The Status and Approach to Early Childhood Education Policy Development for Children of Ethnic Groups: The Case study of Mae Sot District, Tak Province

Abstract

This research aims to explore a policy status, development approach and model of early childhood education for children of ethnic groups living in Mae Sot District, Tak Province. The qualitative research methodology was employed and the findings were as follows: first, prior to 1957, an early childhood education policy for children of ethnicities had corresponded to international agreements and national policies. Although a policy content had been developed, there was a problem of policy implementation. Second, local governments in Mae Sot district were responsible for a provision of early childhood education for children of ethnic groups regarding equality and humanity. However, they had faced problems of non-registered population, the increasing numbers of ethnic children and policy aspects. Third, a policy development approach should embrace identification of necessity development importance, content and process development, and implementation guidance regarding principles of decentralization, power, justice and participation. Fourth, a policy model should be developed through four processes which includes policy and context review, policy agenda identification, policy design and participation.