Public policy for early childhood education in Porto Velho/RO (1999/2008)

Abstract

In this study I explore educational policies in general. I analyze, particularly, the public policies of early childhood education developed by Porto Velho´s Municipal Education (SEMED) in the period from 1999 to 2008. It is characterized as a qualitative study with analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.The results tell us that the keys to ensuring quality early childhood education and to prioritize the development of the child have not been sufficiently considered. This demonstrates the lack of attention to education by the city of Porto Velho. The study concluded that although current national policies have considered the Early Childhood Education with funding, this is still insufficient to guarantee the minimum conditions appropriate to the maintenance and development of education in this step. We argue that the access to early childhood education is a key to ensuring the full development of children. So, we suggest that the proposal for the consolidation of quality early childhood education has to consider at least three aspects: the prioritization of this step in the list SEMED actions, setting targets and increased financial resources for both the expansion and equipment of schools, and the maintenance and development of early childhood education.