{"id":171487,"date":"2025-11-13T14:58:29","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T20:58:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/?p=171487"},"modified":"2025-11-24T15:56:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T21:56:53","slug":"challenges-for-early-childhood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/cities-and-prosperous-communities\/challenges-for-early-childhood\/","title":{"rendered":"Researchers Examine the Challenges Facing Early Childhood Development in Latin America Over the Next Decade"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What are the most pressing challenges in Latin America to ensure that children grow up in safe, nurturing, and equitable environments? Academics and experts from leading universities specializing in early childhood research<\/a> gathered to reflect on the region\u2019s key issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They participated in the panel titled The Early Childhood Agenda in Latin America: Gaps and Priorities for the Next 10 Years<\/em>, held during the third edition of the International Early Childhood Forum<\/a>, organized by the Center for Early Childhood<\/a> at Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey and the FEMSA Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discussion, moderated by Manuel P\u00e9rez<\/a>, director of the Center, featured researchers from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University, New York University, Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, and the Pontificia Universidad Cat\u00f3lica de Chile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the most urgent challenges identified by the experts for the early childhood agenda over the coming decade are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Promoting Research and the Use of Evidence in Public Policy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Milagros Nores<\/a>, a researcher from Rutgers University, emphasized the importance of generating contextualized evidence through research to understand early childhood development across the region. Through projects and tools such as longitudinal surveys and population-level assessments, researchers have been able to identify the gaps that Latin American children face in their early years and how these gaps evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDevelopmental gaps emerge early, persist over time, and tend to be wider in countries with greater inequality in the region,\u201d Nores explained. \u201cWe need to understand how much these gaps matter, when they begin, and where we need to intervene. There are opportunities to weave together policies and programs and strengthen them by using research to show us what matters, where we\u2019re going, and how we get there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NIEER professor pointed out that Latin America already has examples of early childhood programs that have proven to be effective, offering high returns on investment. However, despite this existing evidence, it is essential to assess the quality of program implementation to identify which components are most effective, for which populations, and under what conditions. This approach will also help generate region-specific knowledge to guide long-term policymaking\u2014without relying solely on models developed in other contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\r\n \r\n \"\"\r\n <\/picture>
Milagros Nores emphasized the importance of generating evidence within the region to guide better decision-making in favor of early childhood. (Photo: Alejandro Salazar \/ TecScience)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Improving the Assessment and Monitoring of Educational Quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carolina Maldonado<\/a>, a professor at Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, noted that for years, educational quality has been measured primarily through factors like infrastructure, teacher-to-student ratios, or academic indicators. However, when it comes to early childhood development, she argued that a better approach focuses on evaluating the quality of daily interactions and experiences children have within educational centers\u2014what she called the \u201cheart\u201d of quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnsuring access to early education does not guarantee quality\u2014and quality is what truly matters for children\u2019s development,\u201d she said. While early education is one of the most influential contexts for child development, countries in the region still lack sufficient data to determine what is being done well and what needs improvement in early learning environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maldonado, a psychologist \u2014and Global Visiting Faculty in the Center for Early Childhood\u2014, also pointed out that less than 8% of published research on human development comes from the \u201cmajority world\u201d\u2014the regions where most of the world\u2019s children actually live. This means that many of the theories, models, and tools used in Latin America originate in very different contexts and may not reflect the region\u2019s priorities or specific needs. For this reason, there is an urgent need for evaluation and monitoring mechanisms that help generate local evidence to foster stimulating and equitable learning environments, with high-quality interactions from the earliest years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jorge Cuartas<\/a>, a professor at New York University, explained that child development unfolds within an environment shaped not only by cultural and social contexts, but also by natural and physical ones. Climate change has a multifaceted impact around the world, creating risks linked to temperature, air quality, water, and soil. These environmental disruptions can affect the natural and ecological landscape and lead to mass displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and even school closures\u2014all of which disrupt the daily lives of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese are ecosystem-level changes, and we have good reason to believe they could ultimately impact early childhood development,\u201d he said. \u201cWe already have evidence of how climate change affects biological systems and people\u2019s physical health. But a question our research group has been exploring is: What evidence exists on the impact of climate change on children\u2019s cognitive, social, and emotional development?