Unicef says it expects to see increased investment by Pacific governments in early childhood education for 3 to 5 year olds.
Pacific Representative, Dr Karen Allen, says new guidelines launched today in Fiji aim to nurture children's optimal neural development.
She says the importance of investing in quality services for preschoolers cannot by overstated as there is an amazing amount of brain development at this age and young children have the right to a healthy start in life.
Dr Allen says the guidelines cover health, nutrition, child protection, water, and sanitation, to provide quality services for children and they have been endorsed by 13 Pacific Education Ministers.
She says the development package will boost language, social, and thinking skills in young children and pay big dividends for future generations.