Early learning
Early learningThis paper reviews the major perspectives in research on early childhood transitions. Assessing concepts in developmental theory that preceded transitions research, as well as more recent approaches including systems theories and the role of children as active participants in transitions, the paper reveals the predominant areas of focus in both academic and professional studies. The… Read more
This brief focuses on the gender issues in the services provided for children who are three years of age or older in the Asia-Pacific region. It starts by looking into the growth of early childhood care and education (ECCE) in the region and what is driving its growth. It explores why gender responsiveness is important… Read more
Introduction There are two distinct stages in Cuba’s history with regard to child development services. In the first stage, before the Revolution, health services were quite limited; there were only 300 children’s health centers in the entire country, and the child mortality rate was 54 per 1,000 live births. In the second stage, following the… Read more
This paper explores recent trends for children growing up in the State of Andhra Pradesh, one of India’s most populous states – approximately 76,000,000 according to the 2001 Census of India (Government of India 2001). The particular focus is on experiences of pre-school and transitions to primary school. The paper is based on analysis of… Read more
This knowledge review tells us what works in integrating early years services. It is based on a rapid review of the research literature involving systematic searching, analysis of key data, validated local practice examples and views from people using services and providers. It summarises the best available evidence that will help service providers to improve… Read more
The High/Scope Perry Preschool study is a scientific experiment that has identified both the short- and long-term effects of a high- quality preschool education program for young children living in poverty. From 1962 through 1967, David Weikart and his colleagues in the Ypsilanti, Michigan, school district operated the High/Scope Perry Preschool Program for young children… Read more
Low- and middle-income countries are experiencing a significant reduction in mortality of children under 5 years of age. This reduction is bringing in its wake large numbers of surviving children with developmental delays and disabilities. Very little attention has been paid to these children, most of whom receive minimal or no support. Thus, there is… Read more
What do we want to know? This review considered the following overarching question and sub-questions. How, why and under what conditions are Early Childhood Development (ECD) interventions in developing-country contexts effective in promoting cognitive development? What types of ECD interventions are effective in promoting cognitive development? What is the minimum amount of intervention needed to… Read more
The Government of India launched the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in 1975 in recognition of the importance of early childhood care as the foundation of human development. The ICDS has expanded over the years and is now one of the world’s largest and unique outreach programmes responding to the challenges of meeting the holistic… Read more
Objectives: To assess the feasibility of integrating early psychosocial stimulation into primary care for undernourished children and to determine the effect on children’s development and mothers’ knowledge and practices of childrearing. Design: Cluster randomised controlled trial. Setting: 18 clinics in three Jamaican parishes. Participants: 139 undernourished children aged 9 to 30 months and their mothers… Read more
This Working Paper is part of the Transitions in Early Childhood series, published by the Bernard van Leer Foundation and based on data from Young Lives, a 15 year longitudinal study of children growing up in poverty in Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam. In each country, the study tracks approximately 2000 children from infancy to… Read more