“A society’s true character is measured by how it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela
The Early Education Centre (TEEC) shares the belief that a community should invest in early childhood development (ECD). TEEC’s mission is to increase access and deliver quality by improving early learning education for vulnerable young children by empowering unskilled as well as skilled Educators and parents.
What is ECD
ECD refers to the physical, psychological, cognitive, and social development that a child experiences between infancy and middle childhood. Based on various scientific studies, we know that early childhood development plays a key role in a child’s capacity to reach their full potential. Development that occurs during these years is likely to have a lasting impact on the growth that occurs throughout their life.
It is important for parents and childcare workers to focus on building a strong foundation in early childhood. Through the provision of appropriate care and creating sufficient opportunities for learning, parents and teachers can help children develop their full potential. This, in turn, will help to break the cycle of poverty, reduce social inequality, and improve economic activity.
Why it is important
A child’s early years are the foundation for his or her future development. This provides the base for lifelong learning abilities, including cognitive and social development. TEEC understands the importance of early childhood education as an essential building block for a child’s future success.
Research shows that an effective ECD programme helps with the following:
- Concentration
- Patience and teamwork
- Encourages holistic development
- Helps open the child to learning
How parents can help
Positive parenting practices are successful across various family settings when the care that is given to children positively promotes their well-being. There is evidence that parents can support healthy development in their child through a number of ways. These include showing warmth and sensitivity, reading to them, leading by example and sharing books and talking with him.
In an effective ECD programme, children learn through play and positively mimic what they see. The right guidance from parents and caretakers can help children develop a good foundation to set them up for success later in life. They learn discipline, interactive skills and motor skills. TEEC assists children with building these strong foundations.