Improving policy environments for infants and young children: global status of multisectoral national policies for early childhood development
Multisectoral national policies for early childhood development (ECD) have been developed since 1979, yet until now the number of countries adopting them has not been systematically documented. A descriptive study was conducted to assess historical trends in policy adoption, regional coverage, income levels, governance categories, and crisis countries. Key messages
• This study provides, for the first time, a criteria-based list of multisectoral national policies for early childhood development (ECD) in 76 countries (39% of 197 countries worldwide) and one territory and examines regional policy coverage and needs.
• Initial studies reveal the development, adoption, and implementation of multisectoral national ECD policies help expand ECD programs in countries.
• Technical assistance is needed to develop and implement ECD policies, especially in lower- and middle-income countries, including those with humanitarian emergencies and authoritarian regimes.
• A new SDG indicator for multisectoral national ECD policy development is recommended for future use.
More research is required regarding policy impacts in relation to methods and processes of policy development, structures, key elements, and contents.
Authors: Emily Vargas-Barón, Kristel Diehl and Jason W. Small
Year: 2022
Language: English
Web link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17450128.2022.2067382
