Disaster situations can cause immediate and lasting damage to a child’s development. Some children experience such severe stress that their growth and brain development are irreversibly impaired – leading to low attainment at school and poor long-term health. Early childhood care and development (ECCD) in emergencies builds up children’s resilience and provides a context for development to continue as normally as possible. This best practice guide on ECCD in emergencies for programme staff covers every aspect of the disaster risk management cycle – from preparedness and response to recovery. It shows how every phase can incorporate gender equality, disaster risk reduction and inclusion of the most vulnerable.