An integrated system of early childhood education and care governance in Turkey: views of policy-makers, practitioners, and academics

Abstract

Despite a wealth of evidence showing the benefits of early childhood education and care (ECEC), in Turkey participation remains low and inequitably distributed, even though access to services is soaring. Drawing from previous findings, this paper will focus on different stakeholders’ views on a more integrated system of ECEC governance in Turkey. The research shows that Turkey, a country at the crossroads of forming the foundations of early childhood services, should consider the adverse effects of the current split system and focus on the integration of services to foster holistic development with the aim of offering quality and equity for all children.

Keywords:

• early childhood education and care services
• model proposal
• integrated governance
• holistic approach
• early childhood services in Turkey