«Childhood is a unique period of human development, subject to
many public policy interventions, and therefore is a critical period
for preparing future generations to be social, productive, healthy
and happy. There is a large body of evidence showing that the
early years are crucial in people’s development and impact on
adults’ social, economic and labour outcomes.
(...)
The Recommendation outlines access to quality services as an essential pillar
in the framework of multidimensional policies for children. Within the services
pillar, the European Commission recognises five types of services:
• Reducing inequality at a young age by investing in early childhood
education and care;
• Improving education systems’ impact on equal opportunities;
• Improving the responsiveness of health systems to address
the needs of disadvantaged children;
• Providing children with a safe, adequate housing and living environment;
• Enhancing family support and the quality of alternative care settings
(...)
