Early Child Development: Investing in the Future. Directions in Development.

Early childhood programs have been shown to enhance school readiness, increase the efficacy of investments in primary schools and human capital formation, foster beneficial social behavior and, thereby, lessen social welfare costs, and promote community development. The World Bank has directed investment toward young children, including supporting immunizations, basic health care, prenatal care, and nutrition services. This report provides an overview of programs around the world targeting children from birth to age eight. Covering both theory and practice, the sections are (1) "The Case for Early Intervention," including the scientific basis, socioeconomic returns, and policy implications; (2) "Approaches to the Development of Young Children," covering program design options and working with nongovernmental organizations and other agencies; (3) "Paying for Child Development Programs"; (4) "Educating Parents"; (5) "Training Caregivers"; (6) "Delivering Services to Children"; (7) "Reforming Formal Education Systems to Include Preschoolers"; and (8) "Educating through the Mass Media." Contains 103 references. (BGC)