Financing for equity in pre-primary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
According to UIS Data, the official entrance age at pre-primary education in Trinidad and Tobago is 3 years old and the net enrolment rate for pre-primary education for both sexes in 2023 was 21.50%.
Governance
Pre-primary education is financed by the Ministry of Education (MoE), which allocates funds for the construction and completion of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) centres. The ECCE Division has overall responsibility for leadership, governance and management of the ECCE sector throughout Trinidad, and in collaboration with the Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport for ECCE Centres in Tobago.
Tuition-free status
Education in public pre-primary institutions is tuition-free according to the National Child Policy (2020-2030).
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Pre-primary education is highly centralised. Thus, no subnational funding mechanisms are found.
2. Education resources to institutions
The government allocates resources directly to pre-primary institutions, specifically for infrastructure construction and maintenance. No equity-targeted mechanisms for fund allocation have been identified. Private pre-primary schools do not receive public funding but must comply with the regulations established by the Ministry of Education governing Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) standards.
3. Education resources to students and families
The School Nutrition Programme, established in 1996 and currently managed by the National Schools Dietary Services Limited (NSDSL) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, provides lunch and breakfast to underprivileged children. The Ministry of Education finances the programme and determines both the recipients and the number of days meals are provided. Meals are offered across Early Childhood Education Centres to Secondary Schools. For preschools and primary schools with fewer than 100 students, meals are provided to all students. In larger preschools, an equity-based allocation ensures that children from disadvantaged families receive meals.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
No financial support mechanisms for pre-primary education financed by other ministries were found.
This profile was reviewed by Dr. Bephyer Parey, Research Fellow, Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
