Lessons from a Review of International Experience in Early Childhood Development Programming, Part 1 : Key Features of Early Childhood Development Programs

Tajikistan has the highest birth rate, of 29 births per 1,000, in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region and children under 6 years old comprise 17 percent of the population. Early Childhood Development (ECD) investments are some of the most cost-effective interventions and given the demographic context, Tajikistan can benefit more than other countries by building its human capital and empowering its workforce of the future. Globally, investing in children to build human capital is one of the best investments a country can make to eliminate extreme poverty, boost shared prosperity, and build the workforce of tomorrow. Tajikistan's Human Capital Index (HCI) Score of 0.50 is lower than average for the region, reflecting that much more can be done to support children in achieving their potential. This report is intended to support policy makers in understanding the key features of an ECD program based on a rapid review of international ECD programs