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Aisha Yousafzai

How can we ensure that we don’t fail the next generation of children? What investments do we need to make an impact? What implementation decisions do we need to make for program success?

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How can we ensure that we don’t fail the next generation of children? What investments do we need to make an impact? What implementation decisions do we need to make for program success?

An estimated 250 million children in low- and middle-income countries risk not meeting their development potential in the first five years of life—leading to lifelong impacts on health, learning, behavior, and overall adult productivity. During this critical time, strategic interventions can ensure children have a strong foundation to lead healthy, productive lives as engaged citizens.

There is an urgent need to increase access to high-quality early childhood development intervention programs on national and global scales. While the science behind the importance of early development and funding for these programs has increased globally, policy development, research, and implementation best practices have not been widely adopted. As the COVID-19 virus disrupts health, nutrition, childcare, and education services, and stretches social and child protection systems to their limits, children and families least able to cope are being hit hardest with inequities in childhood development widening. Evidence-based policies that support families and young children are needed now more than ever. This course examines best practices in child and family policies, advocacy, financing, and pathways to scale—showing you how to generate an innovative, scalable intervention strategy that supports early childhood development. ****

The course begins with a review of basic early childhood development concepts and successful implementation programs around the world. We learn why some programs succeed where others do less well and what strategies are key for enabling widespread adaptation of quality programming. For those working around the world in early childhood development programs, this course allows you to reflect and evaluate your own organization by reviewing real-world case successes, as well as a new global perspective from other learners. You will complete the course with new plans and ideas ready to implement within your program.

Successful implementation requires partnerships across implementation and research in real-world contexts. Together, Harvard University and UNICEF will bring global experience from communities to policy makers, evidence and experts from around the world. Aisha Yousafzai (Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health) and Pia Britto (UNICEF) will introduce you to real-world experts in programs, policy and research including Dr. Marquita Davis, Deputy Director of Early Learning at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation speaking about Head Start; Dr. Christine Powell from the Caribbean Institute for Health Research at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica speaking about Reach Up; Sumitra Mishra, Executive Director of Mobile Creches speaking about Mobile Creches; Sabrina Habib, the Co-Founder and Chief Exploration Officer at Kidogo speaking about Kidogo; Ayah Younis, Writer and Illustrator in Jordan from Ahlan Simsim; Marie Louise Samuels, Former Director Early Childhood Development in the Department of Basic Education in South Africa speaking about Grade R, and Claudia Andrea Zamora Reszczynski, Specialist in the National Team of Chile Crece Contigo at the Ministry of Social Development and Family of Chile speaking about Chile Crece Contigo.

Expert affiliations are listed for identification purposes only.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Gain knowledge about the state of the science on effective interventions for early childhood development.
  • Learn what makes programs successful around the world in supporting early childhood development and why some programs fail.
  • Reflect on changes for your program, becoming familiar with the steps to design successful interventions that support early childhood development and understand what services you need to prioritize.
  • Explore strategies to enable widespread adaptation of quality programming and evaluate the effectiveness of your programming.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Aisha Yousafzai, recognized for their work in public health
Explores successful strategies for early childhood development
Examines real-world examples of effective early childhood development programs
Collaborates with experts from Harvard University and UNICEF
Provides guidance on designing and implementing successful early childhood development interventions
Requires prerequisite knowledge or experience in early childhood development

