Whole Child International
Whole Child International is a U.S. based non-governmental organization dedicated to ensuring that every child, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, receives the protection and quality of care needed to reach their full potential. We work across multiple sectors improving early childhood development outcomes, advancing child protection laws and policies, building the capacities of government organizations, caregivers and parents, and empowering communities to protect their children from violence, neglect, and exploitation.
Whole Child International is #EmbracingTheFuture
We focus on:
Strengthening Relationships
The core of Whole Child’s approach is relationship-centered care, where caregivers prioritize building stable, nurturing relationships with each child. Our evidence-based practices show that this focus not only fosters significant improvements in children’s social-emotional and language development but also promotes their physical growth, even in the absence of changes to nutrition.
To ensure relationship-centered care is effectively implemented, we train caregivers to make the most of everyday interactions to connect with each child, empowering them to meet the child’s needs with confidence. We collaborate across various care settings to help children become well-prepared to engage in family life and society as healthy, well-adjusted individuals—positively impacting the child, their family, community, and society at large.
When needed, we also support small-scale infrastructure improvements at childcare facilities to enhance both the physical safety and hygiene of children and caregivers. Additionally, we design and equip learning environments that are intentionally structured to support developmentally appropriate childcare practices.
Sustainable Change
Systems change is a cornerstone of Whole Child’s program development and implementation. This approach involves embedding best practices across the entire national care system—not only working directly with caregivers, but also collaborating with policymakers, practitioners, parents, partner organizations, educators, social workers, and researchers.
Whole Child partners with governments to create child-friendly legislation and policies, while also working alongside partners to develop tools that enable practitioners to implement best practices across various care settings. We believe that sustainable change in child care can only be achieved when all stakeholders are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to support children effectively.
Skills Development for Child Protection and Development Actors
Whole Child drives lasting behavior change by enhancing the skills and knowledge of those working within the child protection system. We achieve this through a distinctive university course designed specifically for policymakers and technical staff, complemented by 1 to 2 years of personalized mentoring. While training is a critical starting point, we recognize that the true impact comes from consistent follow-up, ongoing support, and mentoring, which help institutionalize and internalize lasting change.
In addition to the university course, Whole Child has been delivering caregiver training since 2006. This training includes tailored materials designed for varying levels of literacy and professional experience. It is crafted to ensure that caregivers are equipped to provide high-quality care consistently and independently, fostering long-term, positive outcomes for children.
“My only hope, my only prayer is to spread this work everywhere.”
— His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a champion of our work.
See interview with Larry King where they discuss Whole Child International here.
We are
#Embracing
TheFuture
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
info@wholechild.org