For the last three years, Selim Iltus of CERG has been conducting Research on early childhood environments in collaboration with UNICEF. The projects are carried out in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgizistan, Tajikistan,Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

A series of studies that look at child rearing knowledge, ideas and practices of families with children 0 to 7 years old have been designed and implemented. Preschool education and school readiness are also critical areas of study. Methods include surveys, focus groups and participatory action research.

The results of these studies are being used by UNICEF and the governments of respective countries to design and implement large scale Early Childhood Development (ECD) projects.