The benefits for the child:

  • Early detection of risk of developmental delays or disabilities. Children have rapid brain development and neuroplasticity in their early years. Consequently, ECI services have lifelong effects and help achieve the child's full potential in all areas of development.

  • ECI promotes healthy development. This can include good health, nutrition, and hygiene as well as perceptual, cognitive, language, motor, socio-emotional, and adaptive skills.

  • Better school readiness. ECI facilitates inclusion in general pre-primary education, adaptation to inclusive educational settings, with less school dropout and grade repetition, and better future educational outcomes.

  • Better opportunities later in life. Inclusion in ECI services and inclusive education can lead to higher chances of participation in society and employment.

The benefits for the family:

  • Prevention of abandonment and institutionalisation by supporting the creation of sustainable and secure child-parent relationships.

  • Parents empower their children by building on their knowledge and skills on child development and care.

  • Increased confidence and a sense of control over their lives. Parents learn how to be active partners and advocate to ensure their child’s needs are met.

  • Less stress and anxiety for the parents and better relationships within the family unit by engaging and supporting the whole family.

  • Break the family cycle of poverty and social exclusion. When parents (and particularly mothers who are often the main carers) see positive outcomes in their child's development, they become empowered and many return to their usual rhythm of life, work and/or education.

The benefits for the public:

  • Preventative approach. ECI services reduce support and expensive rehabilitation services the child would have needed in the future, and thus they reduce pressure on public healthcare, education, and social protection services.

  • Resilient communities. Communities that prioritise ECI are more future-oriented and provide supportive environments for children and young people as they grow up.

  • Less social exclusion. ECI helps reduce risks for children to attend special education, repeat grades and those related to early parenthood, and incarceration.

  • Positive contribution to society. ECI fosters better academic achievement, educational progression and attainment, and labour market success.

  • Equity. ECI helps to create a more equal, mature, and harmonious society.