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Programming Strategies
Putting the Pieces Together: the challenge.
Too many children in the Majority World suffer from lack of the essentials that will allow them to survive, grow, and participate in their society. In order to meet young children’s needs, it is important to start right from the beginning. Nations can educate and care for their young children through the following complementary strategies and activities:
Support young children’s development through direct services.
Why do the early years matter and why are ECCD programs important? During the first 6-8 years child development is rapid; important brain pathways are established, and the foundation is laid for all subsequent learning. The impact on a young child of inadequate nutrition, illness, and lack of support can last a lifetime. Services provided to children can often help to keep children on track developmentally.
Educate parents and caregivers.
The early years are touchpoints in parent education. Good parenting habits established in the early years can yield long-term benefits for both children and families. The intersecting needs of infants, young children, and mothers require programs that address these multiple needs. Such programs can help prevent child abuse and other problems rooted in the family.
Promote community development.
Environments for children must be safe, clean, supportive, and stimulating. Communities can work together to provide the supports children need to develop and thrive. ECCD programs are viable entry points for community action and participation. They are helpful to parents, especially the poor, both in linking them to community actions, and in freeing them to work and participate in their community.
Strengthen demand.
Countries need citizens who are healthy, educated, caring, and responsible. They need workers who can contribute to their communities. Children who are supported in their development and are able to maximize their active learning capacities are more likely to grow up to be such citizens. ECCD, through complementary strategies, supports the holistic development of children. ECCD supports can help them grow up to be healthy, competent, socially well-adjusted, and prepared for school.
Children have a right to be cared for and educated. Parents have a right to demand these for their children.
For more information on Programming, please see the section, Programming Guide
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