Since the early 1990s, the Open Society Foundations have supported early childhood development, recognizing it as a prerequisite for sustainable political and social change—with a focus not only on young children, but on parents, caregivers, and the wider community.
This report commemorates the Open Society Early Childhood Program, which, from its inception in 1994 to its conclusion in 2020, advanced the rights of young children by supporting ambitious initiatives and advocacy to reshape early childhood development practices and institutions, on the one hand, and scale up the power and capacity of civil society groups, on the other. In addition to an in-depth timeline of the program’s accomplishments, this report also features commemorations from Open Society Foundations Global Chair and Founder George Soros and Early Childhood Program Advisory Board Chair Phyllis R. Magrab.
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Early Childhood and Open Society: Creating Equitable and Inclusive Societies (32.78 Mb pdf file)
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Why Investing in Early Childhood Matters
The early childhood years offer an unparalleled opportunity to alleviate the effects of social disadvantage and to break cycles of poverty and inequality.
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A Brighter Future for Refugee Kids, Through Learning and Laughter
Syrian refugee children—now living in uncertain conditions in multiple countries—are in dire need of both educational and psychological support. A new and unique partnership is trying to help.
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Helping Teachers Create More Inclusive Classrooms
Although the inclusive education movement has more supporters than ever, turning theory into practice can be the hardest part. A new initiative seeks to help teachers by giving them practical advice.