In June 2025, 40 leaders from across Brazil participated in the Executive Leadership Programme in Early Childhood Development (ELP) at Harvard University. Organised by the NCPI, this year’s edition was a powerful reflection of the country’s diverse leadership on early childhood.
This executive course brings together public officials, civil society leaders, academics, and communication professionals from across Brazil. What made this year’s edition particularly remarkable was the diversity of the cohort. Participants included high-level government representatives such as vice-governors, senators, federal and state deputies, as well as mayors and secretaries from Urban95 cities like Jundiaí and Teresina. Also present were officials from the Ministries of Education and Health, representatives from the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE), journalists from Brazil’s largest television network, and community leaders from Indigenous, Quilombola, and Ribeirinho (riverside) communities.
New action plans to deliver change
The ELP programme consists of three modules that encourage participants to develop practical solutions to real challenges facing young children and families. The first module takes place in person at Harvard School of Public Health in the United States. This year, the cohort developed eight new project proposals that will be expanded over the next two modules.
One of the standout initiatives is a collaboration with FNDE to design early childhood education centres specifically for Indigenous, Quilombola, and Ribeirinho communities.
This is an important step towards more inclusive, culturally appropriate public services. Another proposal aims to establish national criteria for selecting conselheiros tutelares (child protection council members), including mandatory training and assessment, to improve the quality and accountability of child protection services across the country.
The next module will be delivered remotely, and the final module is held on 30 and 31 October in São Paulo, in partnership with Insper. Throughout the programme, participants receive support from experienced facilitators and technical assistance as they design and strengthen their action plans, grounded in research and best practice.
A growing network of Brazilian early childhood leaders
The Van Leer Foundation is proud to support initiatives like the ELP alongside NCPI and FMCSV. We have seen how equipping leaders with the vision, skills, and networks has made tangible improvements in the lives of babies, toddlers and their caregivers and created systemic change in Brazil. Since its launch in 2012, the ELP has welcomed over 724 participants and supported the creation of more than 150 action plans. These have contributed to key national achievements, such as Brazil’s Legal Framework for Early Childhood and the National Early Childhood Pact.
This is because the ELP is not only about building knowledge; it’s true value lies in building connections and supporting diverse leaders to find common ground. The programme plays a critical role in Brazil, by strengthening a growing network of individuals that can work together to give every child the best start in life.
