Early Childhood Development Programmes are often seen as a cost-effective 'innoculation' against poverty. This briefing suggests that there is little evidence to support this, even in well-resourced programmes. Indeed, the under-resourcing of many ECD programmes in poor countries means that, for the foreseeable future, their greatest contribution may be in providing a safe place for children while parents work and consistent care for particularly vulnerable children.
Frances Hill with Caroline Harper & Rachel Marcus