The ‘next 1,000 days’ are a critical period in a child’s development, spanning from the ages of two to five. This window of opportunity is highlighted in a new series by the University of Wollongong (UOW) early childhood expert, Distinguished Professor Anthony Okely. Published in The Lancet, the series emphasizes the importance of nurturing care for children during this crucial stage, encompassing health, nutrition, safety, security, learning, and responsive caregiving.
The research, which includes contributions from experts around the world, reveals that nearly three-quarters of children aged three or four in low-income and middle-income countries do not have access to adequate nurturing care, putting their healthy development at risk. Professor Okely, Co-Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Children’s Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity at UOW, stresses the need for interventions to support children’s development during the ‘next 1,000 days’.
While the first 1,000 days receive strong intervention from health services, the direct contact diminishes during the next 1,000 days. In low- and middle-income countries, less than one in three children attend early childhood programs, despite evidence of their positive impact on development. Professor Okely points out various risks to children’s health and well-being during this period, such as physical punishment, poor diets, caregiver mental health issues, and exposure to environmental factors.
The series authors recommend that policymakers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, invest in the ‘next 1,000 days’ to ensure children receive the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive. This includes increasing access to high-quality early childhood education and care, with well-trained teachers, child-centered play, evidence-based curricula, and responsive classroom interactions.
Professor Okely stresses the urgency of addressing the needs of children during this critical period, highlighting the importance of equality and inclusion in shaping their developmental trajectory. By investing in the ‘next 1,000 days’, policymakers can improve short-term and long-term cognitive and academic outcomes for millions of children worldwide. The cost of not acting is too high, underscoring the need for immediate attention and care for children during this crucial developmental stage.
