ECCd
ECCd stands for Early Childhood Care and Development. It refers to a holistic approach to the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of young children from birth through early primary years, typically up to eight years old. ECCd emphasizes nurturing care, healthy living environments, and high-quality learning opportunities for children and their families, with particular attention to the needs of vulnerable groups.
Core components include health and nutrition, responsive caregiving and safety, early learning and stimulating environments, inclusive
Policy and practice within ECCd are supported by international organizations and development frameworks. UNESCO, UNICEF, the
Evidence links ECCd to better school readiness, learning outcomes, health, and social equity, with benefits persisting
Challenges include limited funding, workforce shortages, variable quality, urban-rural disparities, and difficulties reaching marginalized populations. Measurement