Whole Child International

Whole Child International works collaboratively with local partners, governmental and non-governmental, to ensure that children receive the quality of care they need to grow into resilient, productive citizens, regardless of where they live. We use an evidence-informed approach, drawing on cutting edge child development research, to train caregivers, child protection authorities, and government actors to ensure the entire child protection and development system is focused on ensuring positive outcomes for the most vulnerable children.

Our work in Nicaragua and El Salvador produced statistically significant improvements in cognitive and social functioning, as well as weight- and height-for-age, without substantial changes to the material environment or their diets. We change the behavior of the adults around the children to provide relationship-centered care and transform children's developmental trajectory. Developmentally supportive care in childhood is associated with better educational, economic, health (physical and mental), and social outcomes later in life; that is, providing quality care for today's children helps reduce poverty, conflict, and social inequities in the future.

Women and children are disproportionately affected by violence, climate change, and poverty; they are also key to disrupting these harmful cycles. Our approach strengthens families, both biological and not, by equipping caregivers with the skills they need to care for their children's holistic needs, emotional, developmental, nutritional, etc. We work with childcare centers and providers in low-income and high-violence areas to improve the quality of care available to children who might otherwise not have access to these services. We especially work with women -- both caregivers and those working in the child protection system -- to develop their capacity as community leaders and models for positive change.

At Whole Child International, we Embrace the Future.