Strengthening systems for integrated early childhood development services: a cross‐national analysis of governance

Abstract

While there has been substantial growth in early childhood development (ECD) services in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is considerable inequity in their distribution and quality. Evidence-based governance strategies are necessary, but currently they are insufficient for widespread, quality implementation. In particular, there is a limited understanding of the use of systems approaches for the analysis of ECD services as they go to scale. The aim of this paper is to present findings from four countries, using a cross-national case study approach to explore governance mechanisms required to strengthen national systems of ECD services. While different sets of governance strategies and challenges were identified in each country, overarching themes also emerged with implications for systems strengthening. Study results focus on local, mid-level and central governance, with recommendations for effective coordination and the integration of ECD services in LMICs.

Investing in the foundation of sustainable development: pathways to scale up for early childhood development

“…52,100 Coordination with education is needed to promote learning, and with social and child protection to reach the most vulnerable populations. Evidence consolidated in this Series points to effective interventions and delivery approaches at a scale never envisaged before.…”

“…Additional empirical data are needed about cost-effectiveness of the full range of early childhood development services, beyond those modelled in table 4. Nevertheless, the evidence for effective interventions (panel 1) 100 and for programmes and policies at scale (panel 2) shows that investment in early childhood development can be made through mutually reinforcing policies and services across different sectors (figure 1). 101 …”

Spotlight on early childhood education. A newspaper coverage analysis of universal preschool debate in Argentina

“…Nevertheless, these issues were tangentially discussed. I argue they must be central to the debate of universal preschool: for decades now, scholars working in the field of ECE have been explaining the need of systemic approaches (Berlinski and Schady 2015;Britto et al 2014;Kagan et al 2012Kagan et al , 2016Kagan and Cohen 1997). An ECE system is compound by ECE services, supported by a structure with clear governance and accountability entities, sustainable and efficient funding and financing streams, quality standards and a consistent teachers' professional development plan.…”

Una mirada al desarrollo infantil en América Latina y el Caribe desde la teoría y el pensamiento sistémico

“…Respecto de la primera, una parte considerable de la investigación en la materia confirma la falta generalizada de servicios de calidad para los niños pequeños en Estados Unidos y en el mundo (Berlinski y Schady, 2015;Mashburn et al, 2008;Peisner-Feinberg et al, 2001). En lo que concierne a la segunda, expertos y profesionales han documentado la ausencia de un sistema y de una arquitectura institucional para prestar servicios de calidad (Britto et al, 2014;Bruner, 1996;Kagan y Cohen, 1996;Kagan y Kauerz, 2012;Neuman y Devercelli, 2013;Sugarman, 1981;Vargas-Baron, 2013). Estos expertos sugieren que de no ocuparse de la arquitectura institucional asociada con el DIT, es improbable que se hagan realidad los servicios de calidad integrales.…”