Morocco’s Early Education Reform: Challenges and Opportunities

A Critical Look at Morocco's Early Education Landscape

Efforts to enhance early childhood education in Morocco have seen mixed progress. A report from the Court of Accounts highlights both strides and ongoing challenges in achieving universal access to quality education.

Progress Since 2018

Between 2000 and 2018, attempts to broaden early childhood education made limited headway. However, the launch of the National Program in 2018 spurred notable improvements. Enrollment rates have increased, and the country is moving closer to universal access. The program emphasizes building public preschools to provide equitable learning opportunities, pushing private institutions and informal providers to raise their standards.

Persistent Issues

Despite these advancements, systemic problems remain. The report reveals that only 36% of preschools undergo inspections, raising concerns about governance and quality control. Poor oversight risks undermining the program’s performance, perpetuating inequality, and threatening its sustainability.

Recommendations for Reform

The Court of Accounts proposes several measures to address these challenges:

Strategic Planning: Align early childhood education initiatives with Morocco’s 2015–2030 national education roadmap. Data-Driven Decision Making: Use comprehensive data to assess the current state of early education and transform program goals into measurable outcomes. Integration with Primary Education: Merge preschool and primary education to streamline transitions and improve system coherence. Challenges in Higher Education

The report also underscores deficiencies in Morocco’s higher education sector. Inspections are rare, with only 3% of private universities reviewed annually. This lack of regulation affects the credibility of licensing, accreditation, and recognition systems.

The Court recommends enhanced oversight, robust public-private partnerships, and stricter enforcement of penalties to improve the quality and reputation of higher education institutions.

Moving Forward

Morocco’s education reforms hold promise but demand sustained effort and vigilance. Addressing governance and quality issues in both early and higher education sectors will be critical for fostering equal opportunities and long-term growth.