Launch of ”recommended practices in early intervention” guide and ”LearnECD” digital platform at ”Nicolae Testemitanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Health, education and social protection professionals will have the opportunity to use essential resources to support early development services and strengthen early childhood intervention in the Republic of Moldova – Recommended Practices in Early Intervention Guide and LearnECD digital platform. The two resources were launched at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova, on November 21, 2025, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Mother and Child Institute and Voinicel National Institute for Early Childhood Intervention (INITC).

First Vice-Rector Olga Cernetchi noted that the event represented an important step in strengthening the practice of early intervention and in promoting the use of digital resources for training specialists. The university aligns itself with the commitments assumed through the Memorandum of Understanding, concluded in 2024 with UNICEF, which provides for strengthening the early intervention system by developing professional training programs and introducing tools based on scientific evidence into practice.

"In this context, we launched the Early Childhood Intervention professionalization master's program, which offers integrated training to professionals from the medical, social and psycho-pedagogical sectors, preparing them for complex and coordinated interventions. Currently, the master's program runs courses and practical modules dedicated to early identification, functional assessment and interventions focused on the child’s needs. It also includes practical internships and interprofessional collaborations, and the first graduates of the program will complete their studies in 2026", First Vice-Rector Olga Cernetchi stated.

At the same time, professional training in the field of early intervention is offered to resident physicians in the specialties of Pediatrics and Family Medicine as well, and relevant topics are also integrated into continuing medical education programs. Therefore, our goal is to train professionals who possess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for early identification and provision of appropriate assistance to children with developmental disorders, including children with disabilities.

"Families need to know that support is available, and professionals need to feel prepared and confident to collaborate across sectors, because early childhood development and intervention is only successful when health, education and social protection act as a single system around the child and the family," said Maha Damaj, UNICEF Representative in the Republic of Moldova.

The launch conference was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Research, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. The event brought together over 100 participants – government and non-government representatives, academics, students, international experts, partner organizations, and professionals from various fields.

The ”Recommended Practices in Early Intervention” guide is developed by the European Association on Early Childhood Intervention “EurlyAid” and available in Romanian, it was reviewed and adapted by UNICEF Moldova in partnership with specialists from Voinicel INITC. The document provides practical guidelines for early intervention specialists, promoting a transdisciplinary model of collaboration between the health, education and social protection fields, the use of a common professional language and the application of unitary standards in working with young children and their families.

The LearnECD platform, developed by the UNICEF Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and adapted to the national context by UNICEF in partnership with specialists from Mother and Child Institute and the Pediatric Society, offers free online professional training for health, early childhood education, child protection professionals, as well as students and teachers. It contains 32 evidence-based modules – from home visits and responsive care to early intervention, early child development and supporting families with young children.

The LearnECD guide and platform are adapted to the National Plan for the Expansion of Early Intervention Services for the years 2024-2027 and support the development of a coordinated, family-centered system in which health, education and social protection professionals collaborate effectively.

The guide and platform were translated, edited, and adapted to the local context with the support of national specialists and with the financial support of the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration of the US Department of State.