National Policy on Early

Childhood Care and

Development
 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Acknowledgements

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Abbreviations and Acronyms

CRC Convention on the Rights of the Child
CRPO Child Rights Promotion Officer
CS Children’s Secretariat
DCC District Coordination Committee
DO Development Officer
Div. CC Divisional Coordination Committee
ECCD Early Childhood Care and Development
ECD Early Childhood Development
ECE Early Childhood Education
ECI Early Childhood Interventions
EFA Education for All
FHB Family Health Bureau
IEC Information Education and Communication
INGO International Non-Governmental Organizations
MDG Millennium Development Goals
MIS Management Information System
MoE Ministry of Education
MoH Ministry of Health
MOH Medical Officer of Health
MSEW Ministry of Social Empowerment and Welfare
MWCA Ministry of Women and Child Affairs
NCC National Coordination Committee
NCPA National Child Protection Authority
NGO Non-Governmental Organizations
PC Provincial Councils
PCC Provincial Coordination Committee

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

PHDT Plantation Human Development Trust

SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
SDG Sustainable Development Goals
UNISEF United Nations Children’s Fund
VCDC Village Child Development Committees
WDO Women Development Officer

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Content Page

1.0 Introduction 5
1.1.Background 5
1.2.Scope 9
1.3.Definition of terms 9

2.0.The National Policy on Early Childhood Care and Development 10

2.1.Guiding Principles 10
2.2.Vision Statement 11
2.3.Mission Statement 11
2.4.Objectives 11
3.0.Areas for Action 12
3.1.Area 1: Health and Nutrition 12
3.2.Area 2: Early Childhood Education 13
3.3.Area 3: Child Care and Protection 14
3.4.Area 4: Parents, Family and Community 16
3.5.Area 5: Investments in ECCD 16
3.6.Strategies Targeting Quality Improvement of All ECCD
Services and Programmes. 17

4.0.The implementation mechanism of the National policy 18

4.1.Composition of the Committees 19
4.1.1. National Coordination Committee on ECCD 19
4.1.2. Provincial Coordination Committee on ECCD 20
4.1.3. District Coordination Committee on ECCD 21
4.1.4. Divisional Development Committee on ECCD 22
4.1.5. Village Child Development Committee 23
4.2.Monitoring and Evaluation 24
5.0.Roles and Responsibilities 24
5.1.Ministry In charge of the Subject Child Affairs 24
5.2.Ministry In charge of the Subject Health 25
5.3.Ministry In charge of the Subject Education 25
5.4.Ministry In charge of the Subject Social Empowerment and Welfare 25
5.5.Provincial Councils 26
5.6.Plantation Human Development Trust 26
5.7.Non-Governmental Organizations 26
5.8.International Multilateral and Bilateral Organizations 26
5.9.Private Sector Organizations 26
5.10. Parents and Communities 27

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

1. Introduction

Significance of early years as a period that lays the foundation for a child’s future is well
documented. Convincing evidence from neurological studies also show how early experiences
play a pivotal role in the development of the brain. As the brain develops, children learn to cope
up with the realities of the environment from a very early age. Therefore, the environment to
which children are exposed during the early years is crucial for their development.
There is also a globally emerging realization supported by research evidence that investment in
quality early childhood care and development (ECCD) programmes yield a high rate of return.
As a result, ECCD is increasingly gaining prominence as an investment that promotes
sustainable economic growth through human capital development. Awareness of the importance
attached to ECCD has resulted in increasing services and programmes provided for young
children.

ECCD encompasses all essential supports of health, nutrition, education, social services, care and
protection provided to all children with special emphasis on the most disadvantaged and
vulnerable. The Government of Sri Lanka regards it as equally important in the development of
socialcapital which contributes to the achievement of country’s development goals. The National
Policy introduced in the year 2004 which ensure support unities for every Sri Lankan child to
learn and develop in a nurturing environment that supports him/her to reach maximum potential
shows the Government’s commitment to ECCD. The present National Policy on ECCD reaffirms
the commitment expressed in the National Policy, 2004.

