Early childhood care and education as a source of protection and development in the context of community violence: Lessons from Brazil and South Africa

Children and Youth Services Review, Volume 186 - Jun 2026

Linda Biersteker, Irene Rizzini, Malcolm Bush, Mohammed Alruzzi, Marsha Orgill, Malibongwe Gwele

The paper examines early childhood care and education (ECCE) services as risk mitigators in early learning and development for young children exposed to violence of different kinds in their communities. Case studies in a low-income community each in Brazil and South Africa explored parent, teacher, young children and community service provider perceptions of safety issues. It considers how structural and community factors that influence safety and violence either enabled or disabled children from engaging in early learning activities, and the extent to which ECCE services provide for the holistic well-being and protection of young children. Findings support the significant role of ECCE services in protecting young children but highlight the need for a comprehensive safety net including institutions, homes and community conditions, to enable a full protection of young children in these contexts.