Feasibility Study on Public-Private Partnership in Preschool Education

Project duration: November 2019 – December 2020

Call/Program/Scheme: Poziv UNICEFa

Client / Financier: UNICEF

Participating institutions:

Oxford Policy Management
University of Antwerp

Principal investigator (PI): David Jeffrey, Oxford Policy Management

The role of IEN in the project: IEN is a partner institution

IEN project team (manager/coordinator, team members): Dr Lara Lebedinski

Description:

Despite significant progress in expanding access to preschool education in Serbia, the enrollment rate of children aged 3 to 5.5 years remains low, particularly among children from low-income families and the Roma population. The aim of the study, commissioned by UNICEF and conducted by Oxford Policy Management, was to examine the feasibility of applying public-private partnership (PPP) models as a mechanism for increasing preschool enrollment in Serbia, with a particular focus on equity and inclusiveness. The study encompassed an analysis of international experiences from five European countries (Austria, Slovenia, Latvia, Norway, Finland), a review of the regulatory framework in Serbia, and a detailed examination of the voucher system functioning in Belgrade, Kragujevac, and Niš. Nine PPP models were considered, vouchers, subsidies, and concessions, which were assessed against criteria of effectiveness, equity, cost, and regulatory feasibility. Interviews were conducted with representatives of local self-governments, private preschool institutions, and relevant stakeholders. The analysis showed that the existing voucher system is the most effective and equitable model for expanding access to preschool education, as it directly reduces the financial barrier for families. The study resulted in six concrete recommendations for improving the model, including extending vouchers to municipalities with high numbers of unenrolled children and introducing criteria based on socio-economic needs. The findings of the study provide an analytical basis for reforming preschool education policy and the PPP regulatory framework in Serbia.

Keywords: preschool education, public private partnership, early childhood development