Early Childhood Education Leadership in Tanzania: A Missing Link for Quality Good Start in Basic Education

Abstract

Early Childhood is a foundational period in the life of every child that is very important in the growth and development of each human being. In most literature, policy documents and program interventions, Early Childhood covers the period between conceptions to eight years. It is during this period in the human life cycle that young children acquire knowledge of themselves, people around them and the environments in which they live. Early Childhood as a foundation period for future development is demanding specialized leadership training opportunities, so that those in decision making positions do not only view Early Childhood Education as an option but a sector that should be well addressed. Training opportunities, budget allocations and policy implementations are all important, but they all depend on well informed and well positioned individuals in leadership positions at all levels. In order to tap into the government initiative to improve quality basic education in Tanzania and other developing countries; investing in building capacities in Early Childhood leadership at all levels of education implementation is among the sustainable strategies of ensuring that all children have equal opportunities for quality good start in their basic education.In this study Early Childhood Leadership was operationally defined as the ability of those who are in positions of influencing decisions to do so with relevant knowledge and skills about young children. Leadership is both knowledge and skill gained through appropriate training and therefore, those entrusted with opportunities to serve young children should be well trained and supported to make sure that young children are nurtured well to realize their full potentials. The paper presents findings from a larger study conducted in Tanzania, East Africa to assess the differences between stated and implemented policies in Early Childhood Education leadership.