Workshop on Human Potential (Pia Britto, Yale)

Abstract: Globally the interest in early childhood development is growing, fueled by the evidence that programs and services for young children and families are the most effective and efficient approach to alleviating poverty and achieving equitable social development.  However the situation of young children around the world is unacceptable with over 200 million children under 5 years of age not achieving their developmental potential.  Required is a systematic approach to developing, implementing and scaling up quality services and programs.  This focus of this talk is on exploring the mechanisms of governance that are required to strengthen national systems of early care, education, health, nutrition and protection in low and middle-income countries.

Walker, S.P., Wachs, T.D., Grantham-McGregor, S., Black, M.M., Nelson, C.A., et al. (2011), Inequality in early childhood: risk and protective factors for early child development , The Lancet, 378, 1325-1338

Engle, P.E., Fernald, L., Alderman, H., et al. (2011). Strategies for reducing inequalities and improving developmental outcomes for young children in low-income and middle-income countries, Lancet, 378, 1339-1353

Britto, P. R., & Ulkuer, N. (2012). Child development in developing countries: Child rights and policy implications. Child Development. 83(1),92-103.

Britto, P.R., Yoshikawa, H., & Boller, K. (2011). Quality of Early Childhood Development Programs in Global Contexts: Rationale for Investment, Conceptual Framework and Implications for Equity. Social Policy Report. Vol. 25, No. 2

Britto, P.R., Yoshikawa, H., van Ravens, J., Ponguta, L.A., Oh, S.S., Dimaya, R., Seder, R.C. (in press). Understanding governance of early childhood development and education systems and services in low income countries. Florence, Italy: Innocenti Research Center Working Paper Series

Bio: Pia Rebello Britto, Ph.D. is known for her leadership in the area of international early childhood policy and programs. She has worked in over 40 low and middle income countries developing integrated systems and policies for early childhood.  She has investigated the role of governance and finance of national systems in achieving equity, access and quality.  Dr. Britto has also been involved in several early intervention program evaluations in Africa and Asia. Other aspects of her international work include the conceptualization of a measurement model for quality early childhood services, measuring and implementing the school readiness paradigm, understanding the most effective programmatic approaches to support parenting and non-formal approaches to support early language and literacy development.  Dr. Britto is also involved in research examining the relationship between early childhood and peace building.  Nationally, within the United States, Dr. Britto is known for her scientific work on young children's early literacy development, and on understanding issues of identity development of Muslim and Arab children.  Dr. Britto obtained her doctoral degree in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.  She is the recipient of several national and international grants and awards in recognition for her work and has published numerous books, articles, chapters and reports, and has presented extensively at conferences, meetings and workshops (academic and non-academic) around the world.