Building and strengthening integrated ECI systems: Balkan Report

Within the framework of the EASPD Lighthouse Network, the Member Forum on Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) investigated the situation of ECI in five countries of the Balkan region: Albania, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The study highlights common challenges starting from a lack of understanding of what quality ECI is and entails, which is reflected in a general lack of regulations, funding, quality standards, and data collection instruments. As a result, researchers recommend to formulate an overarching regional programme to facilitate exchange of experiences, advocacy support, trainings, the development of the essential instruments, research, publications, curricula development, and awareness campaigns.