Nurturing care framework for inclusive early childhood development: opportunities and challenges

Area of Science:

• Child Development
• Public Health
• Neurodisability

Background:

• The Nurturing Care Framework (NCF) for Early Childhood Development (ECD) presents opportunities and challenges for child neurodisability professionals.
• International conventions, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, provide a framework for progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the NCF and its context within inclusive ECD.
• To identify avenues for innovation and collaboration for neurodisability professionals.
• To align clinical, scientific, and advocacy agendas with the NCF.

Main Methods:

• This paper is an overview and conceptual analysis.
• It synthesizes information on the NCF, ECD, and disability rights.
• It identifies strategic engagement pathways for neurodisability professionals.

Main Results:

• Enhancing alignment between health systems and human rights is a key avenue.
• Neurodisability professionals engaging with nurturing care as leaders, partners, and implementers is crucial.
• Professional participation and leadership can significantly enhance the quality and impact of ECD interventions.

Conclusions:

• A rights-based framework for inclusive ECD, involving young children with disabilities and their families, is strongly encouraged.
• Neurodisability professionals have a vital role in advancing the NCF's goals.
• Collaboration between health systems and human rights frameworks can optimize ECD outcomes.