Development Of Minimum Standards For Kgs Operating In Palestinian Camps And Gatherings In Lebanon

Background and Context Welfare Association (Taawon) – Lebanon is an independent non-profit organization established in 1983 by a group of Palestinian business and intellectual figures to provide development and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank (including Jerusalem), the Gaza Strip, 1948 Areas, and the Palestinian communities in Lebanon. Welfare Association (Taawon) – Lebanon works in close collaboration with local partners active in the Palestinian communities on four major programs: Education, Community Development (including health and disability), Culture Relief and Emergency Assistance. Since 2005, Welfare Association (Taawon) – Lebanon has been implementing a holistic and multi-dimensional early childhood education program (ECE) that seeks to enhance the quality of ECE in the Palestinian camps in Lebanon. It works by supporting local non- governmental organizations that provide early childhood education through training of their KG teachers, enhancement of physical structure of KGs, supply of educational resources and support in networking with parents. Funded by UNICEF, Welfare Association (Taawon) – Lebanon is implementing an “Early Childhood Education Project” which involves a number of activities within the lines mentioned above in addition to awareness raising sessions, psychosocial activities for kids, and other types of interventions. The project covers all the Palestinian camps spread in the different Lebanese regions (North, South, Baalbek, and Beirut). Objective of the Assignment The aim of the assignment is todevelop a set of minimum standards for ECE that will act as a reference guide for KGs operating in the Palestinian camps to ensure a minimum level of quality of the different aspects governing KGs’ performance and management (educational, physical space, governance, etc.) In lines with the developed minimum standards, provide individual guiding manuals for a selected number of KGs recommending follow up actions towards achieving those standards. Scope of Work The selected consultant is expected to lead the assignment in close coordination with Taawon Project Coordinator and ECE Advisor undertaking the following tasks: Prepare an inception report including detailed methodology and work plan with timeframe Conduct desk review on conditions of KGs in the camps, ECE in the Palestinian community in Lebanon and synthesis of international literature regarding standards and quality criteria for ECE highlighting any similar experiences Drawing on the findings off the desk review; develop a set of minimum standards covering the different aspects of ECE and propose the tool to assess KGs’ compliance against those standards. Validate the proposed standards and tools with a number of concerned constituents. Develop definitions and indicators for minimum standards with concerned stakeholders (educators, KG principles, parents, teachers, etc.) Present the minimum standards during a workshop hosting the different partners, experts in education and other concerned stakeholders for review; revisit the minimum standards as per the workshop’s outputs Pilot test the proposed minimum standards and the tools with 1-2 selected KGs; depict lessons learnt, consult with a selected number of stakeholders and modify the proposed minimum standards and the tools accordingly. Produce a final copy of the minimum standards in a user friendly reference guide taking into consideration the international standards, children’s best interest and the specificity of the Palestinian context in Lebanon. Select a representative sample of 12 to 15 KGs from five partner NGOs working on ECE taking into consideration geographical distribution of the KGs, number of KGs per partner organization, number of children enrolled, seniority of staff and accessibility of KG to children with disabilities. The selected sample will undergo thorough assessment against the proposed minimum standards. Assess compliance of selected 12-15 KGs to those standards; identify gaps and propose recommendations for follow up specific to each KG. Produce an individual guiding manual for each of those KGs. Expected Deliverables A detailed methodology/short inception report including time frame A brief report narrating main findings from desk review The set of ECE minimum standards targeting KGs in Palestinian community in a user-friendly guide in both Arabic and English A power point presentation summarizing the ECE minimum standards Tools to assess compliance of KGs against the minimum standards 12 to 15 Individual guiding manuals for the assessed KGs including recommendations and actions for follow up Required competencies and qualifications The selected consultant (or consultancy firm) should possess the following: Holder(s) of an advanced degree in Education, Social Sciences or any relevant fields Demonstrated understanding and experience in conducting similar assignments Extensive knowledge of education principles and standards particularly early childhood education Experience in the development of minimum standards and guiding manuals In-depth understanding of the situation of the Palestinian context in Lebanon Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders ensuring effective consultation and engagement is achieved Independent and neutral Timeframe: The time frame for the completion of the assignment is 20-22 weeks after signature of contract. Assignment is due to start on 2 May Application Procedures Interested candidates are invited to share their proposals before 18 April 2017 noon time to recruitment@taawon.org . Proposals to include the following: - Technical proposal a) the proposed methodology to conduct the assignment, including techniques and tools to be used, b) the proposed activities schedule/work plan with time frame, and c) copies of the CV(s) for the lead consultant and supporting team, specifying the roles and responsibilities of each team member. - Financial Proposal to include Itemized fees and costs Submission of Proposals Interested candidates or institutions are invited to share their proposals before 18 April 2017 noon time. Proposals should be submitted in one sealed envelope containing two sealed envelopes one for the Technical Proposal and one for the Financial proposal. Envelopes should have the title “ECE Minimum Standard” Pages of both proposals should be numbered and stamped by the submitting organization Proposals to be submitted to Taawon (Welfare Association) offices – Ramlet el Bayda, Al Akhtal el Sagheer Street, Green Project Bldg. - Telephone: 01850219 / 01850218