1-090 - Equity in Early Development and Learning: Evidence from Low and Middle Income Countries

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Despite increases in global investments in early development and learning, massive inequities still remain. Disparities in children’s development begin in the first months of life and continue to grow as children progress toward formal schooling. This symposium provides evidence across 7 low and middle income countries to illustrate how early child development and learning interventions may be disproportionally benefiting some children, and the need for alternative models to address such disparities.

Paper 1 provides evidence from the first study in a low and middle income country on the impact of genetic differential susceptibility on the interaction effect on child outcomes. Findings from this unique South African longitudinal study show a significant gene x intervention impact on infant attachment security.

Paper 2 presents findings from a South African longitudinal evaluation identifying key socio-demographic factors rendering some children as benefiting more from an early literacy intervention.

Paper 3 investigates the longitudinal association between early centre-based care and child outcomes in a Chilean panel survey, and furthermore, that this association varies significantly by children’s vulnerability.

Paper 4 presents findings from 5 low and middle income countries on the need to shift away from traditional forms of centre-based early childhood care and development programmes and towards alternative models in order to maximize effects of quality early learning.

By identifying and understanding key factors that contribute to the creation of a socially partitioned world, can we begin to address inequalities between advantaged and disadvantaged families that, without assistance, become entrenched and perpetuated across generations.

Sub Unit

• Diversity, Equity & Social Justice

Chair

• Celia Hsiao, Save the Children South Africa

Individual Presentations

• Genetic Differential Susceptibility to an Attachment Intervention in a Low and Middle Income Country: Implications for Equity - Presenting Author: Mark Tomlinson, Stellenbosch University; Pasco Fearon, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London; Robert Kumsta, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany; Drik Moser, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany; Peter Cooper, University of Reading; Lynne Murray, University of Reading; Sarah Skeen, Stellenbosch University; Greg Moran, Western University; Barak Morgan, University of Cape Town

• Learning Equity and Early Literacy: Evidence from Literacy Boost in a South African Longitudinal Study - Presenting Author: Celia Hsiao, Save the Children South Africa; Namasina Zulu, Save the Children; Suzanne Wessels, Save the Children; Thabo Mokoena, Save the Children; Lebohang Mokoena, Save the Children; Phepheng Xaba, Save the Children; Etienne Bramley, Save the Children

• Does Centre-Based Care in Toddlerhood Promote Equity in Child Development? - Presenting Author: Marigen Narea, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile

• Alternative Early Childhood Care and Development Models to Impact Early Learning Inequities - Presenting Author: Lauren Pisani, Save the Children; Jonathan Seiden, Save the Children