Early childhood education in Macao: Recent policies, developments, and trends

Abstract

This chapter takes a policy lens to illustrate how early childhood education in Macao has been shaped by policies enacted during the Portuguese colonial period and those adopted after the Macao Special Administrative Region was established in 1999. First, it portrays the educational landscape in Macao. Second, it reviews policies that have impacted on early childhood education of Macao. Third, challenges for the development of early childhood education in Macao are considered. This includes education and training for teachers and caretakers and developing a contextually appropriate curriculum and pedagogy. It concludes with observations and recommendations for the future.