The second quarterly meeting of the Network on Early Childhood Care and Development (NECCD), held on June 10, 2025, showcased the group’s sustained commitment to strengthening early childhood development across Cambodia.
Coordinated by NEP, the NECCD is one of several working groups — including those focused on Primary Education, School Reform, Teacher Capacity Development, Non-formal Education and Lifelong Learning, Disability and Education, and Youth Development — each playing a crucial role in shaping inclusive and responsive education policy.
During the virtual meeting, representatives from the Ministry of Interior presented a Parental Mechanism Guidebook aimed at strengthening the capacity of Commune Committees for Women and Children (CCWC) to support young children’s growth and development. While progress was noted, participants emphasized the need for greater budget allocation, stronger sub-national coordination, and wider dissemination of the guidebook. Practical suggestions such as engaging community kindergarten teachers more directly in parental groups and using commune funds more flexibly were welcomed as actionable improvements to strengthen sustainability.
Another highlight of the meeting was the introduction of the “Basics of Preschool” Open Resource Platform by PE&D. Piloted in 20 community kindergartens, the platform addresses the ongoing shortage of ECCD materials and offers teachers access to curated resources, including books, training videos, and teaching guides. The platform is currently being refined based on teacher feedback ahead of its official launch.
The meeting concluded with a review of the NECCD’s joint action plan, with plans to advocate more actively for parenting education and community engagement. Members were encouraged to present best practices in the next meeting, tentatively set for September.
