ECD (Parent Trainings)
As commonly known, healthy development in the early years after birth provides the building blocks for a child's sustainable future. The Science of Early Childhood Development allows us to dive deeper into this concept, ultimately promoting not just your child(ren)'s physical and cognitive development but also the future of our communities through enhanced economic productivity, lifelong health and successful parenting of the next generations.
Resources:
At Amirrah, we rely on Harvard University's Guide to ECD to help parents understand the importance of early childhood development and learn how to support children through the most susceptible years of their lives, ages 0-3.
To this end, we provide specialized parent training programmes that cater for your child(ren)'s long term physical, emotional and cognitive development.
Why Early Childhood Development (ECD)?
ECD is a critical period in a person's life (usually from conception to 3 years of age) wherein the brain develops the fastest and is most responsive to change. Evidence suggests that if children, at this age, are given good nutrition, adequate care, and stimulation in a timely manner, they will develop to their full potential, both physically and intellectually. Such nurturing and care will not only result in the children fully developing their thinking, language, social and emotional skills but will also allow them to become more productive as adults. As a result, children require age-appropriate support from their parents/caregivers, teachers and community members to ensure their full development.
Traditionally, early childhood development has largely focused on food & nutrition and nurture & care vis-à-vis the parent and child interaction arena. However, at Amirrah, we advocate for play-based learning as the third form of interaction between parents and their child(ren) to foster deeper connections and provide a stronger foundation for the child(ren)'s long term success.
Some explanations and techniques to encourage such practices have been captured well by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The links shared below can be used to implement some basic structures and techniques to aid your child(ren)'s early development potential.
Food & Nutrition
"Good nutrition is not just about strong bodies – it’s also about strong minds. During the first two years, up to 75 per cent of each meal goes to building your baby’s brain. As your baby grows, so do his nutritional needs"
Nurture & Care
"With every hug and every kiss, every song and every game, you can help your baby develop in so many ways. Just 15 minutes of play can spark millions of brain connections. And everyone can play a role!"
Play-Based Learning
"The science is clear: early moments matter and their effects can last a lifetime. And it’s the child’s environment and experiences that shape how happy, healthy and smart she will grow up to be."