Age Validation of the Early Learning and Development Standards for the Ministry of Education and Training in Lesotho

STATUS: Current
PROJECT LEADER:Van Heerden, AC (Dr Alastair), Desmond, CJ (Dr Chris), Sausi, K (Dr K)
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS: Reddy, D (Ms Deshanie), Ngcobo, AS (Dr Sibongile)
DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE: ()

Abstract

To conduct with scientific rigour an age validation of the Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) for the Ministry of Education in Lesotho. OBJECTIVES Conduct a desk review of the National IECCD Policy and Strategic Plan, ECCD curriculum, reports of the national ECCD studies, Lesotho Demographic Health Survey 2014, National Strategic Plan on Vulnerable children (April 2012-March 2017), the content-validated ELDS and other documents to clearly undertake key issues (an international and national literature and policy review on similar programmes and processes. Literature on early learning and development standards will be documented in preparation for the validation study) Conduct informational interviews or consultation with members of the IECCD Multisectoral team and other stakeholders as advised to discuss methods and approaches to the study; Prepare a research plan using a country wide representative sample and select age rages of 0-18,18-36 and 36-60 months; Design scientifically appropriate assessment tools based on development indicators provided by the ELDS for children in the birth to five year age category. These assessment tools will include caregiver rating scales and parents/caregivers tools to be used with children birth to 5 years. Determine, through a scientific study, whether development indicators in the standards provided by the ELDS are appropriate for children in the country between 0-5 years; Determine, through a scientific study, whether the indicators are both valid and reliable in terms of age, economic background and geographical location; Make recommendations to the Ministry of Education and Training on major and significant adjustments on the ELDS, primarily, in terms of age validity and related socio demographic factors; Finalise the age validated ELDS with feedback from MOET Senior staff and Heads of programmes, the members of the Multi-sectorial team, and other relevant stakeholders.