Consultative Group on Early Childhood Care and Development (CGECCD)

Collaboration and partnership define CG work to identify gaps and emerging areas of need and interest related to ECCD as well the dissemination of those results. This is done through the review of current practice and understanding and/or carrying out new piloting and action research on particular topics with the leadership and involvement of the donor and regional partners. Consortium members participate actively, and jointly take ownership of the knowledge that is generated through the "knowledge-networking" process.

For example, CG's flagship publication, the Coordinators' Notebook [PDF format], is linked to a networking process in which recipients are asked to: 1) contribute to it and 2) copy and distribute it to others in their personal knowledge networks. The Notebook comprises a focused, issue-based article, identified through feedback from partners and/or emerging gaps and priorities in the field. Each Notebook has a main article with related case studies, which draw upon experiences from around the world.

One medium for sharing a diverse global knowledge base on ECCD in a way meant to be accessible to a wide range of actors and stakeholders is the CG website. The site offers detailed information on particular aspects of ECCD (defined as concerning children ages 0-8 years), as well as working papers, case studies, reports written or commissioned by the CG consortium and regional partners and/or by the Secretariat, and online and printed resources. The website links to regional networks and websites and provides a public forum as well as a conference room for members only.

The CG also works to facilitate a broad-based global understanding of the critical importance of ECCD to social development and poverty reduction, advocating for improved investments, policies, and actions to support the holistic development of young children. Click here to learn more about the Group's specific advocacy messages, and its advocacy work in specific areas intersecting with ECCD, such as HIV/AIDS, climate change, and emergencies.

One outgrowth of CG's effort to strengthen national and regional capacities for knowledge sharing and advocacy is the CD-ROM "Programming Resources for Early Childhood Care and Development". Created by CGECCD in collaboration with The World Bank Institute and produced in partnership with Aga Khan Foundation, Bernard van Leer Foundation, Christian Children's Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the resource kit offers tools for developing a wide range of programmes to strengthen support for young children, their families, and communities wherever children are living in poverty and at risk of impeded development. The CD-ROM is designed to support the work of development professionals, programme planners, trainers, policymakers, and child advocates. Two sections of the resource include videos, slide shows, and fact sheets aimed at raising awareness about the need for attention to ECCD.

In-person information exchange also characterises CG's work. Members have given presentations at key fora and meetings, and have offered substantive input into processes such as the development of the Education for All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report. Also, each year the CGECCD gathers for a Consultation, which is designed around an agreed-upon theme that is seen to be critical and timely in the field of ECCD. During the Consultation, all CG partners, the Secretariat, the Executive Board, and other invited and interested individuals and organisations working on the agreed-upon theme come together to review, reflect upon, debate, and (eventually) synthesise current practices, gaps, and issues on the selected topic. Thematic discussion papers and/or background materials are prepared and shared at the meeting. Out of the discussions and review of what is happening (or not) on the ground, specific publications are prepared - most commonly, the Coordinators' Notebook. In addition, new topics and future themes are identified.

Early Childhood Education and Development.