Early Childhood Development Management Structure in Sri Lanka
Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) in Sri Lanka is managed through a well-established administrative structure designed to ensure the provision of quality early childhood education and care services throughout the country. The system operates under the guidance of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs through the National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development (NSECD), which is responsible for formulating national policies, standards, guidelines, and development programmes related to early childhood care and education.
At the provincial level, each of Sri Lanka’s nine provinces has an Early Childhood Development Authority, Early Childhood Development Unit, or a designated provincial institution responsible for the administration, coordination, monitoring, and development of ECCD services within the province. These provincial authorities play a vital role in implementing national policies and ensuring that early childhood development programmes are delivered effectively at the grassroots level.
The Provincial Early Childhood Development Authorities and Units are responsible for:
- Registering and monitoring Early Childhood Development Centres and preschools.
- Registering preschool and Early Childhood Development teachers.
- Ensuring compliance with national and provincial standards for ECCD services.
- Conducting inspections and quality assurance activities.
- Organizing teacher training programmes and professional development opportunities.
- Supporting the establishment and improvement of preschool facilities.
- Coordinating ECCD programmes with local government institutions, community organizations, and development partners.
- Promoting child-friendly learning environments and best practices in early childhood education.
- Collecting and maintaining data related to ECCD centres, teachers, and children.
- Implementing national and provincial initiatives aimed at improving the quality of early childhood care and education.
Through this collaborative management structure, the National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development and the Provincial Early Childhood Development Authorities work together to ensure that every child in Sri Lanka has access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality early childhood care and education services.
Parents, teachers, and ECCD service providers are encouraged to work closely with their respective Provincial Early Childhood Development Authority or Unit to obtain information regarding preschool registration, teacher registration, training opportunities, standards, and other services related to Early Childhood Care and Development.
Western Province
Central Province
Southern Province
Northern Province
Eastern Province
North Western Province
North Central Province
Uva Province
Sabaragamuwa Province