1.1. Background

Sri Lanka is an early achiever of most of the indicators in Millennium Development Goals 1 and
is among the countries in the high human development category (Human Development Report,
2016). These achievements are outcomes of the provision of free education from grade 1 to
university level, universal health care services and numerous other welfare programmes
implemented in the country. Despite these impressive achievements various gaps could be found
in relation to child development.

The population of children from birth to 5 years in Sri Lanka is 1,743,780 (Census, 2012).
Prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight (13.1%, 19,6% and 23.5% respectively) among
these children indicate that malnutrition is a matter of concern2. In relation to early childhood

1
Nanayakkara W. MDG Country Report, 2014, Institute for Policy Studies of Sri Lanka
2
National Micro Nutrient Survey, 2012https://www.unicef.org/srilanka/MNS_Report-28.02.2013.pdf

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

education, data show that the access to early childhood education (ECE) is lower than the access
to formal education (97%3). Provision of access to center based ECE for children between 3-4

years and 4-5 years is 44.9% and 86.6% respectively (Department of Census and Statistics
20124). Even though the figures between the ages 3-5show that a 65% of the child population
has access to ECE, irregular attendance has been identified as a concern. Poor parental
awareness, terrain difficulties, poverty, and lack of early childhood intervention (ECI) services
for children with special needs including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged have
contributed towards most of these concerns. The quality of ECE also has been affected by issues
such as inequality and inadequacy of resources, untrained teachers and failure to adhere to
stipulated standards.

Policy Context

The constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has stated that the State shall
promote with special care the interests of children and youth, so as to ensure their full
development, physical, mental, moral, religious and social, and to protect them from exploitation
and discrimination (Chapter VI, Article 27[13]). Furthermore, Sri Lanka is a signatory to the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the General Comments No. 7 of the
CRC (2006) specifically deals with ECCD. Subsequent to the CRC the Government introduced
the Charter on the Rights of the Child in 1992 which indicates that, Sri Lanka, has recognized
children as right holders. In addition, Sri Lanka has become a party to World Declaration for
Education for All (EFA) Goals (1990) which was reaffirmed in Darkar Framework of Action
(2000) and Moscow Framework for Action (2010), the Millennium Development Goals (MDG,
2000),the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Colombo Statement on
Children of South Asia (2010) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG,2015) the new
global development agenda officially known as “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development”.

The first EFA goal directly focuses on the education of children in early childhood and the first
three of the MDG goals are linked to mother and child. The SAARC Colombo Statement refers
to inclusive child friendly family focused services integrating parental support systems, social
justice to children with disabilities and their parents and better psychosocial development and
adjustment to formal school. The SGD recognizes the role of quality early childhood care and
development programmes and services in achieving at least seven of its goals on no poverty, no
hunger, health, education, gender, water and sanitation, and reduced inequality.

3
The World Bank Group 2016 http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.PRM.NENR?locations=SY
4
TableA27: Population aged 3 to 34 years engaged in educational activities by single years of age, sex and sector

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The National Policy on ECCD, 2004 is the first Government policy initiative that focused on the
holistic development of children aged 0-5 years. This age range has been adopted based on the
children’s age of entry to formal education in Sri Lanka.5 Its vision was to ensure the right of
very Sri Lankan child to start life healthy, be nurtured in a safe, caring and stimulating
environment, that enables him or her to be physically healthy, mentally alert, emotionally secure,
socially competent and intellectually able to learn (Vision statement of the National Policy on
ECCD, page 116). The approach of the national policy on ECCD, 2004 is inclusive and the
vision is holistic and integrated7.

Although not exclusively for ECCD, National Child Health and Maternal Policy, National Policy
for Disability for Sri Lanka and Draft National Policy for Child Protection are supportive policy
initiatives that also cover children in early childhood. In addition to the policy initiatives, there
are numerous other government programmes and services related to health and nutrition of
young children and pregnant mothers as well as care and protection of children in the early
childhood. In the task of implementing ECCD related policies, programmes and services, the
Government is supported by international agencies, international and local non-governmental
organizations (INGOs and NGOs) as well as private sector organizations.

