24-06-2025
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…
20-06-2025
A Preschool Teacher in Slovakia Reflects on What Child Participation Really means in Practice
When I first came across the concept of child participation, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, and even felt slightly defensive in…
01-06-2025
Understanding a rights-based, relational approach to listening to young children
Even if you’ve never heard the term child participation, chances are, you’ve already practiced it. Whether you’re a parent giving your child choices about their…
28-05-2025
We are excited to share updates from the Erasmus+ project “Soft Skills for High Quality Education”, led by ISSA Member Institute of Educational Sciences (ERI) in Slovenia. Running from November 2023 to July 2026, the project brings together ISSA…
22-05-2025
When we speak about young children’s development, we often focus on learning, play, and stimulation. But at the heart of a child’s thriving lies something even more foundational: the well-being of their caregivers.
Warm, responsive…
22-05-2025
Mental Health Awareness Month offers a timely reminder that mental health starts not in adolescence or adulthood—but from the earliest days of life. For young children, mental health is not simply the absence of illness. It’s the foundation for…
19-05-2025
“Today,
Mia and her mom are going on an adventure.
They are visiting a place called Play Hub.
Mia’s mom heard about it from a friend,
and she is very excited.
Mia is happy too:
a new adventure and a new place.”
In the heartwarming illustrated…
12-05-2025
The International Step by Step Association (ISSA) is a vibrant international network that connects professionals and non-profit organizations working in the field of early childhood development. Established in the Netherlands in 1999, ISSA’s…
09-05-2025
Roma paraprofessionals—working as assistants, mediators, and community liaisons—play a crucial role in supporting Roma children’s access to equitable early childhood education and care. Yet, they often face limited access to structured training…
09-05-2025
We’re thrilled to welcome Carpathian Foundation Slovakia as a new member of the ISSA Network. For over three decades, the organization has worked to build stronger, more inclusive communities — reaching nearly half a million people, including…
