The objectives of the ECD PLUS project were as follows: The main aim of the project was promoting innovation: to support a partnership initiative aimed at promoting innovation in the education of young children, their parents, and teachers, including the exchange of experiences between partners. The overall goals were professional development of ECD workforce: to strengthen and support the continuous professional development of the ECD workforce, particularly those working with young children from socially disadvantaged environments and their parents, introducing new teaching methodologies: providing pilot training on new teaching methodologies for use in both formal and non-formal educational settings across Europe, enhancing early learning and interaction: targeting to increase access to multi-sectoral services for parents and children, including prenatal care, and enhancing early learning and parent-child interaction. A subsidiary goal was the engagement of authorities: engaging local municipal and national authorities in each country in the project's implementation to ensure short-term effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
The project addressed specific educational needs in the ECD sector. We saw it as a strategic initiative to bring about meaningful and lasting changes in the way education is delivered and experienced. Key points included: Early Brain Development: Acknowledging that 90% of a child's brain capacity develops before the age of 5, yet those serving young children were often undervalued, underpaid, and inadequately prepared. Increasing Recognition of ECD Services: Despite the growing global recognition of ECD services, there was still insufficient attention to the early years workforce, which plays a critical role in influencing children’s learning and development. Professional Development: The need for professional development programs for the ECD workforce, considering their diverse backgrounds and experiences, to impart essential knowledge and skills. Systematizing Approaches: Addressing the limited efforts to systematize the various approaches across the entire workforce, especially for those working with disadvantaged families and young children. Recognizing that in many regions, home visits, a vital component of early child support, were not reaching the most vulnerable or tailored to specific family needs.