Parents urged to choose only registered preschools as quality drive gathers pace

Colombo, June 18 (Daily Mirror) - The government has urged parents to enrol their children only in government-registered preschools as part of a nationwide effort to improve standards in Sri Lanka's early childhood development sector.

The Women and Child Affairs Ministry said the operation of unregistered preschools remains one of the biggest challenges in regulating and improving the quality of early childhood education.

The Ministry highlighted that preschool education should be regarded as a specialised service that plays a vital role in shaping children's future development rather than simply a means of livelihood.

Parents were advised to verify whether the preschool they select is officially registered with the relevant authorities. They were also encouraged to ensure that daycare centres attached to preschools are separately registered where applicable.

In addition, the government urged parents to check that preschool teachers have received their qualifications and diplomas from government-recognised vocational education institutions.

The appeal comes as the government continues implementing a nationwide quality assurance programme alongside the introduction of the National Curriculum Framework for Early Childhood Education.

Calling for the support of all stakeholders, authorities invited preschool teachers, preschool owners and parents to work together in ensuring that every child has access to safe, high-quality early childhood education while strengthening the professionalism and recognition of preschool teachers across the country.