ECCE continues to be a key priority in education in Tuvalu. The government recognises ECCE as the foundation for sustainable development. As a signatory to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), government is committed to giving every child in Tuvalu the best start in life.

The government is committed to achieve the SDG 4 Target 4.2 which states, “By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education”.

The government also advocates investing in equitable and comprehensive quality ECCE. (TESP III)

The 18 ECCE Centres are managed and operated by communities, Kaupule, non-government organisations and private providersThe 18 ECCE Centres are managed and operated by communities, Kaupule, non-government organisations and private providers with professional and administrative support from Educaion Department.

Every ECCE centre has a School Management Committee (SMC) which works closely with the Education Department. ECCE centres are open to all children aged 3 to 5 on a voluntary basis.

While ECCE has not been formally brought under the ambits of the EdDep, government provides financial support for teachers’ salaries, infrastructure, teaching resources and professional support.