The Foundational Years: Early Childhood Care Education

Improving early childhood education     
development outcomes.

Early childhood care and education is key to a child’s development in early years. Over 85% of a child’s cumulative brain development occurs prior to the age of six. Children learn best during their early years through exploration, curiosity, and imaginative play. It is a world of wonder where they build connections, understanding, and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

In line with the National Education Policy 2020, Reliance Foundation recognises the transformative power of play-based learning during the foundational stage (3-8 years) and has, since 2022, aimed to make this a common trend in India’s early education system by establishing the Early Childhood Care and Education program.

Creating evidence-based models

Reliance Foundation works intensively with communities, educators, and experts to create innovative and evidence-based models for early childhood development

To support the government’s efforts in ECCE, Reliance Foundation undertakes innovative and collaborative approaches to contribute to holistic child development. The approach is aligned with National Curriculum Framework ensuring early learning, health and nutrition, through innovative programmes as well as pre-primary institutions.

The National Curriculum Framework document also specifies ways of operationalising the framework through creating enabling environments, which includes a) enabling policies, b) supportive services, c) empowered communities, and d) caregiver capabilities. To complement enabling policies of the government, Reliance Foundation aims to contribute to the other three aspects through its various initiatives spread across the country. Reliance Foundation strives to develop stimulating environments where children can thrive, and caregiver participation is given utmost importance.

Ensuring safe environment

Reliance Foundation aims to create nurturing spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and holistic growth for young learners, fostering a brighter and more exciting learning experience. These nurturing environments also provide every child with an equal opportunity to thrive and grow, breaking down barriers and catering to the needs of preschool children from marginalised communities

With this programme, Reliance Foundation aims to enable effective and efficient early childhood development, and in the process, create scalable models.