Pre-primary Education Initiative: Role in Access and Quality of Primary Education in Bangladesh

Client: Sesame Workshop Bangladesh
Location: Gazipur, Mymensingh, and Dhaka, Bangladesh
Duration: 4 months (June–September 2023)
Overview:
This study, commissioned by Sesame Workshop Bangladesh, aimed to analyze the impact of pre-primary education on improving access to and the quality of primary education in Bangladesh. By addressing critical challenges such as access disparities, resource limitations, and teacher capacity, the project provided valuable insights into the role of early education in fostering school readiness, academic retention, and social-emotional development among children aged 3–5 years.

Key Objectives:

• Assess how pre-primary education influences enrollment, attendance, and learning outcomes in primary schools.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of teacher training, curriculum implementation, and resource adequacy.
• Identify socio-economic disparities and barriers in access to quality pre-primary education.

Services Delivered:

• Study Design and Planning:
  • Developed a comprehensive research framework tailored to evaluate the impact of pre-primary education.
  • Delivered an inception report outlining objectives, methodology, and data collection strategies.
• Policy Review and Contextual Analysis:
  • Conducted an in-depth review of national policies, education frameworks, and global best practices relevant to pre-primary education.
• Data Collection and Field Engagement:
  • Surveyed 58 pre-primary teachers, 60 parents, 393 students, and 7 education experts.
  • Conducted classroom observations across 80 schools, covering urban, rural, and underserved areas.
  • Collected quantitative and qualitative data to explore school readiness and educational outcomes.
• Assessment and Analysis:
  • Evaluated key indicators such as academic retention, dropout rates, and socio-economic disparities.
  • Assessed teacher training programs, curriculum implementation, and resource allocation.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting:
  • Organized workshops to share preliminary findings with key stakeholders.
  • Compiled a detailed study report with actionable policy recommendations.

Key Deliverables:

• Comprehensive baseline study report highlighting the role of pre-primary education in enhancing primary education access and quality.
• Strategic recommendations for improving teacher training, parental engagement, and resource allocation to address systemic challenges.

Impact:
The study provided actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to improve the pre-primary education landscape in Bangladesh. By highlighting the importance of early education in shaping long-term academic and social outcomes, this initiative supported the development of equitable and effective educational policies.

Contact Person:
Mohammad Kamruzzaman Kalam
Education Specialist, Sesame Workshop Bangladesh
Phone: +880 01764164232
Email: Kamruzzaman.Kalam@sesame.org