Early moments matter for every child
Early Childhood Development (ECD)
The foundation of the Pacific region’s human capital is developed in the early years.
When governments invest in their young, they are better able to realize human rights, reduce inequality, and prevent deprivation, paving the way for inclusive social development and equitable economic growth. The early years are critical because it is a period of rapid brain development, which is the foundation for all future learning, behaviour and health. Positive experiences in the early years set children up for higher educational achievement, lifelong health, and future productivity.
For children to realise their development potential, their growing brains need multiple inputs including: health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, security and safety, and early learning.
ECD requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Children and their parents benefit from a comprehensive, multi-sectoral package of support.
In the Pacific, parents, families and communities provide a multi-generational circle of care that help young children build resilience that will last a lifetime.
Nurturing Care
- To reach their full potential, children need the five inter-related and indivisible components of nurturing care: good health, adequate nutrition, safety and security, responsive caregiving and opportunities for learning.
- In the first years of life, parents, intimate family members and caregivers are the closest to the young child and thus the best providers of Nurturing Care. This is why secure family environments are important for young children. In order to provide caregivers with time and resources to provide nurturing care, policies, services and community supports need to be in place.
For more information visit: nurturing-care.org
