The development of a national comprehensive ECD programme to support the implementation of the ECD policy
Abstract
The comprehensive ECD programme will be designed around differentiated packages to meet the rights and needs of the children from conception to five, with particular emphasis on the first 1 000 days (birth to two years).
International evidence has shown that ECD is a critical area for a country to achieve better education, health, economic and social outcomes. Compelling evidence also exists on the substantial benefits of ECD contribution to equity, poverty reduction and economic growth. The early years are critical for a child???s growth and development including brain development which happens rapidly in the first three years of a child???s life. It is critical that all the necessary interventions are done during these early years to ensure positive cognitive, emotional and physical development. This is also an apt period of human development to ensure that children from disadvantaged back grounds are given the opportunity to be at par with advantaged children. Programmes that target such children specifically needed to be put in place offering the children a better chance to develop and become better prepared for future learning as well as further growth and development.
