Early childhood development

In the early years of a child’s life, especially the first 1,000 days when brain development is at its most rapid, children learn skills that are critical for all aspects of their lives.

For their brains and bodies to develop healthily, young children need parents or caregivers who:

Create a loving and responsive environment.
Give their children nutritious food and clean water.
Protect their children from common illnesses and violence.
Provide opportunities for play and early learning.

However, millions of young children, especially girls, grow up without the care and services they need to survive and thrive.

The world is failing girls in their earliest years — and the consequences are lifelong. Across many communities, children miss out on essential care, but girls face even greater risks from neglect, malnutrition and violence.

Plan won’t look away.

We ensure young children receive the nurturing care they need, including during emergencies. We work alongside families and communities to support every part of early childhood — from nutrition and learning to protection and emotional wellbeing.

Our work improves children’s lives while challenging limiting and discriminatory gender stereotypes that hold girls back from an early age.

With deep community roots, we stay for the long term, adapting as girls’ needs evolve.utrition, play, early learning and safety while challenging limiting and discriminatory gender stereotypes that hold girls back from an early age.

Our global impact in early childhood development

Click on the graphics below to explore our impact in early childhood development in 2025.