Early Childhood Care and Education

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is the care and education of children in the early childhood stage, which the chapter defines as birth to 8 years of age. It includes supporting the child’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development through care, play, learning experiences and a supportive environment. ECCE also aims at the holistic development of the child, preparation for school, and providing support services for women and children.

Young children may require different care arrangements depending on the family situation. These include:

- Care at home by the mother, father or another primary caregiver
- Substitute care by a family member, such as a grandmother or helper
- Informal family care settings, such as a woman in the neighbourhood running a crèche at home
- Institutional child care centres
- Day care, where children are cared for during the day in the absence of the primary caregiver

These arrangements may be needed especially when the mother is employed outside the home or when the child needs care beyond the family.