Developing a qualifications framework and accreditation system for preschool teachers in Uganda

1. David Kabugo (PhD)
Director, Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS)
Co-PI, ECD/ECCE Program
Makerere University
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga
Director, Institute of Education Research
PI, ECD/ECCE Program
Makerere University
Developing a Qualifications Framework and Accreditation System for
Preschool Teachers in Uganda

2. Outline
• Context – of ECCE/Preschool Teacher-Training at
Makerere University
• ECCE Teacher Training Curriculum
• Insights from statistical data
• The 2012 Career Path
• The National Teacher Policy and the Proposed Early
Childhood Care and Education / Pre-Primary Teacher
Career Path
• Challenges and Opportunities
• Our Prayer

3. 9
50
9
24
14
5
10
44
28
24
7
17
16
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Hoima Central Luwero Gulu Masaka West Nile Fortportal Ankole Busoga Mbale Kyenjojo Kigezi Kaseese
Series1
No. of ECD Caregivers’ Training Institutions
Collaborating with Makerere University
n = 257

4. ECCE Teacher-Training Curriculum
CEC I CEC II
CC CA = 15
PR = 15
EX = 70
• SP
• DISP
• ENG
• MATHS

5. List of Programs and Number of Students Per Program
https://sites.google.com/view/ecce-teacher-program/home

7. Proposed ECD/ECCE Qualification Framework
In line with the
National Teachers’
Policy (NTP), this
framework seeks to:
•Standardize the
training of Pre-Primary
/ ECCE teacher
teachers through
enactment of National
ECCE/Pre-Primary
Teacher Proficiency
Tests.
•Provide a clear
academic career path
to becoming a
graduate Pre-
primary/ECCE
teacher.
•Foregrounds the role
of Education
Assistants / Assistant
Teachers / Caregivers
in Pre-
Primary/ECCEC
schools.
Figure 2: Proposed Early Childhood Care and Education / Pre-Primary Teacher
Career Path

8. Challenges
1. Unqualified principals and tutors in ECD Training Institutions
2. Unlicensed ECD Training Institutions
3. Qualified but Unlicensed caregivers
1. Limited Continuous Professional Development by ECD Caregivers
2. Dwindling enrolments owing to misinterpretation of the NTP

9. Opportunities
1. Enabling Education Policies (including the new NTP)
2. Commitment and Guidance by TIET and DES
1. ECD Training framework
2. Universities and other tertiary institutions are developing professional development
programs in ECD, including Dip., B. Ed, M. Ed., and PhD programs

10. Prayer
• Adopt our proposed ECCE / Pre-Primary Teacher Qualification Framework and
push it through necessary approval levels to guide training institutions in
production of qualified ECCE/ Pre-Primary teachers.
• Guide, recommend, and support Makerere University to conduct its proposed 2
year Diploma in ECCE/ECD teacher education program
• Direct all principals and tutors of ECCE/ECD Training Institutions to do
professional development and obtain necessary qualifications in ECCE/ECD
• License qualified ECCE/ECD Teachers
• Share minutes / written communication indicating the departments’ response to
prayer 1-4 above.

11. We Thank You !
Dr. David Kabugo (PhD)
Director, Center for Teaching and Learning Support
Co-PI, ECD Program
College of Education and External Studies,
Makerere University
Email: kabugodavids@gmail.com
Tel: 0782 904 975
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga
Director, Institute of Education Research
PI, ECD Program
College of Education and External Studies,
Makerere University
Email: amugagga@gmail.com
Tel: 0772 456 245