Local Government Conference Calls for Major Investment in Early Childhood

At the MUNI EXPO 2026 conference of Israel’s local government center, a special session titled “The Early Childhood Revolution” focused on turning early-childhood services into a municipal growth strategy. Participants discussed how local authorities can move beyond welfare-based responses and build an urban policy that promotes growth, resilience, equal opportunity, and quality of life.

Toub Center CEO Nir Kedar told Channel 7 that early childhood is one of the most important areas for investing in Israeli society. “The greatest effectiveness and return on investment will come if we invest in early childhood,” he said, adding that public spending in Israel is still low, although he sees “significant improvement.” He argued that if both the state and local government increase investment, “we can see better returns and also a better country within quite a few years.”

Dr. Omer Bar Yosef, director of the Child Development Institute at Sheba and ARC Sheba, also said he welcomed a full session devoted to the issue. He said early childhood is the stage when a child can be affected most strongly, because “the brain is at a stage where it is being shaped,” and a proper environment can prepare a child well for life.

Dancer Haim Perstein, who has spent recent years advocating for young children, said the goal is for municipalities to take real responsibility for early childhood so it is not left as a private expense paid by parents. Kedar concluded that if the issue is handled correctly, Israel will see greater welfare for all citizens within a few years.