Early Childhood Development Task Force

An inclusive global network engaging in knowledge sharing and dialogue toward locally led solutions for a world in which Young Children with Developmental Delays or Disabilities can thrive.

Our vision is to ensure that young children with developmental delays and disabilities achieve their full potential. 

The Early Childhood Development Task Force (ECDtf) is a global network of leaders, practitioners, technical experts, service providers, advocates, and researchers who believe in the importance of early childhood development and early childhood intervention. Members bring diverse experiences as family and community members, professionals, and representatives of schools, universities, community organizations, civil society organizations, international organizations, and the private sector.  

Hosted by Childhood Education International as a free and inclusive platform, ECDtf members engage in dialogue through the sharing of information, resources, best practices, and research.

The network is a rich and dynamic resource, representing global perspectives and lived experiences from more than 70 countries across nine regions of the world, and informs locally led, innovative solutions that ensure young children with developmental delays and disabilities achieve their full potential.

ECDtf Leadership

Childhood Education International is the host organization of the ECDtf. We are guided by the ECDtf Core Leadership Group.

Meet the ECDtf Team

ECDtf in Action

The ECDtf works alongside kindred initiatives in emergent global and regional development agendas and priorities.

Learn More

ECDtf Membership

Network benefits include:

  • Members from more than 70 countries across nine regions of the world (Global South and North) 
  • Platform for local voices and local best practices, as well as regional and global connections 
  • A resource that supports members to developing country-led solutions to inclusive ECD challenges 

Members benefits include:

  • A biweekly email digest of news, research, and information related to early childhood and disability 
  • A member listserv for connecting and collaborating with other members 
  • Regional online networks for small-group collaboration 

Membership is free. To join, complete the form linked below.

Join the ECDtf

A young girl with prosthetic legs climbing on playground equipment at a park

The ECDtf aims to establish and expand high-quality inclusive services for early childhood intervention and to enhance the inclusion and equitable participation of young children and families.

Why a Task Force?

When the ECDtf was founded, it was created as an early childhood task force of the Global Partnership of Children with Disabilities (GPcwd).  Although the GPcwd is no longer in existence, members of the ECDtf wanted to continue with their work to ensure that young children with developmental delays and disabilities achieve their full potential. 

 The term “task force” typically describes people coming together who are committed to do particular tasks to solve a problem. ECDtf tasks include engaging in dialogue through the sharing of information, resources, best practices, and research to solve the problem of ensuring inclusion in the early years. 

ECDtf History

The ECDtf grew out of the 2012 inception of the Global Partnership on children with disabilities (GPcwd), in which stakeholders committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities inherent in early childhood development as a vital pathway toward inclusive development.

As the first wave of Task Forces began their work in Education, Nutrition, Assistive Technologies, and Humanitarian Action, it became increasingly clear that the essential and cross-cutting perspective of ECD would enhance and enrich GPcwd deliberations and actions. A survey on priorities and governance options fielded by the GPcwd Secretariat in 2013 identified strong interest and a compelling rationale for establishing an ECD Task Force. GPcwd asked a network of advocates and experts convened by the Partnership for Early Childhood Development and Disability Rights (PECDDR) to launch and coordinate this new ECD Task Force (ECDtf).

The RISE Institute, an active member of the ECDtf, served as the pro bono secretariat of ECDtf for eight years. Childhood Education International began as the host organization of the ECDtf in January 2023.