Early childhood is a foundational period that shapes lifelong cognitive, emotional and socio-behavioural outcomes. However, in low- and middle-income countries, a large proportion of children enter school without exposure to adequate early learning, stimulation, and/or responsive caregiving – factors that can impede development from the start of life. Social protection platforms, such as unconditional cash transfer (UCT), can reduce economic barriers to caregiving, while parenting interventions aim to strengthen caregiver engagement and home stimulation practices. Combining these two approaches has been recognised globally as a promising strategy; however, evidence on sustained effects into middle childhood remains limited.
This briefing presents results from a follow-up of two cluster randomised controlled trials (cRCTs) conducted in Bangladesh, five to six years after the intervention. The study evaluates whether early gains from parenting sessions delivered through a government UCT platform were sustained into middle childhood (age 6–8 years). The trials were conducted in one urban and one rural setting.