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By combining data from household surveys, climate information, and assessments of child development, Cuartas and his team have found that climate anomalies\u2014such as heatwaves\u2014have negative effects on early childhood development, particularly in vulnerable and high-risk settings. For example, extreme heat has been shown to increase levels of domestic violence, which in turn harms children’s well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also a researcher at Universidad de los Andes, Cuartas emphasized the need for more applied research projects and compelling narratives that drive action and support the design of interventions to confront the challenges posed by climate change and its effects on early childhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\r\n \r\n \"\"\r\n <\/picture>
The panel unfolded in two segments, where researchers discussed the challenges children and their families face in achieving full developmental potential. (Photo: Alejandro Salazar \/ TecScience)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Understanding Latin American Family Contexts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Marigen Narea<\/a>, a professor at the Pontificia Universidad Cat\u00f3lica de Chile, highlighted the critical role that families play in early childhood development and the importance of strengthening them. Since 2019, her team has been tracking over a thousand families in Santiago to better understand the type and quality of care children receive, as well as the enabling factors and barriers families face within the Latin American context, where challenges such as inequality, violence, and social crises are common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have longitudinal studies showing that developmental differences emerge very early on. For example, we\u2019ve found disparities between children whose mothers have only a primary education versus those whose mothers have a university degree,\u201d she explained. \u201cIn another nationally representative study, we aimed to go beyond simply labeling a family as \u2018vulnerable.\u2019 We need to understand what vulnerability actually means. Each family is different and faces unique circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through these studies, her team identified two key factors that help reduce developmental gaps: the mental health of caregivers and stimulation within the home. She noted that when these areas are compromised, there\u2019s a greater risk of negative behaviors in children and reduced learning opportunities. In response, her team has developed intervention programs to support families by helping reduce depression and parental stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Revaluing and Strengthening Educators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eduardo Escall\u00f3n<\/a>, a professor at Universidad de los Andes, spoke about the critical role teachers play in early childhood development through early education. Society has long held the belief that to be a good teacher, all one needs is charisma, passion, intuition, affection, patience, and goodwill. However, Escall\u00f3n emphasized that teaching is a specialized profession that demands knowledge of child development, pedagogical skills, and ongoing training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBeing a teacher is a profession\u2014it\u2019s learned in universities and requires specialized knowledge and specific skills,\u201d he said. According to Escall\u00f3n, teachers are the driving force behind child development through the high-quality interactions that help reduce toxic stress and foster the neural connections that shape brain architecture. They are the ones who can turn early education classrooms into nurturing environments filled with positive and meaningful experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But achieving this requires elevating the status of teachers through fair working conditions and opportunities for continuous professional development\u2014not just through evaluations, but with support networks and expert feedback. For Escall\u00f3n, Global Visiting Faculty in the Center for Early Childhood, investing in the ongoing education of teachers is also an investment in the present and future of childhood, since they are the adults who spend the most time with young children during the most critical years of their development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Closing Governance Gaps and Securing Stable, Sufficient Funding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ernesto Trevi\u00f1o<\/a>, a researcher at the Pontificia Universidad Cat\u00f3lica de Chile, pointed out that one of the major gaps in Latin America\u2014when comparing early childhood protection systems and public policies\u2014is the lack of integration. Programs targeting young children often operate in silos, becoming burdensome for families. It\u2019s as if each service\u2014health, education, and social development\u2014were designed for a different child. This fragmentation, he explained, stems largely from a lack of intersectoral governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe see heterogeneity in quality that stems from varying standards and oversight, especially in decentralized models. In federal countries, when responsibilities are passed down to municipalities, it often creates these gaps,\u201d Trevi\u00f1o said. \u201cWe also face limited access to protection, care, and early education services. In rural areas, there\u2019s a lack of longitudinal evaluations and standardized monitoring systems. Most children live in certain regions, but the research often comes from elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trevi\u00f1o emphasized that a major challenge lies in financing. Public investment in early childhood tends to be insufficient, and funding is often unstable due to political transitions. Achieving true integration, he argued, requires governance structures capable of supporting multiple, coordinated, and interconnected interventions, as well as long-term planning. Context matters too\u2014there are no one-size-fits-all solutions, and policies must be tailored to meet the diverse needs of each territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, he called on the academic community to take a more active role in influencing public policy: to view policymakers as allies, work alongside them, and not become discouraged when immediate impact isn\u2019t visible. \u201cPersist, offer support, and bring knowledge to the table,\u201d he urged, \u201cso we can drive meaningful action in favor of early childhood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\r\n \r\n \"\"\r\n <\/picture>
The panel focused on key priorities for the early childhood agenda over the next 10 years. (Photo: Alejandro Salazar \/ TecScience)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the opening of the International Early Childhood Forum, Guillermo Torre<\/a>, rector of TecSalud, emphasized that one of the main goals of such gatherings is to promote research and collaboration among universities, which should serve as catalysts for change\u2014bringing together diverse fields of knowledge and disciplines to influence public policy and help shape a better future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf we truly want to create a more just world, we have to start in the earliest years,\u201d he said. \u201cWe can\u2019t talk about a better future for people and communities unless we create more justice and opportunities beginning in childhood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you find this story interesting? Would you like to publish it? Contact our content editor to learn more: marianaleonm@tec.mx<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Policies and programs for children in Latin America often rely on evidence generated in Global North contexts, where children\u2019s needs differ significantly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":47,"featured_media":171514,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[559],"tags":[391,479],"class_list":["post-171487","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cities-and-prosperous-communities","tag-center-for-early-childhood","tag-international-early-childhood-forum"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat are the most urgent challenges for early childhood in Latin America? | TecScience<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Researchers from leading universities in early childhood studies reflected on the most pressing challenges in Latin America to ensure children\u2019s full developmental potential.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/cities-and-prosperous-communities\/challenges-for-early-childhood\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Researchers Examine the Challenges Facing Early Childhood Development in Latin America Over the Next Decade\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Researchers from leading universities in early childhood studies reflected on the most pressing challenges in Latin America to ensure children\u2019s full developmental potential.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/cities-and-prosperous-communities\/challenges-for-early-childhood\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"TecScience\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-11-13T20:58:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-24T21:56:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/challenges-for-early-childhood.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"750\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Ricardo Trevi\u00f1o\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Ricardo Trevi\u00f1o\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tecscience.tec.mx\\\/en\\\/cities-and-prosperous-communities\\\/challenges-for-early-childhood\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tecscience.tec.mx\\\/en\\\/cities-and-prosperous-communities\\\/challenges-for-early-childhood\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Ricardo Trevi\u00f1o\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tecscience.tec.mx\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/d0ed5b5fa0ab2c4754211e4addf201dc\"},\"headline\":\"Researchers Examine the Challenges Facing Early Childhood Development in Latin America Over the Next Decade\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-13T20:58:29+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-24T21:56:53+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tecscience.tec.mx\\\/en\\\/cities-and-prosperous-communities\\\/challenges-for-early-childhood\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1777,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tecscience.tec.mx\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tecscience.tec.mx\\\/en\\\/cities-and-prosperous-communities\\\/challenges-for-early-childhood\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tecscience.tec.mx\\\/en\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/9\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/challenges-for-early-childhood.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Center for Early Childhood\",\"International Early Childhood Forum\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Cities and Prosperous Communities\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tecscience.tec.mx\\\/en\\\/cities-and-prosperous-communities\\\/challenges-for-early-childhood\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tecscience.tec.mx\\\/en\\\/cities-and-prosperous-communities\\\/challenges-for-early-childhood\\\/\",\"name\":\"What are the most urgent challenges for early childhood in Latin America? 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