In order to care for the most vulnerable people in times of crisis, social protection systems need to be adaptive and resilient –– that is, they need to be able to adjust and respond flexibly and efficiently to different emergency scenarios. At the Regional Policy Dialogue, we met with policy and decision-makers from Latin America and the Caribbean to review and discuss best … [Read more...] about Ecuador and Its Adaptation Strategy to Care for the Youngest During Times of Crisis
Early Education
4 Keys to Designing a Mentoring Program for Early Childhood: Lessons Learned from the Luciérnaga Program
We know that investing in childcare is key to the future. But, when it comes to early childhood services, it is not only a matter of investing in coverage, infrastructure, equipment or the pedagogical model: it is also necessary to invest in the quality of interactions - that is, in interactions that are warm, rich in language and responsive to the child's needs and interests. … [Read more...] about 4 Keys to Designing a Mentoring Program for Early Childhood: Lessons Learned from the Luciérnaga Program
Unequal From the Beginning (…and for Quite Some Time): A Longitudinal Study of Socioeconomic Gaps in Early Childhood in 5 Latin American Countries
The first five years of life are a unique window of opportunity: extensive research confirms the lasting effect of investments during this period on later economic success and well-being, including labor market earnings and risky behaviors in adulthood. This is why early childhood development (ECD) policies have an unparalleled rate of effectiveness to strengthen human capital … [Read more...] about Unequal From the Beginning (…and for Quite Some Time): A Longitudinal Study of Socioeconomic Gaps in Early Childhood in 5 Latin American Countries
Childcare Is Good for Mothers, and It’s Good for Kids, Too
Programs that provide care for children are good for women’s economic activity. More than 95 percent of studies in low—and middle-income countries show this, and studies in high-income countries show a similar pattern. For example, providing preschool in Argentina boosted mothers’ full-time employment. Providing daycare in Brazil boosted mothers’ work in the city of Sao Paulo … [Read more...] about Childcare Is Good for Mothers, and It’s Good for Kids, Too
Mental health in young children: what is it, and why is it important?
Certain mental health problems can emerge during early childhood and have serious, lifelong consequences for learning, social skills, and physical health. Children can develop disorders like anxiety, attention deficit disorder, impulse-control disorder, behavioral problems, depression, post-traumatic stress, and neurodevelopment disabilities, like autism, among others. Young … [Read more...] about Mental health in young children: what is it, and why is it important?