Early childhood development (ECD) programmes are important during the earliest years. During this time the brain develops faster than at any other time in life and that is why interventions are highly effective at this time.
The early years is a period of great opportunities and represents a foundation for development, especially for vulnerable children.
Health
UNICEF strengthens the ability of healthcare and other sectors to provide quality early childhood development services, particularly to vulnerable children and their families – those living in poverty, Roma children and children with disabilities.
Nutrition
We advocate for strong infant and young child feeding policies and the scale-up of proven interventions from pregnancy through the first two years of life – from maternal nutrition, early and exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months, to the improvement in the nutritional status of the most vulnerable children.
Parenting
We support services that help parents and other caregivers provide children with affection, attention and stimulation, in addition to good nutrition, proper health care and protection.
Early childhood education
Our work is focused on providing equitable access to quality inclusive pre-school education, which provides meaningful learning opportunities to all children within the regular education system.
UNICEF works to improve the quality of services in maternity wards and neonatal intensive care units. We promote mother and baby friendly care, protection and support; support exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months; and we promote family and development care for young children, especially for preterm babies.
We focus on:
• Improving the work of paediatric and community nursing services for parents
• Promoting the importance of stimulation for optimal development
• Early detection and mitigation of developmental risks
• Developing an early intervention system for children with disabilities and their families
A strong bond between parents and a child is the best foundation for child development.
Visiting nurses
The only professional support for families who come into their homes; providing services in a family environment.
Developmental counselling units
Developmental counseling units provide support to parents and children if a child has a developmental problem.
Roma health mediators
Through field visits, they can recognize the health and social needs of the Roma population and help them solve them.
