Child-Centered, Democratic, Pre-school Classrooms: The Step by Step Approach
For over 25 years, the Step by Step Program, flagship initiative for Early Childhood Education reform of the Open Society Foundations, has implemented a democratic child-centered classroom approach where families and children are placed at the heart of the pedagogical practice. For everyone to take advantage of the multiple benefits such a program delivers, ISSA is offering the comprehensive guide Child-centered Democratic, Pre-school classrooms: The Step by Step Approach specially addressed to early childhood educators and pre-school staff who work with children aged from 3 to 6 years.
Throughout its six chapters, the book provides both the theoretical background and the practical tools to implement evidence-based, high-quality practices that facilitate young children’s development and learning regardless of the national context. The book dives into everything from how to build strong partnerships with families and communities, strengthening their role as educators, to how to set the stage for active learning. A thorough explanation of the Step by Step approach is provided, detailing the promotion of a democratic, inclusive and respectful culture in the classroom- and outdoors- in which each child’s identity is reinforced. In addition to this, the reader is provided with a detailed methodology on the implementation and development of Step by Step competences in all areas of knowledge: Mathematics, Language and Literature; Civic and Culture; Science; Creative Arts; Technology and interactive media competences; Physical competences as well as tips on specific practices.
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Engaging Men in Nurturing Care A Roadmap for Systemic Change
The Engaging Men in Nurturing Care: A Roadmap for Systemic Change provides a practical, evidence-informed framework for strengthening men’s and fathers’ involvement in early childhood care and development. Developed through the EMiNC initiative, the Roadmap responds to persistent gender inequalities in caregiving, where structural barriers—such as limited leave policies, workplace norms, and service design—continue to limit fathers’ participation. It highlights the critical role of engaged fatherhood in improving child development outcomes, supporting family well-being, and advancing gender equality across societies.
Grounded in a multi-level, systems-based approach, the Roadmap outlines how change can be driven simultaneously across policies, services, workplaces, communities, and public narratives. It offers actionable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, training institutions, and civil society actors to transform professional practices, engage fathers directly, adapt parenting programmes, and influence workplace and policy environments. Drawing on tested interventions from across Europe, it combines research, practical tools, and real-world examples to support context-specific adaptation and scaling.
Ultimately, the Roadmap positions father engagement not as a standalone issue, but as a key lever for systemic change. By promoting shared caregiving, challenging gender norms, and building strong cross-sector partnerships, it contributes to more inclusive, responsive early childhood systems. It calls for coordinated action across sectors to create the enabling conditions in which all caregivers can participate fully—ensuring better outcomes for children, families, and society as a whole.
Published in:
2026
Organization(s):
International Step by Step Association,
Language:
Engaging Men in Nurturing Care A Roadmap for Systemic Change
The Engaging Men in Nurturing Care: A Roadmap for Systemic Change provides a practical, evidence-informed framework for strengthening men’s and fathers’ involvement in early childhood care and development. Developed through the EMiNC initiative, the Roadmap responds to persistent gender inequalities in caregiving, where structural barriers—such as limited leave policies, workplace norms, and service design—continue to limit fathers’ participation. It highlights the critical role of engaged fatherhood in improving child development outcomes, supporting family well-being, and advancing gender equality across societies.
Grounded in a multi-level, systems-based approach, the Roadmap outlines how change can be driven simultaneously across policies, services, workplaces, communities, and public narratives. It offers actionable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, training institutions, and civil society actors to transform professional practices, engage fathers directly, adapt parenting programmes, and influence workplace and policy environments. Drawing on tested interventions from across Europe, it combines research, practical tools, and real-world examples to support context-specific adaptation and scaling.
Ultimately, the Roadmap positions father engagement not as a standalone issue, but as a key lever for systemic change. By promoting shared caregiving, challenging gender norms, and building strong cross-sector partnerships, it contributes to more inclusive, responsive early childhood systems. It calls for coordinated action across sectors to create the enabling conditions in which all caregivers can participate fully—ensuring better outcomes for children, families, and society as a whole.
button[src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/694724257114b734f4bb749a/6985cfd8a00c77551ab945be_SoF%20Report%20Updated_Sept2025.pdf"][label="Download in English"]
Published in:
2026
Organization(s):
International Step by Step Association,
Language:
Supporting families for nurturing care: Training resource package for home visiting practices
This training package equips trainers of home visiting professionals with essential knowledge, skills, and tools to deliver consistent, high-quality pre-service and in-service training.
Developed by UNICEF ECARO and the International Step by Step Association (ISSA), it builds on almost ten years of collaboration and earlier home visiting modules (2017–2025). The goal is to strengthen home visiting as a key community health service supporting families from pregnancy to early childhood.
The package includes three guides: General Overview, Foundational Training, and Extended Training, each offering adaptable materials such as session plans, slides, and handouts based on nurturing and family-centered care.
It combines two main areas: (1) programmatic knowledge on child development, health, nutrition, and parental wellbeing, and (2) practical skills such as communication, relationship building, observation, problem-solving, and cultural responsiveness.
Grounded in adult learning principles, the training encourages reflection, peer learning, and practical application, fostering the professional growth of trainers and home visitors while improving the quality of home visiting services.
Trainer Guide: General Overview
Trainer Guide: Foundational Training
Trainer Guide: Extended Training
button[src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/694724257114b734f4bb749a/6985cff74ab2bbd98fabe605_SUPPORTING%20FAMILIES%20FOR%20NURTURING%20CARE%20Training%20Resource%20Package%20for%20Home%20Visiting%20Practices_0.pdf"][label="Download the Resource Package"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-Guide%201.General%20Overview-2.0.pdf"][label="Trainer Guide: General Overview"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-Guide%202.Foundational%20training-2.0.pdf"][label="Trainer Guide: Foundational Training"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT_2025_PowerPoints_Day_I%20-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT_2025_PowerPoints_Day_I%20-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20II-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20II-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20III-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20III-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20IV-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20IV-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20V-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20V-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-Guide%203.Extended%20training-2.0.pdf"][label="Trainer Guide: Extended Training"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET%20Day%20I-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET%20Day%20I-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET_Day%20II%20merged-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET_Day%20II%20merge-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET_Day%20III%20merged-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET_Day%20III%20merge-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"]Published in:
2025
Organization(s):
ISSA, UNICEF ECARO
Language:
Contact:
Ayca Alayli, aalayli@issa.nl