ECOS Institute Update: First milestones, upcoming events, and live courses + news from the field
Events
ECOS Launch Event | 17 February
On 17 February, ISSA will mark the launch of the ECOS Institute with a live online event bringing together early childhood actors from practice, research, policy, and regional networks.
The 90-minute virtual forum introduces ECOS as a shared home for learning, collaboration, and collective action across the early childhood ecosystem. The conversation will explore why stronger, more connected systems matter for young children and how cross-sector collaboration can support meaningful change.
📅 17 February | 14:00–15:30 CET 💻 Online | Free
Speakers:
Eva Deak, Partners Hungary Foundation; Hasina Ebrahim, University of South Africa; Ariel Fiszbein, Georgetown Americas Institute; Liana Ghent, ISSA; Mihaela Ionescu, ISSA; Sarah Klaus, Georgetown University and OneSky; Juan Larranaga, Minderoo Foundation; Joan Lombardi, Stanford Center on Early Childhood and Georgetown Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues; Elizabeth Lule, ECDAN; Brigita Mark, Ministry of Education; Evelyn Santiago, ARNEC; Emily Vargas Baron, RISE Institute; Hiro Yoshikawa, NYU Steinhardt.
ECOS Institute: First Milestones and Upcoming Live Courses
It has been just over two weeks since the official launch of the ECOS Institute, and the response across the early childhood field has been strong. The platform now hosts 18 learning opportunities, with more to be added in the coming months, including a mix of self-paced courses, virtual workshops, and study visits, both free and paid. We will continue to share key milestones and developments with you as the Institute grows.
Upcoming Live Courses
Please share these dates with colleagues and networks:
What does living democracy look like in early childhood settings today?
In an article and interview commissioned for the latest First Years, First Priority newsletter, Jan Peeters (VBJK) reflects with ISSA Programme Manager Ayça Alaylı on how democratic values are lived in everyday ECEC practice — through collective responsibility among educators, recognising young children’s agency, and the meaningful participation of all parents, including fathers. Set against a shifting political landscape, the conversation offers practical insights into sustaining democratic practice through peer learning and shared values.
These reflections connect closely with Pedagogical Leadership in Action, a live workshop offered by VBJK on ECOS that explores how trust, shared leadership, and collaborative cultures support democratic practice in early childhood settings.
Early Childhood Matters 2026: Parenthood in a Changing World
On Thursday 12 February, the Van Leer Foundation publishes the 2026 edition of its flagship journal Early Childhood Matters. This year’s issue, Parenthood in a Changing World, explores what becomes possible when parents are truly supported — and why investing in parents is essential in times of rapid social, economic, and technological change.
Bringing together 31 contributions from scientists, economists, artists, policymakers, and practitioners, the journal examines shifting work patterns, shared caregiving, and the long-term impact of strengthening parental wellbeing. The message is clear: supporting parents is foundational to supporting children.
Resilient Futures: Protecting Young Lives in a Changing Climate
ARNEC has published a coffee table book titled “Resilient Futures: Protecting Young Lives in a Changing Climate”, created using images captured by ARNEC’s youth advocates of children and families impacted by climate crisis across the Asia-Pacific Region.
The book aims to increase awareness and understanding of how climate change affects the well-being of young children and advances the need to invest in early childhood as one of the pathways to resilience and sustainable development.
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