1. Introduction to ECCE
ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) refers to the holistic development of children from birth to the age of six.
It includes care, education, health, nutrition, protection, and participation.
Recognized globally and nationally as a crucial period in human development due to rapid physical and mental growth.
The Government of India has launched various policies, schemes, and programmes to ensure children receive the necessary support during this critical period.
2. Need for Government Initiatives
Children’s early years are foundational for lifelong development.
High rates of malnutrition, lack of access to education and health services in India necessitate strong public policy.
The government ensures:
Equal access to quality services.
Protection of children’s rights.
Survival, growth, and development of every child.
India is a signatory to several international conventions on child rights and development.
3. Important Policies and Plans
3.1 National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986
Recognized ECCE as the foundation of primary education.
Emphasized child-centered and play-based methods.
Opposed early introduction of formal academics (3Rs).
Encouraged community participation in ECCE programmes.
3.2 National Nutrition Policy, 1993
Aimed to address malnutrition and undernutrition.
Proposed expansion of ICDS to cover all children.
Emphasized maternal education and state-level nutrition councils.
3.3 National Policy for Children (NPC), 2013
Declared children as “supremely important asset”.
Reaffirmed children’s rights: survival, health, nutrition, education, protection, and participation.
Urged states to provide universal and equitable access to ECCE.
3.4 National ECCE Policy, 2013
Vision: Holistic development and active learning for children under six.
Promotes free, inclusive, equitable, and joyful early learning.
Highlights family-based care and emphasizes improving quality, capacity building, and research.
3.5 National Health Mission (NHM), 2013
Integrates health services including maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health.
Seeks universal access to affordable and quality healthcare.
3.6 India Newborn Action Plan (INAP), 2014
Goal: Reduce preventable newborn deaths and stillbirths.
Six strategic areas: pre-conception care, care during childbirth, immediate newborn care, care for sick newborns, and post-survival care.
3.7 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2030
Goal 4.2: Access to quality ECCE and pre-primary education for all by 2030.
Ensures children are school-ready and developmentally prepared.
3.8 National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), 2016
Prioritizes the “Last Child First” approach.
Focuses on rights of marginalized children—street children, children of sex workers, migrants, and HIV-affected.
Promotes inclusive access to health, education, and protection.
3.9 National Health Policy (NHP), 2017
Aims for the highest attainable level of health across all ages.
Emphasizes prevention, promotion of wellness, and improved healthcare financing and access.
3.10 POSHAN Abhiyan, 2018
Full form: Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment.
Aims for a malnutrition-free India by 2022.
Targets reduction of stunting, anemia, and underweight among women and children.
4. Major Schemes and Programmes
4.1 Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), 1975
World's largest ECCE programme.
Caters to children (0–6 years), pregnant and lactating mothers.
Offers:
1. Supplementary nutrition
2. Pre-school education
3. Health check-ups
4. Immunization
5. Health and nutrition education
6. Referral services
Delivered via Anganwadi Centres.
4.2 Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), 1995
Provides nutritious meals in government and aided schools.
Boosts enrolment, retention, and attendance.
Extended to classes VI–VIII in 2007.
4.3 Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), 2005
Encourages institutional deliveries among economically weaker women.
Reduces maternal and neonatal mortality.
4.4 Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), 2011
Offers cashless maternal and newborn care in government hospitals.
4.5 Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
Child health screening and early intervention.
Detects 30 common health conditions under:
Birth defects
Diseases
Deficiencies
Developmental delays
4.6 Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), 2009
Protects children in vulnerable and difficult circumstances.
4.7 Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, 2018
Integrates education from preschool to class 12.
Focuses on infrastructure, quality learning, professional training, and inclusion.
4.8 Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat, 2014
Strengthens early literacy and numeracy for classes I and II.
4.9 Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme
Offers daycare services for children of working mothers in organized and unorganized sectors.
4.10 National Minimum Guidelines for Crèches (2017)
Mandates crèche facilities in organizations with 50+ employees.
Sets quality standards for health, safety, staffing, learning, and parental involvement.
5. Curriculum Frameworks in ECCE
5.1 National Curriculum Framework (NCF), 2005
Created by NCERT.
Advocates for play-based and holistic learning.
ECCE is seen as a preparation for formal schooling.
5.2 National ECCE Curriculum Framework, 2013
Guides content and pedagogy in ECCE.
Emphasizes:
Developmentally appropriate practices
Active and joyful learning
Parental and community participation
6. ECCE Service Providers
6.1 Government Sector
Major provider through ICDS and Anganwadi centres.
Offers services in health, nutrition, education, and care.
6.2 Private Sector
Standalone pre-schools and franchises.
Growing presence in rural areas.
Quality varies and requires regulatory oversight.
6.3 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Run by trusts, religious organizations, and supported by donors.
Services vary by organization and region.
Conclusion / Key Takeaways
ECCE is foundational for children's lifelong development.
India has made significant efforts through policy, planning, and implementation.
Integration and harmonization of services across sectors (government, private, NGO) is essential for success.
Quality and inclusivity are the cornerstones of effective ECCE programmes.
