The foundations of democracy are not built in parliaments, but in classrooms, playgrounds, and family homes. In today’s increasingly polarized world, nurturing democratic values from the earliest years is essential. 

During a recent ISSA Member Meet-Up, early childhood experts, professionals and advocates came together to explore how democracy is lived in early learning environments and advanced through effective advocacy. 

Highlights from our discussions: 

1. Democracy in the early years is foundational 
From the earliest years, children are capable of experiencing and practicing democracy. Daily routines in early childhood settings, like turn-taking, making choices, resolving conflicts, co-creating rules and learning about the consequences of choices, can be powerful tools for developing agency, empathy, and a sense of responsibility. Values like empathy, cooperation, fairness, and participation are learned, not inherited.  

2. Embedding democratic values in pedagogy 
Organizations like Centrul Step by Step in Romania demonstrate how democratic principles can be woven into educational practice. Through inclusive group dynamics and respectful communication, children learn not just about democracy, but through it. 

3. Advocating for democratic early childhood systems and the early years as vital for democratic renewal 
Democracy in early childhood isn’t only about classroom practice, it’s also about public policy. Participants stressed the importance of reframing early childhood development from being seen merely as care to being recognized as the bedrock of democratic societies. Advocacy efforts must emphasize inclusion, children’s rights, and long-term investment in equitable early childhood systems. 

ISSA Members Meet Ups continue to offer a vital space for shared learning and collaboration. These exchanges empower members to deepen their impact, locally and globally, by placing democratic values at the heart of early childhood development.