Explore ECED-FLN Policy Documents

Browse ECED-FLN reports, policy papers, and resources from across Africa.

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PDF 2026
Impact of the UNICEF Caring for the Caregiver Intervention on Mental Health, Social Support, and Parenting Stress: A Six-Country Pre-Post Evaluation

This study evaluates the UNICEF Caring for the Caregiver intervention across six low- and middle-income countries. Delivered by frontline workers via home visiting, the intervention improved caregiver self-efficacy and social support while reducing depression, anxiety, and parenting stress.

early childhood development parenting support low- and middle-income countries
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Administrator · 0.76 MB 2
PDF 2026
The School Readiness Toolkit: Tracking Developmental Journeys for South African Preschools

A practical bilingual toolkit designed for South African preschools to track early childhood development across six domains aligned with the National Curriculum Framework and ELDAs. It provides phase-by-phase milestones from birth to Grade R, observation logs, and handover protocols for educators.

school readiness early childhood development South Africa
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Administrator · 0.19 MB 2
PDF 2026
Measuring Gross Motor Skills in African Children Using the PERF-FIT

This study establishes culturally valid normative data for the PERFormance and FITness test battery (PERF-FIT) among 2,604 African children aged 6 to 12. The open-source tool allows educators and clinicians in low-resource settings to effectively assess motor performance and detect motor delays.

early childhood development Africa assessment
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Administrator · 1.01 MB 2
PDF 2026
Financing the Foundations: Public Investment in Early Childhood Development in East and Southern Africa

This UNICEF policy note examines public financing and expenditure for early childhood development across East and Southern Africa. It analyzes spending gaps, budget tracking challenges, and the alignment of fiscal allocations with the Nurturing Care Framework.

early childhood education early childhood development education policy
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Administrator · 2.62 MB 2
PDF 2026
Childcare for Informal-Sector Workers: Delivery Models, Access, and Welfare

This study evaluates the impacts of workplace- and community-based childcare models on female market vendors and early child development in Kampala, Uganda, using a randomized controlled trial. It finds that subsidized childcare improves child development outcomes and boosts women's earnings and well-being, highlighting key trade-offs between delivery models.

early childhood development childcare Uganda
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Administrator · 1.15 MB 2
PDF 2026
Treatable Birth Defects and Early Childhood Disability in Africa: Challenges in Surveillance and Care

This article examines the public health challenges of untreated birth defects like clubfoot across Africa, highlighting data gaps, early diagnosis, and the lifelong barriers to education and opportunity faced by children with disabilities.

early childhood development inclusive education Africa
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Administrator · 1.02 MB 2
PDF 2026
Responsible Engaged and Loving (REAL) Fathers Scale Up: Annual Learning Convening 2026 Report

This report summarizes the 2026 learning convening on Uganda's REAL Fathers program, which mentors young fathers of children aged 0-3 to prevent family violence and promote early childhood development through play.

early childhood development play-based learning father engagement
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Administrator · 3.59 MB 3
PDF 2025
SmartStart 2023 Programme Evaluation

This evaluation report assesses the impact and quality of SmartStart, South Africa's national early learning social franchise model. It examines child developmental outcomes using the Early Learning Outcomes Measure (ELOM), program quality assurance (PQA), and practitioner support systems in underserved communities.

foundational learning early childhood development early learning programmes
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Administrator · 1.38 MB 2
PDF 2025
Strengthening Families to Prevent Family Separation in Eastern and Southern Africa

This UNICEF report examines strategies and care systems to prevent family separation and strengthen families in Eastern and Southern Africa, supporting child wellbeing and development.

child protection early childhood development social services
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Administrator · 9.04 MB 2
PDF 2025
Thrive by Five Index 2024: National Findings

This report presents national findings from the 2024 Thrive by Five Index, a major cross-sectional study tracking early childhood development and learning outcomes among preschool children in South Africa.

early childhood development early learning programmes South Africa
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Administrator · 2.38 MB 2
PDF 2025
Parent and Caregiver Engagement in Kenya: Gaps, Opportunities, and Emerging Questions for Future Research

This helpdesk brief explores how educational technology can enhance parent and caregiver engagement to support learning continuity in Kenya, particularly in hard-to-reach and crisis-affected communities. It examines barriers, gender dynamics, and potential approaches for capacity building and home-based learning.

foundational learning early childhood development educational technology
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Administrator · 2.98 MB 2
PDF 2025
Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Survey on Primary Healthcare Workers' Knowledge

This study assesses primary healthcare workers' knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders among children in Abuja, Nigeria. Findings reveal poor identification and management capacity, highlighting critical implications for early childhood development and intervention in low-resource settings.

early childhood development disability inclusion Nigeria
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Administrator · 0.7 MB 2