Textbooks typically give much less attention to the physical environment in which children grow up than to their social environment, yet the physical environment is intimately linked to the process of growth and development of skills and identity.
Section 1 of this issue of Early Childhood in Focus draws attention to some key global challenges in providing healthy physical environments. Section 2 explores the opportunities and challenges of living in urban environments. Section 3 reviews a range of spaces designed specifically for young children, including innovative 'democratic spaces', and 'child-friendly spaces' in areas affected by disasters and emergencies.