Guerrero, G. y León, J. (2012). Demanda social por programas de atención y educación de la primera infancia (AEPI) en el Perú ¿Qué tipo de programas de AEPI demanda la población? ¿Cuáles son las posibilidades y retos de llevar a escala este tipo de intervenciones? (Documentos de Investigación N° 65). Lima: GRADE.

In order to provide relevant information for planning the scale-up of early childhood care and education (AEPI for its acronym in Spanish) services for children under three years of age, a study of the social demand for this type of intervention was carried out in two districts of the Puno Region (Acora and Yunguyo) and one district of the Ancash Region (Huaraz). Districts were selected that had both urban and rural populations, as well as indigenous populations, and where public AEPI programmes (Wawa Wasi, Cunas Públicas, SET, PIET or PIETBAF) were implemented.

Firstly, the coverage of AEPI programmes in the areas studied is low, but there are no gaps by socio-economic level. Secondly, user families have a positive perception of AEPI programmes. Thirdly, non-user families are non-users because of a lack of AEPI programme provision and because they distrust the quality of care and treatment of children. Fourthly, most of the stakeholders interviewed consider that the most appropriate type of programme for children under three years of age is a centre-based educational programme, and the fact that AEPI programmes have an explicit educational component is appreciated. Finally, on the basis of the opinions and perceptions of local stakeholders, we suggest aspects to be taken into account when planning an eventual scale-up of this type of programme.