Kosovo: Investing in Early Years. Evidence, Challenges, and Policy Directions for Early Childhood Education and Care

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Kosovo: Investing in Early Years. Evidence, Challenges, and Policy Directions for Early Childhood Education and Care
Language: English
Authors: Sofia Gomez Tamayo, Tigan Shmis, Indhira Santos, Contributor, World Bank
Source: World Bank. 2026.
Availability: World Bank Publications. 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433. Tel: 202-458-4500; Fax: 202-552-1500; Web site: http://www.worldbank.org/
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 96
Publication Date: 2026
Sponsoring Agency: European Union (EU) (Belgium)
Document Type: Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Early Childhood Education, Access to Education, Employment Opportunities, Employed Women, Mothers, Educational Change, Educational Improvement, Barriers, Economic Factors, Disadvantaged Youth, Inclusion, Outcomes of Education, Federal Legislation, National Standards, Ability, Tuition
Geographic Terms: Kosovo
Abstract: Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) refers to publicly regulated services that provide education and childcare for children from birth until the start of primary education. ECEC delivers wide‑ranging benefits, including improved cognitive and social development, enhanced school readiness, and increased parental labor force participation, particularly among women. In Kosovo, expanding access to quality ECEC is increasingly recognized as a critical investment in children's long‑term learning, productivity, and well‑being, as well as in broader economic growth. Since 2021, the Government of Kosovo has taken steps to expand ECEC provision through the construction of new kindergartens, adaptation of school facilities, and the introduction of a pilot voucher program in partnership with the World Bank to support enrollment of vulnerable children. Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Limited availability, affordability constraints, and uneven service quality continue to restrict equitable access, particularly for disadvantaged families. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure inclusive, high‑quality early education for all children in Kosovo.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: ED679760
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) refers to publicly regulated services that provide education and childcare for children from birth until the start of primary education. ECEC delivers wide‑ranging benefits, including improved cognitive and social development, enhanced school readiness, and increased parental labor force participation, particularly among women. In Kosovo, expanding access to quality ECEC is increasingly recognized as a critical investment in children's long‑term learning, productivity, and well‑being, as well as in broader economic growth. Since 2021, the Government of Kosovo has taken steps to expand ECEC provision through the construction of new kindergartens, adaptation of school facilities, and the introduction of a pilot voucher program in partnership with the World Bank to support enrollment of vulnerable children. Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Limited availability, affordability constraints, and uneven service quality continue to restrict equitable access, particularly for disadvantaged families. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure inclusive, high‑quality early education for all children in Kosovo.