worldbank.org/education/saber The Systems Approach for Better Education Results (SABER) initiative produces comparative data and knowledge on education policies and institutions, with the aim of helping countries systematically strengthen their education systems. SABER evaluates the quality of education policies against evidence-based global standards, using new diagnostic tools and detailed policy data. The SABER country reports give all parties with a stake in educational results—from administrators, teachers, and parents to policymakers and business people—an accessible, objective snapshot showing how well the policies of their country's education system are oriented toward ensuring that all children and youth learn. This report focuses specifically on policies in the area of Early Childhood Development. This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. THE WORLD BANK SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 2