A conference for early childhood development (ECD) practitioners, theorists, public and civic sector representatives, policymakers, educational and health institutions, philanthropic organisations - anyone dedicated to positively impacting the lives of young children. Join us in spearheading - and celebrating collaboration and innovation in the field!
The conference will be held in English, with simultaneous interpretation in Czech, and Hungarian.
14 November 2024
Opero, Prague, CZ
“Regardless of where they are born, young children have the right to optimal conditions for their full healthy development. In particular, the most vulnerable groups of children must be supported to give them a fair start in life. Quality early childhood care and support is the foundation for a successful future for all of us.”
Eva Pavlová
First Lady of the Czech Republic
Studies show that high-quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs are among the most effective interventions, offering some of the highest documented returns for all. Early childhood experiences, especially in a child's first thousand days, are critical, shaping their health, education, income, and potential, and influencing the trajectory of their entire life and society as a whole. These experiences impact societal dimensions like inequality, populism, and democracy. Despite this importance, there is insufficient focus on ECD in Central Europe.
According to esteemed medical journal, The Lancet (2017), failing to support ECD can lead to substantial economic losses, such as reducing average adult income by about 25% and doubling a country’s healthcare costs, as well as severe effects on health systems, democracy, and climate change.
Places to Grow aims to improve systems of ECD services by involving various sectors (e.g., education, healthcare, government) and encouraging cooperation in Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia. We aim to create an equitable and discrimination-free ECD future by focusing on efforts involving the public and civic sectors. This conference will foster these partnerships and highlight the collaborative projects from our Joint Action Fund. Stay tuned for our full program - coming very soon!
The conference is a joint effort led by Holis in close partnership with Porticus and the Places to Grow program partners. Our united goal is to foster a thriving ECD ecosystem that empowers every child to realise their full potential.
Hence, "Supporting Children, Transforming Tomorrow."
8:30 Doors open
9:30 Welcome and opening
9:50 Creating Supportive Developmental Environments: How Insights from Science can Drive Collaborative Approaches that Help Children Thrive
Keynote speech by James Cairns
10:10 The Societal Impact of ECD:
Consequences and Benefits for Communities
Keynote speech by Thomas Moser
10:25 ECD and Socio-Economic Trends:
Insights from Central Eastern Europe and Czechia
Keynote speech by Daniel Prokop
10:40 Coffee break
11:00 Personal and Societal Consequences and Benefits of the Early Years: Why Investing in ECD Matters
Panel discussion with: Markus Janzen, Charmaine Bonello, James Cairns, Daniel Prokop, Miroslav Klempar,
Stanislav Daniel, Thomas Moser
12:00 Lunch Break
13:25 Building the Future:
Investing in Early Childhood Development
Keynote speech Ivanka Shalapatova
13:40 Collaborating for Change:
Working Together at the Municipal Level
Keynote speech by Lieve De Bosscher
14:00 Catalysing Systemic Change:
The Future of Early Childhood Development
Panel discussion with: Mihaela Ionescu, Agata D’Addato,
Annamaria Cosatti, Lucie Plešková, Martina Švekušová,
Maria Herczog
14:50 Coffee Break
15:20 Places to Grow
Panel discussion with: Stanislav Daniel, Markus Janzen,
Maxim Dedushkov
15:45 Places to Grow - National ECD Platforms
Panel discussion with: Kateřina Sirotková (CZ), Vladislav Matej (SK),
Veronika Miskech Fričová (SK), Boglarka Bata (HU)
16:20 Places to Grow - Joint Action Fund projects
Panel discussion with: Kateřina Sirotková (CZ), Vladislav Matej (SK),
Shoshana Chovan (SK) + Marek Pour (CZ), Milan Zbořil (SK)
16:45 Conference closing
16:55 Networking
Please note that the schedule may be subject to change.
Join the Places to Grow Conference as a partner.
Contact us for more details!
Christina Ermilio
christina@weareholis.org