Windows into Early Learning and Development

Windows into Early Learning and Development sheds light on what can be done to give all children the best chance in life in their first five years.

Poverty, stunting, and lack of cognitive stimulation mean that nearly half of 3- and 4-year-old children in low- and middle-income countries are unable to achieve their cognitive, socio-emotional, or physical potential. This can have a huge impact on the educational attainment throughout school.

This report includes examples from our International Development and Early Learning Assessment (IDELA) database. IDELA offers evidence about children’s learning and development across countries that can help governments and global actors to scale-up early childhood development programmes.

The analysis found that:

• To reach the most vulnerable children, we need to go beyond preschools.
• Caring and stimulating environments – at homes and in centres – improve child development.
• Serious focus and investment is needed to close the early gaps for the most vulnerable young children.
• Interventions to support children’s development and learning should start as early as possible.

Building on these findings, the report includes recommendations to improve early childhood development.