Abstract
Early childhood investment in young children 0-8 years is important. It offers a good start in life involving caring, nurturing, and safe environment to children who are the future hope of any society and nation. This chapter seeks to clarify the significance of investing quality early childhood education services for future industrial development and economic growth in Tanzania underpinned by economic growth perspectives. This chapter reports findings from an interpretive phenomenological design in three Teacher education and preschool settings in Tanzania with 10 tutors, 8 preschool teachers, and 8 parent participants. Data was generated using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary reviews. Findings indicated that parents and community from the areas studied lack knowledge of benefits of early investment in education. The study recommends the need for effective future practice directed at improving human development in early years in Tanzania. To achieve these aims, government policy planners need to locate favorable teaching and learning environments.
TopBenefits Of Early Education Investment
Children’s participation in good quality early childhood education (ECE) has benefits for the child’s learning and development at the time of attendance and through later life (Smith, Grima, Gaffney, & Powell, 2000; Sylva, Sammons, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2003). There is a growing appreciation which indicates that involvement in ECE from the two or three years before starting school, is advantageous for all children and particularly for children from low-income and disadvantaged groups (Mitchell, Wylie, & Carr, 2008; Smith et al., 2000).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Physical Resources: Refers to tangible items that are used in the operation of the business. Some of the resources are used to operate the business or provide products and services. These are normally resources that are made by man and help to do the daily activities much quicker and easier.
Industrial Development: Is the building and growing of industries within an economy by using new technologies which make jobs easier, faster, and better and lead to an increase in a business' output and an increase in profits.
Early Educational Investment: Refers to the provision of education from the early stages. The time and money one invests in education translates into a higher salary potential in future.
Early Childhood Education: The term covers a variety of programmes for young children between birth and 8 years. It refers to education of children before primary school, including activities which take place in a formal setting, non-formal childcare settings or at home between parent and child.
Economic Growth: Is defined as an increase in the production of economic goods and services, compared from one period of time to another.