Community-based Infancy Initiative

The initiative seeks to maximize children’s potential by ensuring their wellbeing and optimal development in the first years of life, and specifically in infancy (birth-3). This is in view of the lifelong impact of this critical period on cognitive, emotional and social development, and consequently on future social mobility.

The responsibility for early childhood services in Israel is currently divided between several government ministries, without coordination to ensure continuity. The efforts to address this issue have gained momentum following the establishment of the Early Childhood Council, whose goal is to advance inter-ministerial policies.

Joining this drive, the Infancy Initiative takes part in defining the basic services that are necessary for optimal development of infants and toddlers, while increasing awareness of the importance of investing in this age group.

The initiative aims to generate systemic change in how infancy is perceived and handled, with the local authority taking a leading role. Its comprehensive approach connects the caregivers (parents, educators and professionals) through shared language, and makes effective use of community resources to answer the needs of children and parents – from universal services such as family health centers and daycare, to specialized solutions for populations with special needs.

A key element of the model is forming an integrative framework at the municipal level headed by an early childhood director, to promote coordination and cooperation between all areas of activity:

• Parents – multi-disciplinary work with parents and families
• Daycare settings – implementing standards to improve education and care
• Professionals – developing a common language for all early childhood personnel

Partners

Government | Local authorities | Philanthropy