<p>Agreement on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) signals that early childhood development (ECD) will be a priority focus for the 21st century. Explicit mention is made in SDG Target 4.2 which states that by 2030 countries should: ‘ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education’. But SDG commitments to ECD are much broader than this education-focused target. Strengthening early childhood development is key to achieving at least seven of the SDGs, on poverty, hunger, health (including child mortality), education, gender, water and sanitation and inequality.</p>
<p>This policy brief offers five key messages that can underpin delivery of the SDGs through the transformative potential of accessible, inclusive, quality ECD – for all young girls and boys, and for their families:</p>
<ul>
<li>Early deprivation affects the growth and changing structure and function of the brain;</li>
<li>Inequalities emerge – and are best prevented – early in life;</li>
<li>Early child development programmes are cost-effective;</li>
<li>The first three years matter too and;</li>
<li>It is important to ensure that programmes are targeted, equitable and inclusive.</li>
</ul>