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.
Annual Report 2020
The Bernard van Leer Foundation’s Annual Report 2020 is now available in an interactive online format. With stories from our focus countries and learning partnerships, the Annual Report explores our… Read more
Supporting urban childhoods
Observations on caregiver use of public spaces from Pune (India) and Istanbul (Turkey) share spatial knowledge from a research initiative done in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and the… Read more
An Urban95 Starter Kit - ideas for action
Based on learnings gathered from Urban95 initiatives across the world, this Urban95 Starter Kit serves as a starting point to help cities understand the value of investing in their youngest… Read more
An Evaluation of Mother Tongue Based Early Learning and Parents+ (MTELP+) Programme
The Mother Tongue Based Early Learning and Parents+ Programme ran from 2016 to 2021 (having been extended due the COVID-19 pandemic) in the state of Odisha, India – a partnership… Read more
Early Childhood Matters 2020
Front and centre of this year’s Early Childhood Matters are resounding calls to action from global leaders and experts to ensure that young children, families, frontline workers and cities continue… Read more
State of the young child in India
One of the first comprehensive studies on young children in India, this report is aimed at practitioners, policymakers, influencers and researchers. It looks at the current state of children’s physical… Read more
Designing Streets for Kids
Designing Streets for Kids sets a new global baseline for designing urban streets with a focus on the specific needs of babies, children, and their caregivers. Read more
Making a Joyful Noise: The Potential Role of Music Making in the Well-Being of Young Families
Music supports family well-being especially when made or enjoyed together. This report highlights the value, impact and scaling potential of music and sustainable music interventions/programmes throughout the world. … Read more
Emerging Early Childhood Inequality: Poverty and Future Academic Achievement
Economic inequality in Israel is among the highest in the OECD countries, and there are also high levels of inequality in educational outcomes. In this research paper, Dana Vaknin, Professor… Read more
Early Childhood Matters 2019
Anyone working to make life better for babies, toddlers and their caregivers will find knowledge and inspiration in this 2019 edition of Early Childhood Matters. Authors of the 32 articles… Read more