Publications & Reports

Browse editions of our journal, Early Childhood Matters, and our Early Childhood in Focus series, along with other selected publications and reports. All are free to download or read online.

Transit oriented development: how to make inclusive cities

Transit-Oriented Development, or TOD, is an approach to designing "complete neighbourhoods" in which people can connect efficiently to services and activities through quality public transport, walking and cycling. By integrating… Read more

Child & caregiver mental health: Using data to make progress

This policy brief explores the current state of knowledge on the mental health of children and their caregivers. It looks at three factors – the determinants of mental health, factors… Read more

Countdown Global Mental Health 2030: Using Data to Inform Action

This report sets out the background of the Countdown Global Mental Health 2030 project, explaining the data gap in mental health, how Countdown 2030 was developed, and how it can… Read more

Seizing opportunities, strengthening synergies: Lima frames a collective strategy to advance early childhood development, 2019–2021

This case study shows how the mayor of Lima, Peru, directed the metropolitan government’s Social Development Department and a small interdisciplinary team of architects and social scientists (1) to identify… Read more

Early Years Starter Kit

The Early Years Starter Kit is designed to help municipal or national governments and their partners understand the value of investing in their youngest inhabitants and the people who care… Read more

Policy brief: Air Pollution in Early Childhood

Air pollution causes long-lasting damage to young children. During pregnancy, for example, pollution is almost as bad for the foetus as smoking. As children grow up, their developing brains and… Read more

Advocacy efforts in Brazil to extend the recognition of children's rights in early childhood

This case study analyses how years of advocacy by civil society – with a focus on the Bernard van Leer Foundation’s partner, RNPI (National Network of Early Childhood) – contributed… Read more

By design: the thinking behind Uruguay Crece Contigo – Betting on the power of personal connection

The second part of a two-part case study exploring the decision-making process of Uruguayan political leaders when creating Uruguay Crece Contigo (“Uruguay grows with you”), a national programme on early… Read more

Cuna Más: Peru’s home visiting programme evolves into a comprehensive early childhood development strategy

The second part of a two-part case study looking at Peru’s early childhood development programme Cuna Más. After the first part looked at the initial expansion of Cuna Mas, this… Read more

By design: the thinking behind Uruguay Crece Contigo – Planners mull ambitious early childhood model in Chile

The first part of a two-part case study exploring the decision-making process of Uruguayan political leaders when creating Uruguay Crece Contigo (“Uruguay grows with you”), a national programme on early… Read more