Early childhood development

We help vulnerable and excluded children, particularly girls, grow up equally valued and cared for and free from discrimination.

The period from birth until the age of 8 is the most important stage of development for a child. In these early years — especially the first 1,000 days when brain development is at its most rapid — children learn skills that are critical for all aspects of their lives.

Young children need parents or caregivers who:

Create a loving and responsive environment.
Give them nutritious food and clean water.
Protect them from common illnesses and violence.
Provide opportunities for play and early learning.

However, millions of children grow up without the care and services they need to survive and thrive. We ensure young children receive that nurturing care, including during emergencies. Our work improves children’s health, nutrition, early learning and safety, while challenging discriminatory gender stereotypes that hold girls back from an early age.

Inequalities and traditional practices can mean that young children, particularly girls, fail to get the vital care and support they need in early childhood. We urge local governments to increase commitments toward early childhood care and development and early grade learning, partnering with schools to enhance learning environments and improve students’ achievements.

Our impact in