{
  "abstract": "Objectives In this Model Program, we present experiences from an online training program titled ‘Addressing Early Childhood Development and Developmental Difficulties (ADDECD)’ for service providers in the UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Region (ECAR) on early childhood development (ECD) and developmental difficulties.Methods In collaboration with UNICEF ECA Regional Office and an expert team from the International Developmental Pediatrics Association (IDPA), the ADDECD training package was constructed. The expert team comprised of five experienced regional ECD experts. The eight ADDECD modules were developed to cover the conceptualization of ECD; partnering with parents to support ECD; addressing common health-related and psychosocial developmental risks; addressing common developmental difficulties; feeding and sleep difficulties; and non–evidence-based practices specific to the region. Each module was supplemented with real case stories and videos, handouts, additional resources, and hands-on exercises promoting changes in service delivery.Results The ADDECD program was delivered over eight consecutive weeks in 2025 via online two-hour sessions in English with simultaneous translation to eight regional languages. Participation was capped at 200 service providers, representing 21 ECAR countries. All materials and recorded translated sessions were made available by UNICEF for self-paced learning and integration into national systems for professional development. Experiences from the training and results of the pre/post training adapted Self-Assessment Questionnaire will be presented.Conclusions Lessons learned from UNICEF-IDPA collaboration in a regional online training program may provide input on the feasibility and application of online training to address the training gaps of service providers regarding ECD and developmental difficulties.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "International Developmental Pediatrics Association, Turkey"
      ],
      "name": "Revan Mustafa"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ankara University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics Developmental Pediatrics Division, Turkey"
      ],
      "name": "Ezgi Özalp Akın"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Children’s Rehabilitation Centre of the Republican Pediatric Center, Azerbaijan"
      ],
      "name": "Tarana Seyid-Mammadova"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Euromedik Healthcare Centre, Serbia"
      ],
      "name": "Miloš Sremčev"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Unicef Europe and Central Asia Regional Office, Switzerland"
      ],
      "name": "Aleksandra Jovic"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Unicef Europe and Central Asia Regional Office, Switzerland"
      ],
      "name": "Vera Rangelova"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Unicef Europe and Central Asia Regional Office, Switzerland"
      ],
      "name": "Zorica Trikic"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Unicef Moldova Country Office, Moldova, Republic of"
      ],
      "name": "Cristina Gaberi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Unicef Europe and Central Asia Regional Office, Switzerland"
      ],
      "name": "Ivelina Borisova"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "International Developmental Pediatrics Association, Turkey"
      ],
      "name": "Ilgi Ertem"
    }
  ],
  "title": "169 Addressing early childhood development and developmental difficulties (ADDECD): a regional program for service providers",
  "uid": "a8566fbd-c0bd-5dd7-97a5-684b81450b12"
}