Documento de trabajo del BID # IDB-WP-213
Helen Baker-Henningham
Florencia Lopez Boo
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo, División de Protección Social y Salud, Septiembre 2010
Abstract:
This report reviews the effectiveness of early childhood stimulation interventions in developing
countries. The report aims to answer the questions: What works in terms of early stimulation for
young children in developing countries? For whom and under what conditions do these programs
work and why do they work. The report is divided into several sections. Firstly, a brief
discussion of the importance of early stimulation for young children in developing countries is
provided. Secondly, the methods used to identify and characterize studies are provided and a
review of randomized or quasi-experimental trials is presented. Thirdly, a review of the evidence
for who benefits most from early interventions is presented followed by a review of program
characteristics that affect the success of interventions and an examination of potential
mechanisms through which interventions achieve their effects. Finally, recommendations for
practice and future research are provided.
