December 2018 – The UNICEF Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean developed an ‘Essential Components Framework’ (ECF) for UNICEF Country Offices and partners, to guide planning and coordination processes and to advance child care and family support interventions, from a dual perspective: the life course and multi-sectoral and multi-level linkages.
The conditions and interventions described are designed to help all young children (especially newborns, babies, and those with developmental disabilities) with the recognition that families are key actors that provide timely early intervention, offer an early learning environment, and create a receptive and protective family environment. Families need ongoing guidance and support and community-based follow up to support their child’s development and integration.
The framework is available in English and Spanish from UNICEF’s website.