with caregivers and other children, and participation of nonwork-
ing mothers.Optimized Development.Programs should optimize development of
sensory pathways during all periods of early child development
(infancy, toddlerhood, and young children). Environments should
be healthy and have adequate resources for reading and “play-
based learning.” If properly designed, play-based learning is actu-
ally problem-based learning—one of the best strategies for brain
development and for learning.An Integrated Approach. Home visiting is useful for augmenting
center-based ECD initiatives. Integration of ECD programs with
primary schools is important and, logically, kindergartens should
become part of ECD centers.The three important principles for improving early child develop-
ment as set out by Ludwig and Sawhill (2006) are:
- Intervene early.
- Intervene often.
- Intervene effectively.
These three principles are in accordance with allof the evidence
on early child development—from neuroscience, biology, population
health, and behavioral and social science. The data and findings from
the many and various ECD interventions worldwide convey the same
message.
Investing in Early Child Development:
The Rationale and the Returns
Investing in early child development mustbe a major objective in all
regions of the world, to:
- Reduce the proportion of populations living in poverty
- Improve equity in literacy, health, and income
Scientific Underpinnings of the Importance of ECD in a Global World 79