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The Effects of Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programs on the Socio-emotional Well-being of Children and Caregivers in Refugee and Forced Displacement Settings

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  • Maria Estela Armijo Martinez
  • Tina Asnake Belaynehe

Abstract

Early childhood is a crucial period for skills development and socio-emotional growth. Forcibly displaced children experience significant trauma, necessitating effective interventions. This paper examines the effect of Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs on the psychosocial and socioemotional well-being of forcibly displaced caregivers and children between the ages of 0 and 8 years through a systematic literature review and key informant interviews. Findings indicate the crucial links between parents’ mental well-being and children’s development. Despite challenges, ECD interventions show promising outcomes and fill important gaps to build developmental foundations and school readiness. ECD interventions must be well designed, target both the caregivers and the child, and be culturally sensitive, child-friendly, and trauma-informed. The recommendations here focus on sustaining impact, leveraging technology, securing sustainable funding and advocating for sustained investments in the early years in fragile and conflict settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Estela Armijo Martinez & Tina Asnake Belaynehe, 2025. "The Effects of Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programs on the Socio-emotional Well-being of Children and Caregivers in Refugee and Forced Displacement Settings," Education Working Papers 196698, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:hdgewp:196698
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    1. Monteiro Amaral,Sofia Fernando & Dinarte Diaz,Lelys Ileana & Dominguez,Patricio & Perez-Vincent,Santiago M., 2021. "Helping Families Help Themselves ? Heterogeneous Effects of a Digital Parenting Program," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9850, The World Bank.
    2. Bean, Tammy M. & Eurelings-Bontekoe, Elisabeth & Spinhoven, Philip, 2007. "Course and predictors of mental health of unaccompanied refugee minors in the Netherlands: One year follow-up," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(6), pages 1204-1215, March.
    3. Ruth Speidel & Emma Galarneau & Danah Elsayed & Shahdah Mahhouk & Joanne Filippelli & Tyler Colasante & Tina Malti, 2021. "Refugee Children’s Social–Emotional Capacities: Links to Mental Health upon Resettlement and Buffering Effects on Pre-Migratory Adversity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-17, November.
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