Over the past few decades, preschool enrollment has grown significantly worldwide: from 29% in 1990 to 49% in 2015. While it is crucial for governments to expand access to early childhood education programs, it is equally important to focus on improving their quality. In fact, if these programs are not good enough to foster children’s development, their impact can be limited—or … [Read more...] about How to Improve the Quality of Preschool Education?
Care Chains: The Role of Grandmothers in Their Daughters’ Employment
Childcare is one of the main determinants of women’s participation in the labor market, especially during early childhood. In contexts where access to childcare services is limited, family networks play a central role in families’ daily organization. Within these networks, grandmothers are often a key source of support, although their contribution is not always visible or … [Read more...] about Care Chains: The Role of Grandmothers in Their Daughters’ Employment
What to Do with Unused Breast Milk? A Reflection on Breastfeeding and Donation
Breastfeeding has been one of the most transformative and challenging experiences of my life. From the moment my son, Lucas, was born, I found in breastfeeding a unique way to nourish and connect with him—but it was not always easy, especially when work required me to spend time away from him. Traveling without my baby was one of the most difficult moments, as—due to … [Read more...] about What to Do with Unused Breast Milk? A Reflection on Breastfeeding and Donation
The Power of Timely Interventions in Early Childhood Development
What happens when a family receives concrete tools to support their child’s development from the earliest months of life? And what if that support comes right on time—just as the child begins to show signs of developmental delay? In Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Primeros Pasos program set out to answer these questions with promising results. Inspired by Reach … [Read more...] about The Power of Timely Interventions in Early Childhood Development
Why Holding and Hugging Babies Is Not Just Good—It’s Essential
“You'll spoil the baby,” “You’re letting them manipulate you,” “If you carry them so much, they’ll never learn to self-soothe.” These are just some of the comments many parents and caregivers have heard when they pick up their baby to comfort them. For a long time, these ideas shaped parenting styles that sought to limit physical contact in order to encourage … [Read more...] about Why Holding and Hugging Babies Is Not Just Good—It’s Essential