Early childhood development programmes in Ethiopia's informal settlements aim to enhance care quality and child development outcomes. However, there is limited comparative research on their effectiveness. The review draws from existing literature, expert interviews, and a content analysis of programme materials. Comparative frameworks are used to evaluate the programmes' effectiveness across different settlement types and scales. A notable finding is the significant variation in care quality between settlements, with some programmes providing comprehensive support while others offer minimal assistance. Early childhood development programmes in Ethiopian informal settlements exhibit varying degrees of success, largely dependent on local context and programme design. Future research should focus on improving care quality through targeted interventions. Policy makers are encouraged to integrate evidence-based practices into early childhood programmes to enhance their effectiveness across all settlement types.