Strengthening systems for integrated early childhood development services: A cross-national analysis of governance

Pia Rebello Britto, Hirokazu Yoshikawa, Jan van Ravens, Liliana Angelica Ponguta, Maria Reyes, Soojin Oh, Roland Dimaya, Ana María Nieto, Richard Seder

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

While there has been substantial growth in early childhood development (ECD) services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is considerable inequity in their distribution and quality. Evidence-based governance strategies are necessary, but currently they are insufficient for widespread, quality implementation. In particular, there is a limited understanding of the use of systems approaches for the analysis of ECD services as they go to scale. The aim of this paper is to present findings from four countries, using a cross-national case study approach to explore governance mechanisms required to strengthen national systems of ECD services. While different sets of governance strategies and challenges were identified in each country, overarching themes also emerged with implications for systems strengthening. Study results focus on local, mid-level and central governance, with recommendations for effective coordination and the integration of ECD services in LMICs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)245-255
Number of pages11
JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume1308
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • Coordination
  • Early childhood
  • Governance
  • Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
  • Systems strengthening

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • History and Philosophy of Science

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