The Lancet article "Advancing Early Childhood Development: from Science to Scale" highlights the critical importance of early childhood development (ECD) for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasizes that 250 million children under 5 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential, with 43% of these children under 5 years being at risk. The article outlines the need for multisectoral, high-quality programs that integrate health, nutrition, security, safety, responsive caregiving, and early learning. It also discusses the life course perspective on ECD, emphasizing that early adversity and nurturing care significantly impact brain development and function throughout the life course. The article reviews recent scientific progress and global commitments to ECD, noting that research, programs, and policies have advanced substantially since 2000. It highlights the economic justification for investing in ECD, especially for children under 3 years, and the importance of equitable policies to ensure children develop the intellectual skills, creativity, and wellbeing needed to become healthy and productive adults. The article also discusses the challenges of implementing ECD programs, including fragmented policies, limited access, and the need for coordinated multisectoral approaches. It calls for increased investment in ECD, particularly in areas with high poverty and adversity, and emphasizes the role of nurturing care in promoting child development. The article concludes that ECD is essential for reducing global inequities and ensuring sustainable development, and that population-level indicators are needed to monitor progress in ECD. The article also highlights the importance of early learning and education, responsive caregiving, and the need for integrated, multisectoral approaches to ensure that all children have access to high-quality ECD programs.The Lancet article "Advancing Early Childhood Development: from Science to Scale" highlights the critical importance of early childhood development (ECD) for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasizes that 250 million children under 5 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential, with 43% of these children under 5 years being at risk. The article outlines the need for multisectoral, high-quality programs that integrate health, nutrition, security, safety, responsive caregiving, and early learning. It also discusses the life course perspective on ECD, emphasizing that early adversity and nurturing care significantly impact brain development and function throughout the life course. The article reviews recent scientific progress and global commitments to ECD, noting that research, programs, and policies have advanced substantially since 2000. It highlights the economic justification for investing in ECD, especially for children under 3 years, and the importance of equitable policies to ensure children develop the intellectual skills, creativity, and wellbeing needed to become healthy and productive adults. The article also discusses the challenges of implementing ECD programs, including fragmented policies, limited access, and the need for coordinated multisectoral approaches. It calls for increased investment in ECD, particularly in areas with high poverty and adversity, and emphasizes the role of nurturing care in promoting child development. The article concludes that ECD is essential for reducing global inequities and ensuring sustainable development, and that population-level indicators are needed to monitor progress in ECD. The article also highlights the importance of early learning and education, responsive caregiving, and the need for integrated, multisectoral approaches to ensure that all children have access to high-quality ECD programs.