We promote the holistic development of young children!

Our vision is a society where families, communities and professionals work together to empower each child to reach their unique potential and embrace values of social justice and equity.

As a membership association, we are an international learning community powered by the leading early childhood experts in Europe and Central Asia. We unite and support professionals and partners to deliver high-quality early years services equitably. We challenge existing knowledge and practice and co-construct new approaches and models.

Through our work we advocate for and support competent Early Childhood Systems for all children, especially the most vulnerable. We strive to increase awareness of the importance of Early Childhood Development and of a qualified workforce. As a leading early childhood network and learning community, we promote quality, equitable and integrated services for children, families and practitioners.

               

Our vision

A society where families, communities and professionals work together to empower each child to reach her or his unique potential and embrace values of social justice and equity. 

Our mission

We are a learning community, powered by the leading early childhood experts in Europe and Central Asia. We unite professionals and partners to deliver high-quality early years services equitably. We challenge existing knowledge and practice and co-construct new approaches and models.

We endorse

ISSA's work is underpinned by The Convention on the Rights of the Child, and its commitment to safeguarding children from harm is reflected in the ISSA's Child Safeguarding Policy.

We are also a part of:

Location

ISSA's offices are located in a historic building that once functioned as an orphanage. Founded in 1593, it closed its doors as an orphanage during the 1960s. In May 2010 the renovated orphanage re-opened as Kinderrechtenhuis Nederland (Child Rights Home, the Netherlands). Besides ISSA, several other organizations working with and for children and young people have their offices in the building. These developments are made possible by financial and moral support from Stichting Utopa (the Utopa Foundation).

ISSA - a public benefit organization

ISSA  is entirely committed to the public benefit and as such is recognized as a Public Benefit Organization by the Dutch tax authority. In the Netherlands, a PBO is known as an Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling (ANBI). You may read our 2022 ANBI Standard publication requirement form here.

ISSA's Annual Report is published in accordance with the specific conditions as set out by the Dutch tax authority to qualify for ANBI status. You may read our Annual Reports here.