Beginning School Ready to Learn

Abstract

Globalization trends are creating a new world order. While these trends have generally been driven by economic and political forces, they inevitably impact the lives of young children worldwide. Hence the importance of an international perspective when addressing issues related to children's readiness to learn when they begin school. To grasp the complexity of these issues, worldwide changes in family and cultural contexts need to be considered. In light of this background, some early childhood parent education programmes in different countries are reviewed. Related to these programmes, some positive indicators for the future can be identified. Nations in both developed and developing regions of the world demonstrate greater awareness of the importance of the early childhood period in the human development cycle. Both public and private funds are increasingly being committed to help children begin school ready to learn, even in the most challenging and economically disadvantaged regions of the world.