Journal of East China Normal University(Educationa ›› 2019, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (3): 134-148.doi: 10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2019.03.012

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Home Visiting Program and Public Policies for the Early Childhood Development: Lessons from Brazil

Osmar Terra1, TANG Lei2, LI Ying2, ZHENG Wenting2, SHI Yaojiang2   

  1. 1. Ministry of civil and social action of Brazil;
    2. Center for Experimental Economics in Eucation, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
  • Online:2019-05-20 Published:2019-05-21

Abstract: The beginning of living systems sets the stage for every aspect of an organism's internal and external functioning throughout the lifespan and is the period when the brain has the greatest plasticity. Early childhood investments have the highest individual and social returns compared to later investments. Countries around the world have recognized the importance of establishing public policies for early childhood development (ECD). Among the middle-income countries, Brazil is one of the pioneers in such policies. Brazilian government launched a pioneering ECD program, PIM program, followed by a national ECD program, the Happy Child Program, and has set up a dedicated government department to fund and promote the program. This paper summarizes the lessons learned from Brazilian government's 15 years of experience in ECD projects, particularly its experiences in the home-visiting and the cross-sectoral collaboration. Specifically, there are three pillars for the program. First, the alliance of national and local governments. Such alliances are based on specific local characteristics and needs, with the long-term technical and financial support from the state, and through coordination of actions. The cross-sectoral collaboration strengthens the program by promoting the exchange and dissemination of successful experiences in specific areas. Second, community participation is critical. Community involvement promotes family involvement, awareness of the importance of ECD, and a network of joint efforts. Third, the family is the core element of the successful implementation of ECD projects.

Key words: early childhood development, PIM program, Brazil, public policy, home visiting