News

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

“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…

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…

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…

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…

In this new initiative implemented by ISSA Member Step by Step Moldova, 150 Early Education Institutions (EEIs) across the Republic of Moldova are being transformed into Resource Centers—safe, inclusive spaces where all children, including those…

What does it take to create real, lasting change that ensures the well-being of young Roma children and allows them to grow toward promising futures? It starts with listening—really listening—to the communities themselves.

CHAVORE: A Groundbreaking Approach to Supporting Roma Children's Well-Being  What does it take to create real, lasting change that ensures the well-being of young Roma children and allows them to grow toward promising futures? It starts with…

This International Roma Day, we spotlight the reality for many Roma children—and the urgent need for change.

Would you agree every child deserves a fair start in life? This International Roma Day, we spotlight the reality for many Roma children—and the urgent need for change. ?️ Watch the video ? Share it ? Be part of the movement Khetaun sam…

On March 20, 2025, the Early Childhood Workforce Initiative (ECWI) brought together regional networks, policymakers, donors, and global experts for a powerful and timely Global Dialogue on the Early Childhood Workforce. With voices from across the…

This article showcases the experiences of early childhood professionals who took part in ISSA’s Foundational Training on Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Trauma-Informed Practices with Young Children and their Caregivers developed with ISSA Member…

Creating inclusive and sustainable practices is essential for ensuring that young children and families in vulnerable situations receive the support they need. At the Kosova Education Center (KEC), we have been dedicated to fostering…

At the end of February, ISSA members from Europe and Central Asia came together for a timely discussion on the mental health and well-being of early childhood professionals, under the Early Childhood Workforce Initiative. The panel comprised Marina…

How to foster a culture of fatherhood where more men and fathers are increasingly engaged in caring for their children from a young age?   This was the question at the heart of a compelling panel discussion hosted by ISSA’s Program Manager,…

We pour enormous resources into policies, infrastructure, and funding to build stronger societies—but we overlook one of the most powerful forces for change: children. Not just as future adults, but as young active participants shaping their communities, even during their early years.

We pour enormous resources into policies, infrastructure, and funding to build stronger societies—but we overlook one of the most powerful forces for change: children. Not just as future adults, but as young active participants shaping their…

For over four decades, Humankind Kinderopvang en -ontwikkeling (childcare and development) has been a pioneer in childcare and child development in the Netherlands. From its inception in 1983 as a childcare organization, Humankind has evolved into a…

On this International Day of Education, the Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) and the International Step by Step Association (ISSA) have released a joint statement on the importance of integrating human connection into AI-driven early childhood education…

Introducing VCOK: A New Member of the ISSA Network We are delighted to welcome VCOK, a Belgian training center specializing in parenting, as a new member of the ISSA network. Rooted in the belief that "it takes a village to raise a child," VCOK’s…