The issue of compulsory preschool education is one of the widely discussed topics in modern education policy. Early childhood is considered the most sensitive and formative stage of a child's intellectual, psychological, and social development. Engagement in a quality educational environment at this stage significantly influences the formation of children's cognitive abilities, communication skills, and initial academic competencies.
Studies show a noticeable difference in initial academic and cognitive skills between children who have not received preschool education and those who are in the same class. This leads to differences in classroom performance, complicates teachers' lesson planning, and causes delays in social integration between children who benefit from early education and others.
Should preschool education be compulsory?
Commenting on the topic to AzEdu.az, Member of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis, MP Mehriban Valiyeva noted that this issue must be brought to a broad public and scientific discussion and become an object of serious research:
"There are several main reasons for this. Early childhood is the most important stage for the formation of a child's cognitive abilities, speech and communication skills, emotional-intellectual development, and social behavior patterns. A quality educational environment at this stage lays the foundation for future school success. The compulsory nature of preschool education can provide an equal starting opportunity for all children, regardless of their socio-economic status, and can reduce inter-regional and inter-family educational disparities".
Studies show that children involved in early education achieve higher results in subsequent educational stages:
"Also, the risk of dropping out of school is lower, and they enter the labor market better prepared. However, the discussion should not be limited to “compulsory or not,” but rather revolve around the questions of “how, based on what model, and under what conditions.” First and foremost, economic factors must be considered. If we have not been able to achieve 50 percent accessibility in preschool education, then the construction of new kindergartens, teacher training, and maintenance costs could burden the state budget.
Regarding its long-term economic benefits, we can say that investment in early education can lead to a reduction in future social assistance costs, a decrease in unemployment, an increase in productivity, and an increase in employment levels, as preschool education serves a social support function for working parents.
To ensure all of this, serious reforms are needed in this area. Currently, alternative models are being implemented. For example, I believe the public-private partnership model is beneficial. In general, the capabilities and role of the private and municipal sectors should be reviewed. Why shouldn't enterprises create these opportunities for the welfare of their employees within their means?
The issue of compulsory preschool education must be discussed, and this discussion should be based on scientific foundations, social realities, and economic possibilities. Compulsory education can only be effective under the following conditions: if quality and accessible infrastructure exists, if teacher training is at a high level, if the principle of social equality is maintained, if the quality of educational programs is high, if suitable conditions are provided for children with special needs, and if parents are educated. Otherwise, even if the goal is to strengthen early development, the outcome may not yield the expected effect".
