Early childhood, defined as the period from birth to eight years, is a time of remarkable growth with the development of the brain at the peak. At this stage, children are strongly influenced by the environment and the people around them.

Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is more than preparing for an elementary school. It aims at the overall development of the child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in order to create a solid and broad basis for lifelong learning and well-being. ECCE has the ability to take nurture caring, capable and responsible future citizens.

Thus, ECCE is one of the best investments a country can make for the development of human resources, gender equality and social cohesion and reducing the cost of subsequent corrective programs. For disadvantaged children, ECCE plays an important role in compensating for family deficiencies and eliminating inequalities in education.

UNESCO’s approach is reinforced in the Education Program of 2030, and in particular under Objective 4.2 of goal 4 for sustainable development, which aims to “By 2030 ensure that all boys and girls have access to quality early childhood care and pre-school education is ready for primary education “.

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