RURAL-URBAN DISPARITY IN KINDERGARTEN QUALITY IN EGYPT

    The purpose of this study is to investigate and evaluate rural-urban disparity in the quality of Egyptian kindergarten, in order to realize how much the fulfillment for the indicators of the second goal of Millennium Development including: Children need to be “ready for school” in all respects in order to enroll in and complete primary school, without grade repetition.
    Many early childhood development programs, particularly in rural and poor urban areas, aim to address challenges facing that matter. However, programs are often limited and unevenly distributed. Differences may exist in program quality, and many suffer from inadequate funding, poor co-ordination, and un-sustainability. In light of increasing interrelationships between individuals’ needs and rights and national development processes, governments play a particularly crucial role in creating fit environments that allow children to develop into healthy, well-balanced and responsible adults.
    The program of total quality has been applied officially for all kindergarten in Egypt since January 2009, permitting accreditation gaining via the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation (NAQAAE). The process for having the educational accreditation comprises stages ended at field investigation carried out by NAQAAE authorized reviewing teams. The criteria and parameters identified by NAQAEE for evaluating a kindergarten applicant for accreditation are compiled in two domains: institutional capacity, and educational effectiveness.