Early childhood education represents the initial stage of basic education and is a constitutional right for all Brazilian children. Quality education during this period is critical, setting the foundation for skill acquisition and abilities that positively influence future learning stages, including literacy and lifelong education. Conversely, when early childhood education lacks quality, it can detrimentally affect a child’s development.

Early childhood education was chosen as one of the priority theme areas for action because it is a fundamental stage for girls and boys to develop, experience all the richness of the early years, and prepare for the following stages of learning. The Foundation advocates for accessible daycare for those in need and preschool for all children, ensuring quality and equity.

The family unit, in its various forms, is the cornerstone of a child’s development, where parenting—the relationship between adults and children—plays a pivotal role. From pregnancy, the provision of care, stimulation, and affection is crucial and can profoundly impact a child’s present and future. Therefore, the Foundation champions the strengthening of caregivers and the support of families, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances.

Children’s development is often hindered by exposure to adversity and risk factors such as poverty, food insecurity, and violence. Public policies that assist adults in their caregiving roles are essential for addressing these challenges. Examples include cash transfer programs, parental empowerment initiatives, and the promotion of child development through evidence-based strategies like home visits and educational campaigns. Alguns exemplos são os programas de transferência de renda, fortalecimento parental e promoção do desenvolvimento infantil com o uso de estratégias baseadas em evidência, como visitas domiciliares e campanhas de comunicação. 

Monitoring each child’s progress is crucial for providing tailored support to ensure they reach their full potential. To achieve this, establishing a robust care network capable of tracking, screening, and fostering child development is essential. This network must collaborate closely with caregivers to keep them informed, engaged, and empowered regarding the necessary stimuli, incentives, and support each child requires to discover themselves and explore the world from the start.

Currently, most data in Brazil’s primary databases focus on survival indicators, such as mortality rates, or biological measurements, like weight and height, neglecting crucial developmental milestones. This gap hinders the crafting of effective public policies designed to address the myriad inequalities that begin to manifest in early childhood. Recognizing the importance of this area, the Foundation has prioritized Early Childhood Development Assessment as a key thematic focus, adhering to the principle that what cannot be measured cannot be improved. Essa insuficiência de informações é um obstáculo para o planejamento de políticas públicas efetivas que possam atuar contra as inúmeras desigualdades que aparecem desde a primeira infância. A Fundação elegeu a Avaliação do Desenvolvimento Infantil como um de seus campos temáticos de atuação. Afinal, o que não se pode medir, não se pode melhorar.