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
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Extreme Heat and Its Impact on Early Child Development: How Can We Protect Young Children?
Climate change affects children’s development in different ways and extreme heat is a crucial factor that must be kept in mind. Last year – 2023 – was estimated to be the hottest year on record, ever since temperatures began to be recorded. Heat waves are occurring with greater frequency and lasting for longer periods of time. We are experiencing much higher temperatures than … [Read more...] about Extreme Heat and Its Impact on Early Child Development: How Can We Protect Young Children?
How to Apply Behavioral Economics to Early Childhood? Some Experiences from the Region
Understanding how people make decisions is of interest not only to economists, but has become a focus for many disciplines that now recognize the growing contribution of behavioral change approaches to policies and programs. In this way, behavioral economics has made its way into global social agendas due to its broad impact, and fortunately, the early childhood agenda is no … [Read more...] about How to Apply Behavioral Economics to Early Childhood? Some Experiences from the Region
How do we preserve quality as we scale up programs to improve child development and alleviate poverty?
During the IDB Group's Knowledge Week on October 23–27, academics, regional and international experts, and IDB specialists met to share experiences on topics that are critical to the planet’s future. At the event, I had the chance to talk with Sally Grantham-McGregor, Emeritus Professor of Child Health and Nutrition at University College London (UCL), and Sebastián Martínez, … [Read more...] about How do we preserve quality as we scale up programs to improve child development and alleviate poverty?
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty & Early Childhood: How to innovate with impact?
Poverty is not just a lack of income: It is a multidimensional phenomenon comprising the satisfaction of multiple needs that are not necessarily related to financial resources. But, what does this have to do with Early Childhood Development? Although there are still knowledge gaps, the evidence is compelling: quality investments in early childhood are the most effective … [Read more...] about International Day for the Eradication of Poverty & Early Childhood: How to innovate with impact?