News

Marking International Roma Day with the CHAVORE Quest

This year, we are marking the day with the launch of the CHAVORE Quest, an interactive, multilingual experience available in five CHAVORE languages. The Quest introduces a new way of supporting children’s mental health, well-being, and inclusion inviting users to explore, reflect, and learn through a more playful and participatory format.

ISSA Launches ECD Institute

Stepping Into a New Era for Early Childhood Join a Locally Rooted, Regionally Connected and Globally Relevant Movement In September, ISSA will launch an early childhood institute — a vibrant destination where early…

Top Five Myths About Child Participation—And What It Really Means

Making Space for Children's Voices Doesn't Mean Giving Up Yours As the concept of child participation gains traction in education, health, and social work as well as among parents, so do the misunderstandings. For many adults, whether…

Democracy Starts in Early Childhood

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…

Making Space for Their Voices: A Preschool Teacher in Slovakia Reflects

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…

What Is Child Participation—And Why It Matters from the Very Start

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…

Empowering Teacher Self-Learning Group Leaders Across Europe through Soft Skills Development

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…

Caring for the Caregivers: Why Mental Health is Central to Early Childhood Development

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…

From the Very Start: Centering Mental Health in Early Childhood

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…

Play, Community, Belonging: Mia’s Journey to the Play Hub

“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…

Vacancy: ISSA Seeks a Finance Officer

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…

Welcoming Carpathian Foundation Slovakia to the ISSA Network

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…

INVAC Tools Advance Equity and Professionalisation for Roma Paraprofessionals

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…

Resource Centers Transform Kindergartens into Inclusive Learning Hubs for Children in Moldova

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…

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 listening—really listening—to the communities themselves.

Celebrating International Roma Week with New CHAVORE Project Launch

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…

Celebrating International Roma Day 2025

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

International Roma Day 2025

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…

A Global Call to Action: Elevating the Early Childhood Workforce Together

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…

Caring for Those Who Care: Voices from the Field on Psychological First Aid in Early Childhood

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…

Innovative Approaches to Supporting Young Children and Families in Vulnerable Situations

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…

Championing Equity and Mental Health in Early Childhood - Voices from the Field

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…

A New Era of Care: Engaging Fathers in Nurturing Roles

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,…

CHAVORE News: It Takes a Child to Raise a Village: The Power of Child Participation

February 17, 2025

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.

It Takes a Child to Raise a Village: The Power of Child Participation

February 17, 2025

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…