Early Childhood refers to the age group from birth to six years.
This stage is marked by rapid physical, mental, emotional, and social development.
A child in this phase:
Needs care, protection, and supervision.
Requires a stimulating environment to reach full potential.
Experiences foundational development that affects their entire life.
2. Impact of Early Childhood on Later Life
Development during early years is shaped by genetics (nature) and experience (nurture).
It is a sensitive period, where:
Positive experiences lead to holistic development in areas like:
Cognitive skills
Language
Social and emotional behavior
Physical development
Adverse conditions (poverty, malnutrition, neglect) can hinder development permanently.
3. Status and Demographics of Young Children in India
India is the second-most populous country with a diverse socio-economic landscape.
Child population (0–6 years) as per Census 2011: 158.7 million (13.12% of total population).
Sex Ratio (0–6 years): Improved slightly from 914 to 919 (NFHS-4).
4. Child Morbidity and Mortality
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Dropped from 57 to 41 (per 1000 live births).
Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR): Dropped from 74 to 50.
Medical attention within 24 hours of birth has improved (0.3% to 2.5%).
5. Maternal Health and Mortality
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) reduced by 77% (from 556 in 1990 to 130 in 2016).
Decrease in child marriages (under 18 years) from 47.4% to 26.8% (NFHS).
6. Health and Nutrition
Direct link between health and development.
Malnutrition statistics (NFHS-4, 2015–16):
35.8% of children under 5 are underweight.
38.4% are stunted (short for their age).
Breastfeeding:
41.6% of mothers start breastfeeding within 1 hour of delivery.
54.9% breastfeed for first 6 months.
7. Education in Early Childhood
68.8% of children (under 6) attend school (an improvement of 10% since 2005).
Major contributors:
ECCE Policy (2013) recognizes developmental needs.
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 supports care for children under 3.
8. Gender Issues
Girl children face inequality in:
Health and nutrition access
Education and literacy
Economic participation
Female literacy: 65.5% vs. Male literacy: 82.1% (Census 2011).
Sex ratio: 944 females per 1000 males.
9. Social, Cultural, and Economic Diversity
India's diversity is reflected in:
Physical geography: Mountains, deserts, coasts, etc.
Cultural practices: Dress, food, traditions.
Social structure: Caste, tribe, religion.
Impact on Children:
A child's development is affected by region, caste, tribe, religion, and socio-economic background.
Disparities exist in access to education, nutrition, and healthcare.
10. Cultural and Religious Factors
Caste-based discrimination impacts access to resources.
Tribal communities often live in isolated rural areas with distinct cultures.
Religious practices shape daily life, identity, and access to services.
Schools must respect and include all cultural and religious practices.
11. Family Structures in India
Types of families:
Nuclear: Parents and children.
Joint/Extended: Includes grandparents and relatives.
Adoptive families.
Each family setup influences the child’s upbringing and experiences.
12. Children with Disabilities
Face exclusion and marginalization.
Need:
Empathy from peers.
Support and care from families.
Inclusive environments in school and community.
13. Migrant Children
4–6 million children are affected by seasonal or long-term migration.
Often miss:
Schooling
Healthcare
Nutrition
Migrant children face exclusion from basic rights.
14. Indian Constitution and Child Welfare Provisions
Fundamental Rights:
Article 14: Equality before law.
Article 15: No discrimination based on religion, caste, sex, etc.
Article 21A: Free & compulsory education (6–14 years).
Article 24: No child under 14 to work in hazardous employment.
Directive Principles of State Policy:
Article 39: Protection of childhood from exploitation.
Article 42: Maternity relief for working women.
Article 45: Free education for children.
Article 47: Focus on public health and nutrition.
Article 51A: Parents must ensure education for their children.
15. Child Rearing Practices in India
Influenced by:
Cultural beliefs
Health and nutritional risks
Developmental stage of child
Mothers are usually primary caregivers, supported by family or alone.
16. Factors Affecting Early Childhood
Biological: Heredity, gender
Environmental: Hygiene, sanitation
Socio-economic: Poverty, family income
Geographical: Location-based opportunities
Nutrition and Immunization
Parental care and education level
