Early Childhood in Focus

This is a series of publications produced by the Child and Youth Studies Group at The Open University, United Kingdom, with the support of the Bernard van Leer Foundation, Netherlands. The objective of this series is to provide accessible reviews of recent research, information, and analysis on the Bernard van Leer Foundation's key policy issues: strengthening the care environment, successful transitions, and social inclusion and respect for diversity of children. According to the Open University, consulting contributors are leaders of international research, policy, advocacy, and children’s rights.

As stated in the first issue: "The themes of the series have been chosen to reflect topics of research and knowledge development that address the most significant areas of children's rights, and where a deeper understanding of the issues involved is crucial to the success of policy development programmes and their implementation."

The theme of the inaugural issue is attachment relationships between infants and caregivers, what influences them, and how they impact on an infant's development. The first edition's introduction, by Miriam and Howard Steele of the Psychology Department, New School for Social Research, describes current understanding of what children need for care in order to thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively to the benefit of themselves, their families, and their communities. Subsequent issues will be on early childhood and on developing identities and primary education.