News - First Years First Priority

What is child participation in early years and how it contributes to a democratic society?

Blog by Dr Naomi Feely; Policy Director of Eurochild’s member Children’s Rights Alliance. At the start of 2025, a new Programme for Government …

The early years: where democratic values take root

In this blog ISSA’s Program Director, Mihaela Ionescu, shows how the early years quietly lay the foundations for democratic life. When does learning …

A Cohesive Start: How Romania Is Building a Democratic, Inclusive Early Childhood System

In 2025, Romania continued to move forward in strengthening its early childhood system, but the most notable progress came from the steady, coordinated …

Early Childhood in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025: Incremental Progress Amid Systemic Gaps

In 2025, early childhood education in Bosnia and Herzegovina moved forward through a series of programme-level initiatives and policy dialogues that, while not …

Feeding for the Future: Prioritising Healthy Food Environments in the Early Years

Children’s diets should not be dictated by profit. Nutritious food in early childhood is a right, a measure of social justice, and the …

Time for a dedicated EU stream of action on support to families?

Family support: from goal to lived reality across Europe. Blog by Elizabeth Gosme, COFACE Families Europe Director Recent research of the Horizon Europe …

Prioritising young children’s mental health and well-being in vulnerable communities: integrated approaches and best practices

Mental health in early childhood is increasingly recognised as a foundation for lifelong well-being, learning, and social inclusion. Yet in many vulnerable communities …

Fatherhood from Birth: A Critical Missing Piece in ECD Policy

The early years of a child’s life are a crucial period for brain development, emotional regulation, and social well-being. Yet despite strong evidence …

Italy Invests in Parenting Support with New National Programme to Prevent Child Poverty and Promote Early Development

An update from the Italian National Coordinator Centro per la Salute delle Bambine e dei Bambini. Within the National Program to promote inclusion …