The Early Childhood Development University (ECDVU) is an innovative and multi-faceted approach to addressing Early Childhood Development (ECD) leadership needs in the Majority World. It is a unique training and capacity building program using distributed learning methods including the Internet, CD-ROM and video-conferencing as well as face-to-face seminars. The ECDVU is a program of the School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria and has been delivered as a one year (professional development) and a three year (Master's degree) programs.
Typically, ECDVU participants are nominated by ECD country committees; these committees' nominations are based on achieving inter-sectoral, multi-organizational representation and ensuring evidence of individual commitment to child well-being and broader social development within the country. Nominees accept responsibility for promoting ECD capacity within their country, their region and internationally.
The ECDVU has also played a key role, with other regional and international partners, in the development of a triennial series of African International ECD Conferences. The ECDVU is committed to promoting ECD in The Majority World through innovative education, networking, publishing and other means.