EASPD conference on family-centred Early Childhood Intervention: How to make it work

Hosted in Tirana (Albania) on 8th – 9th June 2023, this conference will focus on how to build policies and practices in the field of support for children with disabilities, or with developmental difficulties, and their families. The conference will address the key elements of family-centred Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) practices and the creation of national ECI systems. It will also share the result of the EASPD and UNICEF joint action on emergency early childhood development for those who have been impacted by the war in Ukraine.

In July 2022, as a response to the Ukraine war, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and EASPD launched a project that will increase the availability of trained Family Consultants who will provide Early Childhood Development parental counselling and support to children at risk of or with developmental difficulties and disabilities. The project will also support system strengthening for the provision of ECI services in host countries as well as raise awareness of the importance of early support for developing the potential for every child.

The conference objectives will include:

• Raise public awareness around family-centred ECI benefits and functioning;
• Highlight good practices and methodologies in the field of ECI;
• Share the experience of service provision to Ukraine refugees in neighbouring countries;
• Zoom in on the Balkans, highlighting specific challenges and opportunities for the region;
• Discuss the creation of national ECI systems and the role of the EU in facilitating it;
• Encourage greater commitment of policy makers in prioritising ECI and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) policies across Europe.

The conference is co-hosted by the European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), Down Syndrome Albania Foundation, Help the Life and UNICEF.

More info on the conference programme here.

REGISTRATION OPEN HERE.