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Early Childhood Development: Global Strategies for Implementation with these activities:
Review "Human Development: A Lifecycle Approach"
Begin your early childhood development learning journey by reading through this introductory book on human development. It can provide you with the foundational knowledge necessary to better prepare yourself for the course materials.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first chapter of the book.
  • Summarize the key concepts and theories discussed in the reading.
  • Reflect on how these concepts connect to the course content.
Review: 'The Science of Early Childhood Development'
Enhance your understanding of the scientific foundation and research behind early childhood development.
Show steps
  • Read selected chapters or sections of the book.
  • Take notes on key concepts and findings.
Study Khan Academy's videos on early childhood development
Solidify your understanding of early childhood development by watching these engaging videos that explain the key concepts in an easy-to-understand format.
Show steps
  • Watch the videos on the following topics: brain development, cognitive development, social-emotional development, and language development.
  • Take notes on the key points discussed.
11 other activities
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Review of Core ECD Concepts
Review foundational knowledge in early childhood development to strengthen your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Read the recommended textbook sections on ECD theories and principles.
  • Attend a live or recorded webinar on ECD best practices.
Complete practice questions on early childhood development.
Test and strengthen your knowledge by completing practice questions. This will help you identify areas where you may need further review and improve your overall understanding.
Show steps
  • Identify reliable practice question resources.
  • Set aside dedicated time to complete the questions.
  • Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.
ECD Field Experience
Apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world ECD setting, gaining valuable practical experience.
Browse courses on Hands-On Learning
Show steps
  • Identify and contact ECD organizations or centers.
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities and schedule your involvement.
  • Actively participate in ECD activities, such as play-based learning, caregiver support, and program administration.
ECD Discussion Group
Engage with fellow learners to exchange ideas, share experiences, and deepen your understanding of ECD concepts.
Show steps
  • Join an online or in-person discussion group focused on ECD.
  • Participate in regular discussions, sharing your perspectives and asking questions.
Engage in peer discussions on course topics
Join a study group or participate in online forums to connect with your peers, discuss course materials, share insights, and seek clarification on topics.
Show steps
  • Identify dedicated time for study sessions.
  • Prepare discussion topics and questions.
  • Actively participate in discussions and contribute your perspectives.
Data Visualization for ECD Programs
Enhance your ability to analyze and present ECD program data effectively.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Enroll in an online tutorial or course on data visualization.
  • Practice creating charts and graphs using ECD data provided by UNICEF or other organizations.
ECD Resource Database
Compile a comprehensive collection of reputable resources, articles, and tools related to ECD to support your ongoing learning.
Browse courses on Evidence-Based Practices
Show steps
  • Conduct online searches and identify high-quality websites, research papers, and organizations.
  • Organize and categorize the resources based on specific ECD topics or themes.
ECD Program Design Plan
Apply your understanding of ECD principles and best practices to develop a comprehensive plan for an ECD program.
Show steps
  • Identify the target population and specific objectives of your ECD program.
  • Research and select evidence-based ECD interventions.
  • Create a detailed implementation plan, including timelines, resources, and evaluation strategies.
Create a blog or vlog about a specific topic in early childhood development
Express your understanding and expand your knowledge by creating a blog or vlog where you delve deeper into a particular aspect of early childhood development. Share your insights and engage with others.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic that interests you.
  • Research and gather information from reliable sources.
  • Write and record your blog post or vlog video.
  • Share and promote your content to reach a wider audience.
ECD Program Evaluation
Gain hands-on experience in evaluating the effectiveness of an ECD program.
Show steps
  • Identify an ECD program to evaluate.
  • Develop a comprehensive evaluation plan.
  • Collect and analyze data on program outcomes.
  • Write an evaluation report and present your findings.
Volunteer at a local early childhood education center
Gain practical experience and apply your theoretical knowledge by volunteering at an early childhood education center. Observe and interact with children, assist teachers, and support the day-to-day operations.
Show steps
  • Identify a reputable early childhood education center.
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities and requirements.
  • Commit to a regular volunteering schedule.

Career center

Learners who complete Early Childhood Development: Global Strategies for Implementation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Nanny
Nannies are responsible for the care and supervision of children in a private home setting. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Nanny, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as child development, nutrition, and safety.
Early Childhood Educator
Early Childhood Educators are responsible for the education and care of young children, typically in a daycare or preschool setting. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Early Childhood Educator, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as child development, curriculum development, and assessment.
Childcare Worker
Childcare Workers are responsible for the care and supervision of children, typically in a daycare or preschool setting. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Childcare Worker, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as child development, nutrition, and safety.
Head Start Teacher
Head Start Teachers are responsible for providing educational and developmental services to children from low-income families. This course can help prepare for a career as a Head Start Teacher, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as child development, curriculum development, and assessment.
Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric Nurses provide care to children from birth to adolescence. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Pediatric Nurse, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's health and well-being. The course will also cover important topics such as child development, nutrition, and safety.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help children with developmental delays or disabilities to improve their physical skills. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Physical Therapist, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as child development, assessment, and intervention.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help children with developmental delays or disabilities to improve their physical, cognitive, and social skills. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Occupational Therapist, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as child development, assessment, and intervention.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help children with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as child development, assessment, and intervention.
Developmental Psychologist
Developmental Psychologists study the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Developmental Psychologist, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as research methods and data analysis.
Child Psychologist
Child Psychologists provide therapy and counseling to children with mental health issues. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Child Psychologist, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as child development, assessment, and intervention.
Educational Researcher
Educational Researchers study the effectiveness of educational programs and interventions. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Educational Researcher, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as research methods and data analysis.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support and services to individuals and families in need. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Social Worker, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as child development, assessment, and intervention.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Policy Analyst, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as research methods and data analysis.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers oversee the implementation of programs and services for nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Nonprofit Program Manager, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as program planning, budgeting, and evaluation.
Teacher
Teachers provide instruction and support to students in a variety of settings. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Teacher, as it will provide an understanding of early childhood development and how to support children's learning and growth. The course will also cover important topics such as child development, curriculum development, and assessment.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Early Childhood Development: Global Strategies for Implementation.
This authoritative book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on early childhood development, covering key theoretical perspectives, emerging findings, and implications for policy and practice.
This guide provides valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers on how to effectively support early childhood development through evidence-based policies and programs.
This report presents compelling evidence on the importance of early childhood development for individuals, societies, and economies around the world.
Provides evidence-based recommendations for promoting positive early childhood development in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, and communities. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in improving the lives of young children.
This comprehensive handbook offers an in-depth overview of the field of early childhood intervention, including various models, approaches, and best practices.
Provides an introductory overview of early childhood education. It valuable resource for anyone who is new to the field of early childhood education.

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