What was the GER in early childhood care and development using NEC 2005 data?

What was the GER in early childhood care and development using NEC 2005 data? (a) 80.5% (b) 89.3% (c) 97% (d) 99.2% ✅ Correct option: (b) 89.3% Explanation (200+ words) The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) based on NEC 2005 data was 89.3%. GER measures total enrollment regardless of age, compared to the population of the official age group. A GER of 89.3% indicates relatively high participation in early childhood education, though it also reflects issues like over-age and under-age enrollment. ECCD is crucial because it forms the foundation for cognitive, emotional, and social development. Pakistan’s education policies since the early 2000s have emphasized ECCD as a strategy to improve retention and learning outcomes at the primary level. NEC 2005 provided the first comprehensive dataset on early childhood education in Pakistan. PPSC often tests GER concepts because they are core indicators used by UNESCO and national planners. 10 PPSC Facts 1. GER includes over-age enrollment 2. ECCD improves learning readiness 3. NEC 2005 first national dataset 4. GER differs from NER 5. ECCD age group: 3–5 years 6. Early education reduces dropout 7. UNESCO emphasizes ECCD 8. Pakistan lags in ECCD access 9. Urban GER higher than rural 10. GER data used in policy planning