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.

Building a better society: new ISSA Member Humankind invites collaboration

February 12, 2025

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…

Press Release on International Day of Education: Moving Minds Alliance and International Step by Step Association Urge Integrating Human Connection into AI-Driven Early Childhood Education Innovation in Humanitarian Settings

January 24, 2025

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

January 21, 2025

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…

Strengthening Professional Development: Recap of the PIQET Final Dissemination Event

January 21, 2025

On December 18 2024, the International Step by Step Association (ISSA), in partnership with ISSA Members, the Educational Research Institute (Slovenia) and Open Academy Step by Step (Croatia), hosted the final dissemination event for the Principles…

New PIQET Handbook Empowers Educators with High-Quality Professional Development

December 30, 2024

The PIQET Handbook for Continuous Professional Development of Educators is now available in English, Croatian, and Slovenian, offering a valuable resource for professionals dedicated to improving the quality of early childhood…

New PIQET Training Program Strengthens Professional Learning for CPD Educators

December 13, 2024

A comprehensive new training program is now available to support CPD educators—the trainers, mentors, and facilitators who design and deliver professional learning for early childhood and primary school educators. The PIQET…

Workforce Transformation: Preparing Early Childhood Professionals for Inclusive Education

December 11, 2024

Training for Change: Voices from the Field on Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Early Childhood as a Path for a More Inclusive and Democratic Future A transformative event unfolded in Warsaw, Poland, this past November, where 28 dedicated early…

Driving Change: Engaging Men in Nurturing Care in Southern Europe

December 9, 2024

The Engaging Men in Nurturing Care (EMiNC) initiative is making significant strides across Europe, with teams in Portugal, Spain, and Italy leading efforts to engage fathers in caregiving and challenge gender norms. By working with…

Fatherhood and Paternity Leave Policies: Unpacking Progress and Challenges at the Policy Roundtable

November 26, 2024

What does it take for fathers to play an active role in their child’s early years? Are today’s policies doing enough to support them—or do they fall short? On November 21, 2024, a dynamic panel brought together leading voices to explore these…

Insights and Reflections from the "Future Pathways for Playful Parenting" Workshop

November 25, 2024

Building on initiatives championed by the LEGO Foundation and UNICEF, this fall we hosted Future Pathways for Playful Parenting, an interactive and collaborative workshop. Bringing together over 35 experts, practitioners, and advocates, the event…

A Shared Vision for Early Childhood Development: Reflections on ISSA Conference 2024

November 1, 2024

Last week, Sofia, Bulgaria, transformed into a dazzling epicenter of innovation and inspiration as the ISSA Conference 2024 brought together passionate advocates for Early Childhood Development (ECD). Proudly co-hosted by ISSA and our Bulgarian…

Europe’s young children deserve better

October 8, 2024

As Europe steps into a new phase of leadership, we at ISSA urge the European Union to seize the unique opportunity and meet its obligations to place children, especially the youngest and the most vulnerable, at the very center of its policy…

WOMEN Delcevo: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in North Macedonia

September 19, 2024

The Organization WOMEN Delcevo, based in Delcevo, North Macedonia, is a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable women and children, particularly victims of domestic and gender-based violence and children from marginalized…

The Healing Power of Play: A Pathway to Resilience

September 12, 2024

In the heart of Vinnytsia, Central Ukraine, amidst the ongoing conflict, a small yet powerful sanctuary exists within the walls of Kindergarten No. 30. This is not just a typical classroom or playground; it’s a beacon of hope, resilience, and…

Introducing the Early Learning Initiative: A New Member of the ISSA Network

September 11, 2024

We are pleased to welcome the Early Learning Initiative (ELI) to the ISSA Network. Based in Dublin, Ireland, ELI has been addressing educational challenges in marginalized communities since 2006 through effective home visiting and parental support…

Reimagining Early Childhood Education for a Democratic Future: A conversation with the authors of Early Childhood Education in Social and Political Transitions

September 10, 2024

The International Step by Step Association (ISSA) and Georgetown University’s Center for Child and Human Development, invite you to an inspiring webinar, featuring the co-authors of the new open-access book, Early Childhood Education in Social and…

Professionalizing Early Learning Workforce: Insights from Africa and Arab Regions

September 10, 2024

On July 23, 2024, early childhood development experts from across Africa, the Arab regions, and beyond convened for a pivotal Cross-Regional Webinar. The event, organized by the Africa Early Childhood Network (AfECN) and the Arab Network for Early…

ISSA Thematic Workshop: Future Pathways for Playful Parenting

September 3, 2024

Watch the recordings below Main workshop Breakout Room | Supporting Professionals Breakout Room | Implementation Research Breakout Room | Engaging Men Welcome to our virtual playful parenting playground, rich with possibilities…

4E-PARENT project advocates for men engagement in early years in Italy

August 21, 2024

Increased involvement of fathers in nurturing care for children from birth onwards is an important societal concern that can offer many benefits to the child, the father, and the mother alike. This is the central driving force of the partners in the…

The participation of fathers in Italy - Report by ISSA Member Centre for Child Health and Development

August 15, 2024

In October 2023, ISSA Member, Centre for Child Health and Development (Centro per la Salute del Bambino) released a report titled “The participation of fathers in ‘the first thousand days’ The Italian situation in Europe”. It [AL1] explores…

Unlocking the Power of Playful Parenting: Insights, Resources, and Events

At ISSA, we are passionate about empowering parents, educators, and service providers to create enriching, joyful environments where children can thrive. Playful parenting is more than just fun and games. It is a comprehensive approach to child-…

Playful Parenting Series | 21 Joyful Learning Activities for Babies and Toddlers: A Simple Playful Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Buckle up for a delightful journey into the world of play with your little ones! From tiny newborns to curious toddlers, every playful moment is an opportunity to nurture their development and create lasting bonds. This guide, inspired by resources…

Playful Parenting Series | Nurturing Resilience Through Play Among Migrant and Refugee Families

Since its inception, the "Parenting on the Move" (PoM) program has been a beacon of hope for migrant and refugee families, empowering parents to foster resilience, well-being, and education for their children amidst the challenges of migration and…

Playful Parenting Series | The Key to Engaged Fatherhood

In today's evolving societal roles, a father’s journey as a full-time caregiver to his two daughters shines as a powerful example of how playful parenting and engaged fatherhood can profoundly impact the parent-child relationship. Anne Çocuk Eğitim…