ABSTRACT
Substantial evidence across disciplines – from neuroscience to economics – indicates that the early years of a child’s life (until age 8) are critical for optimal development. This chapter frames the book by laying out key definitions and frameworks for early childhood development and humanitarian emergencies. It explains how humanitarian emergencies affect the youngest children. The chapter identifies four key impacts of emergencies on young children: a weakened protective and caring environment, an increase in physical health risks, an increase in mental health risks, and reduced cognitive development. Yet, there are many ways to counteract these impacts through early childhood development (ECD) in emergencies programming. This can include, for example, child-friendly spaces that provide opportunities to learn, play, and heal from the difficulties children have faced and integrating care and stimulation into health and nutrition services. ECD in emergencies programming can also target adults – parents and caregivers – to improve their own psychosocial well-being and provide them with the knowledge, tools, and social support networks to give the best care for young children. While humanitarian emergencies pose significant challenges to young children, appropriate care and support can enable them to survive and flourish.
