The first module of the Executive Leadership Program in Early Childhood Development was held between August 14th and 18th at Harvard University, in Cambridge, United States. The initiative seeks to promote the training of leaders committed to the full development of children between 0 and 6 years old in Brazil. The program is carried out by Núcleo Ciência Pela Infância (NCPI) in partnership with the School of Public Health at Harvard University, under the academic leadership of Marcia Castro and Aisha Yousafzai, and with the Center for Management and Public Policies at Insper, under the academic leadership of Naercio Menezes and Priscila Borin Claro.

 

“One of the basic assumptions of the program is the strong belief that children represent not only our present, but are also the protagonists of the sustainable future that we desire”, says professor Priscila. “The foundation of the program is the Comprehensive Child Care and Attention Model, which proposes five interrelated and indivisible components of care: good health, adequate nutrition, safety and protection, responsive care and learning opportunities. By focusing our attention on children’s overall development and investing in strong health, education, and well-being, we are ensuring that children are fully prepared to face the challenges that may arise throughout their lives.”

 

This year’s edition is made up of 3 modules: the first, which just took place at Harvard University; the second, which will be carried out remotely to mature the action plan initiated by the participants at Harvard; and the third, which will be based at Insper, in São Paulo, in November 2023.

 

The program, which already has a successful track record, brings together scientific knowledge, inspiring case studies, contemporary trends and practical activities designed to train participants in implementing initiatives that promote the healthy development of children in their early stages of life. With an immersive approach, participants are guided to make informed decisions and optimize the use of available resources to improve and promote policies and programs aimed at early childhood.

 

This year, the program’s registrations were not open to the general public. All vacancies were filled exclusively through an invitation made to leaders nominated by NCPI partner organizations and who dialogue with state and federal management of policies, programs and practices aimed at early childhood. Participants of this year have diverse profiles, comprising leaders from the public sphere, civil society, academia and communication, all engaged in the management and implementation of policies, programs and practices aimed at early childhood. The audience includes 10 representatives from seven states in the North, Northeast, South and Southeast regions, 12 federal leaders from different ministries and agencies, a representative from the federal judiciary, three state and federal parliamentarians, two communications professionals, six academics and eight representatives from civil society.

 

The Executive Leadership Program in Early Childhood Development transcends borders, connecting more than 600 participants from different areas of activity and different regions of Brazil, as well as from ten other countries. Throughout its existence, the program has held nine international editions and two domestic editions, consolidating itself as a meeting point for the exchange of knowledge and experience in favor of the development of Brazilian children.

 

Founded in 2011, the Núcleo Ciência Pela Infância (NCPI) plays an important role as a coalition that aims to generate and disseminate scientific knowledge about early child development, seeking to promote and qualify programs and public policies aimed at children in situations of social vulnerability. The NCPI is made up of six organizations — David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, USP School of Medicine, Bernard van Leer Foundation, Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal Foundation, Insper and Porticus América Latina.