Ana Maria Serrano Awarded Honorary Doctorate by the University of Cordoba

Dear friends, dear colleagues!

Eurlyaid warmly congratulates Ana Maria Serrano, Chair of EURLYAID, on being awarded the prestigious title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Córdoba (Spain). This distinction recognizes her outstanding international contribution to the field of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) and her lifelong commitment to improving the lives of young children and their families.

Ana Maria Serrano, a psychologist and researcher, teaching at the University of Minho (Portugal), has played a pioneering role in developing academic training and professional standards in early intervention. She helped establish one of the first Master’s programms in Early Childhood Intervention in Portugal and has contributed significantly to advancing research, professional education, and evidence-based practices in the field.

Since 2006, she has been in the board and from 2012 she is the Chair of EURLYAID – European Association on Early Childhood Intervention, promoting European quality standards and strengthening collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. As Eurlyaid member she also took part of the role in advising international organizations and governments on the development of inclusive and sustainable early intervention systems.

This honorary doctorate celebrates not only Professor Serrano’s remarkable academic career but also her dedication to building stronger systems of support for young children and families worldwide. The Eurlyaid community is proud to see her work recognized with this important honor.

We will let photo’s tell you the rest of the story….

EURLYAID Board Meeting 2026: Strategic Planning and Collaboration in the Czech Republic

From 28 January to 1 February 2026, the Board of EURLYAID – The International Association on Early Childhood Intervention met in Mníšek pod Brdy, Czech Republic, for its annual working meeting.

The gathering provided an important opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year. Among the highlights were several successful Training of Trainers programs, as well as the co-organisation, together with ISEI, of the outstanding International Early Childhood Intervention Conference in Lisbon, which brought together experts and practitioners from around the world.

During the meeting, the Board also focused on strategic planning for the coming years, discussing future activities of EURLYAID and continued participation in international projects supporting the development of family-centred Early Childhood Intervention (ECI).

These were intensive days filled with productive discussions and collaborative work, but also with a shared sense of joy and motivation. EURLYAID continues to bring together passionate professionals from many countries who are committed to strengthening family-centred ECI worldwide and working together for the benefit of children and their families.

Supervision of Future Trainers in North Macedonia

Following the Training of Trainers (ToT) in North Macedonia, participants continued their learning process by completing additional practice assignments designed to strengthen their training and coaching skills.

An online supervision session was held on 9 March 2026, facilitated by Prof. Ana Serrano and Prof. Snežana Ilić. During this session, participants presented their work, reflected on their experiences, and received feedback aimed at supporting their development as future trainers.

We are pleased to highlight the high level of engagement and progress demonstrated by the participants, which reflects the strong potential for building sustainable local capacity in family-centered early childhood intervention in North Macedonia.

Training on Routine based Interview in Turkey

On 3–4 February 2026, a training on the Routines-Based Interview (RBI) was organized in Ankara, Turkey, with the support of UNICEF Turkey.

The training was delivered by Prof. Ana Serrano (online) and Prof. Snežana Ilić (in person). The event gathered around 40 professionals from the sectors of health, education, and social protection, reflecting the transdisciplinary approach that is central to early childhood intervention.

The training focused on developing skills for conducting in-depth interviews with families, enabling professionals to better understand daily routines, family priorities, and participation challenges of young children with developmental needs. Through practical exercises and case discussions, participants explored how information gathered through the RBI can support the development of functional, family-centered outcomes and intervention planning.

This initiative represents another important step in strengthening family-centered early childhood intervention practices in Turkey.

Strengthening Early Childhood Intervention in Kazakhstan

In February 2026, Eurlyaid, in collaboration with UNICEF Kazakhstan, delivered two five-day training sessions in Astana and Kyzylorda aimed at strengthening Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) practices in the country. The trainings brought together multidisciplinary professionals working with young children and families to deepen their knowledge of family-centered, evidence-based ECI and transdisciplinary teamwork.

The sessions were led by the Eurlyaid team Ana Serrano, José Boavida, Marilyn Espe-Sherwindt, and Noor van Loen, and combined presentations, reflective practice, case discussions, and role-plays adapted to the Kazakh context. Participants showed strong engagement and enthusiasm, and the training created valuable opportunities for collaboration and shared learning.

The visit also included discussions with UNICEF Kazakhstan and national stakeholders on the development of a future national ECI system based on cross-sector collaboration and support for families in children’s everyday environments.

This inspiring initiative highlighted the strong commitment of Kazakh professionals and partners to building a sustainable, family-centered ECI system that will benefit young children and their families across the country.

EURLYAID Statement on Protecting Young Children and Families in Times of Crisis

EURLYAID expresses deep concern for young children and families affected by ongoing humanitarian crises around the world.

In situations of conflict, displacement, and disaster, young children are particularly vulnerable. Disruption of family routines, loss of safety, and limited access to health, education, and social support services can have profound effects on their development and well being.

EURLYAID reaffirms the fundamental right of every young child to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment and recognizes the critical role of families and communities in protecting and supporting children, especially during times of crisis.

We stand in solidarity with families, professionals, and organizations working to ensure that young children continue to receive care, protection, and opportunities for development, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Kind regards,