Ecuador approves National Early Childhood Plan

The government of President Daniel Noboa has approved the National Early Childhood Plan to support the development and well-being of children from gestation to age six. The policy was developed by the Ministry of Labor and Human Development (MTDH) in coordination with various state institutions and local governments.

The plan is structured around nine axes, including 28 policy lines and 109 strategic actions. Five strategic pillars are based on the international framework of ‘Affectionate and Responsive Care’, focusing on health, nutrition, receptive attention, early learning opportunities, and protection and security. Additional support axes address governance, institutional capacity, and financing.

The development of the plan involved 606 representatives from civil society, academia, and state entities, as well as parents and caregivers. Technical support was provided by UNICEF, the World Bank, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Inter-American Development Bank.