Early childhood is a time of immense potential—when the foundations for health, learning, and well-being are laid. Yet for many young vulnerable children across Europe, this critical stage is shaped by deep-rooted inequities: poverty, exclusion, limited access to services, and systemic discrimination.
In response, ISSA members and partners across Europe have developed innovative approaches and solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children and families in vulnerable situations. These initiatives address real challenges with flexible, inclusive, responsive, and often community-led approaches. Promising practices are documented in the REYN Early Childhood Research Study, developed by ISSA under the Romani Early Years Network initiative.
Bringing services closer: flexible, accessible, community-based support
Several initiatives stand out for how they bring essential services directly to families—overcoming barriers such as distance, distrust, or a lack of culturally responsive approaches.
TOY for Inclusion, coordinated by International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI), has pioneered the use of Play Hubs—safe, welcoming spaces for children and families that promote learning through play and strengthen community bonds- in several European countries that have collectively served over 40,000 children, 18,000 caregivers, and 2,000 professionals since 2017. Its mobile Play Hubs, reach families in isolated or informal settlements, ensuring even the hardest-to-reach children aren’t left behind. In Rome, Associazione 21 luglio leads one such hub, offering inclusive play experiences and linking Roma families with local services.
In line with its vision, the Kosovo Education Center (KEC) has supported both community- and school-based learning centers through various projects. These initiatives aim to assist Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian children by providing homework support, facilitating school-family mediation, and offering community-based preschool services. Read the full story here: Innovative Approaches to Supporting Young Children and Families in Vulnerable Situations
Health and well-being: laying foundations for a strong start
Recognizing that good health is essential for a strong start in life, some initiatives focus on removing barriers to care and promoting equity from birth.
In Belgium, LEVL’s Good Practices for Caravan Dwellers brings mobile vaccination, postnatal support, and health outreach to families living in temporary settlements—ensuring continuity of care where access is often disrupted.
In Slovakia, Healthy Regions—a program led by the Ministry of Health—improves access to health services and information in Roma communities. ISSA’s Healthy from the beginning recommendations, developed with European and national partners, promote early childhood health strategies tailored to marginalized populations.
These efforts mark a shift toward inclusive, preventive approaches that build trust with communities historically left out of public systems.
Creating inclusive pathways in education
Access to inclusive, high-quality early education is essential for breaking the cycle of exclusion. Across Europe, ISSA members are advancing models that support participation and belonging for Roma children.
In Hungary, the Inclusive Kindergartens for Quality Education of Roma initiative—led by the Municipality of Józsefváros with Partners Hungary and the Rosa Parks Foundation—reaches more than 1,000 children in 11 kindergartens, actively working to end segregation and promote inclusion.
Croatia’s Open Academy Step by Step leads culturally responsive initiatives such as Language-Friendly Environment for Roma Children, which supports early learning in Roma languages, and Buna Zua! Kum Ješć?, a course that reconnects Roma adults with the Byash language and culture.
Building the future, today and together
These initiatives show what’s possible when systems are designed with, and for, the communities they serve. When services are high-quality, accessible, inclusive, and rooted in trust and respect, they can open doors to brighter futures.
The path forward is clear: invest early, act locally, and build inclusively—so that every young child has the chance to thrive.
Photo from the Romani Early Years Network (REYN)
