TERMS OF REFERENCE :for the consultancy to conduct interim evaluation of implementation of component 4 on School Readiness of the 2nd Education Sector Development Project.Background and Context: The Government of Azerbaijan (GOA) is committed to reform in the education sector on the basis of the Education Reform Program of 1999 and the 10 Years Education Reform Strategy (2003-2013) prepared by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The main purpose of this reform program and strategy is to address many key sectoral issues, to improve the quality of education and to realign the sector with the needs of the emerging market economy and social conditions. The overall objective of component 4 within Second Education Sector Development Project is to provide access to preschool and increase the school readiness of children between 5 and 6 years of age, targeting low income rayons and vulnerable communities. This piloting will take place in 6 rayons (Lankaran, Guba, Shamakhi, Khatai District of Baku, Fuzuli and Goygol). The participating rayons have been chosen based on the following criteria: availability of preschools, preschool enrollment and attendance rates, existence of newly constructed or rehabilitated school buildings and available classrooms in these or other schools, and balance between urban and rural areas. The project supports an initiative that drastically differs from the old Soviet-type daycare services. The pilot project methodology is based on a comprehensive school readiness program that introduces child-centered, individualized teaching, and supports community and family involvement in preschools. The new methodology will encourage the 5-6-year olds to make choices, take responsibility for their decisions, express their ideas creatively, work in groups, and practice independent thinking, the skills that are crucial for their further success in general education. The model developed by UNICEF in March 2009 was introduced on a 5-day per week basis with half-day programs offered in two shifts a day as of April 2010 in 6 pilot districts. Such measure is aimed at significantly increase the number of beneficiaries. Currently there is a lack of preschool curriculum that can be used in order to meet the requirements that would help the students to develop the skills discussed above. In this regard, a provisional curriculum, which will be adapted from the experience of similar states will be adapted and used until the new curriculum will be developed and implemented in two years or so. Since September 2009, the project is also promoting a parental education and awareness raising, relying on the effective work implemented by UNICEF in the last few years. The Parent Education Program (PEP) was developed in 2006 by a national task force based on the recommendations and findings of Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Survey on child care and rearing practices carried out by the MoE, SSC, and UNICEF. The Program presents guidance for strengthening families’ abilities to ensure their children’s rights to survival, growth, and development, particularly in the youngest years. The new preschool groups in the pilot schools and preschools are managed and taught by mostly the preschool teachers and some other teachers in these schools depending on their educational background, major and the age groups they work with. In any case, both the general secondary education instructors and kindergarten caregivers will be intensively trained on working with the interim and new curricula, and dealing with the new preschool cohorts. Currently two UNICEF consultants: Mr Habib Karimov on Parenting Education (started September 2009) and Ms Gulara Rustamova on Short-day School Readiness (started April 2010) are providing mentoring and coaching assistance to teachers in the pilot institutions. Objective of the consultancy Purpose of the assignment Under the supervision of the UNICEF Azerbaijan Office and in consultation with Ministry of Education and World Bank to evaluate the progress of parenting education and school readiness programmes in 106 preschools in 6 pilot districts and provide lessons learned and recommendations for future actions. Major tasks to be accomplished: • Design and agree with UNICEF an evaluation questionnaire and other required evaluation tools; Outcomes and deliverables: 16 June 2010 - Draft interview questionnaire submitted to UNICEF Azerbaijan Time-Frame: 16 June - 15 July 2010 (30 days including preparation time) Qualifications or specialized knowledge/experience required: The consultant should have:
Consultancy fee is to be proposed by a potential individual or organization and agreed with UNICEF in line with UN rules and regulations. Procedures and logistics: UNICEF is going to provide the background information, organize meetings and filed visits and provides comments on the drafts. Application: Kenan Mammadli, Development Officer All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality. UNICEF is an equal opportunity employer. UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Deadline: 4 June 2010, 15:00hrs GMT+4 For further information please contact: Kenan Mammadli, kmammadli@unicef.org
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