90 ECCD facilitators with diplomas to pursue Bachelor’s degree at Paro College of Education

2026-02-09 - 06:17

Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) plays a critical role in laying the foundation for children’s learning, behaviour, and overall development, making facilitators key to Bhutan’s long-term human capital growth. These facilitators support young children during their most formative years, helping to prepare them for formal schooling. According to recent data, Bhutan has about 971 ECCD facilitators serving 13,401 children across the country. However, the data shows that about 76 percent of facilitators are Class 12 graduates, and nearly 690 continue to work on a contractual basis despite their important role in early childhood education. According to the Education Minister, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) has been providing in-service training to strengthen facilitators’ professional skills and build capacity within the sector. The Education Minister explained that the ECCD facilitator position was initially approved by the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) at the S5 level in 2018 on a contractual basis, as most facilitators did not have formal ECCD qualifications at the time. “This modality ensured continuity of service while the ECCD system and professional pathways were being developed,” Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa said. She added that the RCSC has since approved the position at an upgraded S2 level, with contractual terms aligned to civil service standards. The minimum qualification requirement has also been revised to a Diploma in ECCD. To strengthen and professionalize the ECCD workforce, the Royal University of Bhutan has introduced a two-year pre-service Diploma in ECCD, with the first cohort expected to graduate by mid-2027. MoESD is also supporting in-service facilitators to upgrade their qualifications through part-time diploma programs, enabling them to continue working while pursuing formal credentials. “In-service facilitators without formal ECCD qualifications are being upgraded through part-time diploma programs, ensuring continuity and equity in service delivery,” Lyonpo said. Currently, 308 facilitators are pursuing the part-time ECCD Diploma at Paro College of Education, with an additional 100 expected to enrol in December 2026. About 220 facilitators have already completed their diplomas and are eligible for upgrade to the S2 level. MoESD also plans to introduce a part-time Bachelor of ECCD program to further enhance professional and leadership capacity within the sector. Beginning January 2027, 90 diploma-qualified facilitators will have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Paro College of Education, Lyonpo said. She noted that internationally, a Diploma in ECCD is considered the minimum qualification, while a Bachelor’s degree is required for advanced roles. “The ministry and the RCSC are adopting a phased and system-responsive approach to ECCD workforce development, aligning recruitment, upgrading, and regularisation with the availability of qualified personnel, and ensuring sustainable support for national child development priorities,” Lyonpo said. The phased upgrading and qualification pathway is expected to strengthen the ECCD workforce and ensure long-term improvements in the quality of early childhood education in Bhutan.