Olusanya, Bolajoko O, Wright, Scott M, Smythe, Tracey, Khetani, Mary A, Moreno-Angarita, Marisol, Gulati, Sheffali, Brinkman, Sally A, Almasri, Nihad A, Figueiredo, Marta, Giudici, Lidia B et al (show 9 more authors)
(2024)
Early childhood development strategy for the world’s children with disabilities
Frontiers in Public Health, 12.
1390107-.
ISSN 2296-2565, 2296-2565
Abstract
Early childhood is foundational for optimal and inclusive lifelong learning, health and well-being. Young children with disabilities face substantial risks of sub-optimal early childhood development (ECD), requiring targeted support to ensure equitable access to lifelong learning opportunities, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Although the Sustainable Development Goals, 2015–2030 (SDGs) emphasise inclusive education for children under 5 years with disabilities, there is no global strategy for achieving this goal since the launch of the SDGs. This paper explores a global ECD framework for children with disabilities based on a review of national ECD programmes from different world regions and relevant global ECD reports published since 2015. Available evidence suggests that any ECD strategy for young children with disabilities should consists of a twin-track approach, strong legislative support, guidelines for early intervention, family involvement, designated coordinating agencies, performance indicators, workforce recruitment and training, as well as explicit funding mechanisms and monitoring systems. This approach reinforces parental rights and liberty to choose appropriate support pathway for their children. We conclude that without a global disability-focussed ECD strategy that incorporates these key features under a dedicated global leadership, the SDGs vision and commitment for the world’s children with disabilities are unlikely to be realised.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | developmental disabilities, early childhood development, global strategy, school readiness, inclusive education, nurturing care framework, Sustainable Development Goals, twin track approach |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Jul 2024 10:13 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Feb 2026 15:00 |
| DOI: | 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1390107 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1390107 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3182484 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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