I recently published an opinion piece in the Times of Malta titled "Early Education Years are Crucial" (Times of Malta, 7 August 2024), where I discussed the importance of prioritising early childhood education and care (ECEC) within Malta's National Education Strategy 2024-2030.

The strategy is a significant step forward, presenting a comprehensive approach centred on three pillars:

1. Wellbeing, 
2. Growth and Empowerment, and 
3. Equity and Inclusion.

These are all aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, targeting Quality Education by 2030. These pillars aim to cultivate academically proficient and socially responsible citizens, preparing them for future challenges.

However, the strategy raises critical concerns due to its limited focus on the early years of education, particularly from birth to seven years old.

These early years, often referred to as the ‘first 1,000 days,’ are crucial in establishing the foundation for lifelong learning and development.

Despite international directives and agreements emphasising the importance of ECEC, Malta's strategy appears to overlook this essential stage.

Research highlights that early experiences profoundly impact later academic achievement and the likelihood of early school leaving. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that includes robust support for high-quality ECEC is vital for sustainable educational progress. The strategy's omission of this focus is a serious oversight, potentially jeopardising the broader educational goals it seeks to achieve.

To address this gap, the strategy should incorporate specific measures, including the establishment of a government-appointed ECEC Advisory Committee. It should also focus on professionalising and supporting educators in childcare and kindergarten by granting them the same status, rights, and opportunities to obtain a temporary teacher warrant as those in compulsory schooling.

Additionally, the strategy should involve the development of a holistic, child-centred, and inclusive curriculum and providing high-quality, targeted, continuous professional development and research support. Prioritising high-quality ECEC for all children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and mainstreaming the early years (0-7) within the national education agenda is crucial for Malta to not only meet its 2030 educational targets but also to foster long-term educational success and societal well-being.

Let's make the early years count.

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Dr Charmaine Bonello is Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood and Primary Education, Faculty of Education at the University of Malta.