WHO
WE ARE

Places to Grow, a catalyst for excellence in early childhood development, education and care in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, strengthens relationships between organisations active in social services, education, advocacy and research.
Our mission is to create a collaborative community united by a single vision: to help every child realise their potential to contribute to society in the future.

WHAT
WE DO

At Places to Grow, we focus on harnessing the potential of early childhood development, education and care (ECD/ECEC) programs, particularly in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. We encourage a culture of collaboration, shared knowledge, experimentation and continuous learning among different organisations, aiming to bring about systemic changes in the ECD/ECEC sector.

By forging strong relationships with various stakeholders, advocating for evidence-based policies, and promoting innovative practices, we strive to create a supportive environment where every child and family can thrive. Our mission transcends beyond immediate goals, as we are committed to laying a solid foundation for a more equitable and discrimination-free ECD/ECEC future.

WHY WE
DO IT

The early years in life play a pivotal role in shaping one’s future health, well-being and contribution to society. Studies show that ECD/ECEC programs can help children prioritise personal development and develop critical coping skills. That is also why high-quality ECD/ECEC programs belong to interventions with the highest documented returns for all, including the potential to break the cycle of poverty. But today, families in many regions across Central and Eastern Europe suffer from little to no access to any childcare and education, let alone ECD/ECEC programs with a proven design.