 | Early childhood – the first nine years of life – is the most rapid period of development in a human life. Although individual children develop at their own pace, all children progress through an identifiable sequence of physical, cognitive, and emotional growth and change. |
The Early Child Development approach is based on the proven fact that young children respond best when caregivers use specific techniques designed to encourage and stimulate progress to the next level of development. Every child is a unique person with an individual temperament, learning style, family background, and pattern and timing of growth. There are, however, universal, predictable sequences of growth and change that occur during the first nine years of life. As children develop, they need different types of stimulation and interaction to exercise their evolving skills and to develop new ones. At every age, meeting basic health and nutritional needs are essential. Efforts to support children's healthy development depend on: A healthy mother who receives herself adequate food, antenatal care and attention to her needs during pregnancy. A afe delivery, with proper obstetric care and back-up. Imediate and exclusive breast-feeding, for intensive mother-child interaction, bonding, and the timely introduction of regular feeding. Timely and appropriate preventive and basic health care. Proper nutrition and micronutrients. Caring interaction with family and other adults, including age-appropriate play, protection from accidents and environmental dangers, including access to safe water and sanitation facilities. Preschool and peer interaction, with adequate adult care and supervision, in an environment conducive to learning and to nurturing effective peer relationships. Timely enrollment and attendance in an appropriate primary school leading to attainment of age-appropriate skills. Access to basic preventive and curative health and nutrition measures throughout childhood.
Why Invest in Early Childhood Programs? The reasons for investing in ECD projects are numerous and interrelated. A child's ability to think, form relationships, and live up to his or her full potential is directly related to the synergistic effect of good health, good nutrition, and appropriate stimulation and interaction with others. A large body of research has proven the importance of early brain development and the need for good health and nutrition. These inputs lay the foundation for healthy cognitive and emotional development, which translate into tangible economic returns. ECD project research has proven that children who participate in well-conceived ECD programs tend to be more successful in later school, are more competent socially and emotionally, and show higher verbal and intellectual development during early childhood than children who are not enrolled in high quality programs. Ensuring healthy child development, therefore, is an investment in a country's future workforce and capacity to thrive economically and as a society. The benefits of ECD thereby encourage greater social equity, increase the efficacy of other investments, and address the needs of mothers while helping their children. Integrated programs for young children can modify the effects of socioeconomic and gender-related inequities, some of the most entrenched causes of poverty. Studies from diverse cultures show that girls enrolled in early childhood programs are better prepared for school and frequently stay in school longer. Early childhood interventions also free older sisters from the task of tending preschoolers, so that they can return to school. Including early childhood interventions in larger programs can enhance the programs' efficacy. Early childhood interventions in health and nutrition programs increase children's chances of survival. Interventions in education programs prepare children for school, improving their performance and reducing the need for repetition. With ever more mothers working and more households headed by women, safe child care has become a necessity. Providing safe child care allows women the chance to continue their education and learn new skills, thereby addressing the intersecting needs of women and children. Read more about the World Bank's work on Early Childhood Development at www.worldbank.org/children Top |
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