The implementation of early childhood education services in Teresina County (PI): from financing policy to covenant policy

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the implementation of Early Childhood Education within the Municipal Education Network  of Teresina,  through partnership agreements with community-based, religious, and philanthropic non-profit institutions. This study is based and supported by bibliographic reviews based on documentary research, drawing on scholars such as Adrião and Borghi (2008), Arelaro (2008), Bassi (2011), Gil (2008), among others. The  discussion addresses the contributions of the 2007 FUNDEB, the Municipal Education Plan,, and the FUNDEB (2020) to the expansion of Early Childhood Education . The study highlights the segment role of Early Childhood Education within the policy of agreements established between the Teresina's educational office (SEMEC) and the institutions in the agreement, through social subsidies destined to those public or private institutions. The findings indicate that FUNDEB and the constitutional 59/09 amendment were significant regulatory milestones for the growth of partnership agreements as a strategy to expand the provision of Early Childhood Education and to fulfill the Plan. However, a decline in the number of enrolled students under such agreements was observed, mainly due to municipalization. Furthermore, the outsourcing of public policies may generate inequalities, weaken municipal management, and foster market-driven interests.