ABSTRACT
The chapter lays down the importance of quality Early Childhood Care and Education services to enhance the young child’s early cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. It argues that home-based learning is crucial; yet, the various shortcomings to it necessitate for it to be complemented by formal ECCE programmes to optimise learning. However, the pre-education component has not been adequately addressed in the ICDS design. The chapter calls for policy shifts and expansion of programmes for the universal provisioning of ECCE services guided by a shared understanding of ECD and its components.