The abovementioned specifics as well as issues related to quality aspects of the services
delivered to children in early childhood and the global developments and agendas such as SDGs,
local changes in the administrative sphere and gaps identified during the implementation process
demand revisiting and upgrading the existing Policy on ECCD. Therefore, the National Policy on
ECCD, 2018 is introduced envisioning a better integration of all services (health, education,
social services, child care and child protection, children with disability) and all sectors
(Government, INGOs, NGOs and Private sector organizations) related to ECCD to implement an
improved operational mechanism at all levels.

5
Definitions of early childhood vary in different countries and regions, according to local traditions and the
organization of primary school systems. In some countries, the transition from preschool to school occurs soon after
4 years old. In other countries, this transition takes place at around 7 years old. In its consideration of rights in early
childhood, the Committee wishes to include all young children: at birth and throughout infancy; during the
preschool years; as well as during the transition to school. Accordingly, the Committee proposes as an appropriate
working definition of early childhood the period below the age of 8 years; States parties should review their
obligations towards young children in the context of this definition. Convention on the Rights of the Child,
CRC/C/GC/7/Rev 1, 20 September 2006 page
6
Ministry of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment (2004) National Policy on Early Childhood Care and
Development
7
The World Bank Group 2014, Laying Foundation for Early Childhood Education in Sri Lanka. Human Development
Unit South Asia Region,

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Institutional context

The Children’s Secretariat functioning under the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs
(MWCA) is the key institution mandated for ECCD. The Children’s Secretariat (CS) was
established in 1979 to commemorate the International Year of the Child. At present it is
mandated for formulation of policies and for conducting programmes for early childhood care
and development with the objective of fostering a physically and mentally healthy child,
coordinating activities with the provincial level committees and monitoring and follow-up plans.
Health services provided to children in Sri Lanka are free and implemented through the Ministry
of Health (MoH) and provincial health services which comprise a network of medical institutions
under Medical Officers of Health and Family Health Officers (Public Health Midwives). This
network ensures the provision of quality child care services island-wide at both field and
institutional settings. Sri Lanka has achieved relatively a high status of health care as observed
by the low level of infant, child and maternal mortality and high immunization coverage8 .
Family Health Bureau (FHB) and the Nutrition Coordination Division of the Ministry of Health
are involved in ECCD programmes in the Health sector. FHB is the focal point of maternal and
child health. It has an ECCD and Special needs Unit. Nutrition Coordination Division of the
Ministry of health is geared to monitor all nutrition related activities in the country and carries
out its own activities such as formulation of food based guidelines.
Among the Key national institutions related to education is EFA Branch of the Ministry of
Education. It coordinates all the activities related to Education for All Goals of which ECCD is
the first goal. The National Education Commission established under the National Education
Commission Act No. 19, 1991 is mandated to make recommendations to the President, on
educational policy which includes preschool education as well (Articles 2 [2] and 8 [a]). The
National Institute of Education conducts preschool teacher training programmes.
The 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka (1987) by Article 154G (1) has devolved
the subject of preschool education to Provincial Councils (PCs). This has empowered the PCs to
make necessary legislation for supervision and management of preschools. As a result, most of
the Provincial Councils have passed statutes on preschool education/ECCD and all of them have
established Authorities/Bureaus/Units for ECCD/preschool education. However, education
provided to children in early childhood is primarily a private sector concern.

8UNICEF (2011) Annual Report for Sri Lanka. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/srilanka/SLCO_annual_report_2011.pdf

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1.2. Scope

The National Policy on ECCD, 2018, primarily focuses on all children in Sri Lanka from
conception to admission age to grade one in the formal school. The policy provides an overall
framework for health and nutrition, education, social services, care and protection and services
for all children within the age range stated above. ECCD interventions are multifaceted due to
the nature of child development which consists of interdependent dimensions. Therefore, ECCD
is a shared responsibility among Ministry In charge of the Subject Child Affairs and relevant key
Ministries, Provincial Ministries, Departments and other state institutions involved with children
in early childhood. The policy document consists of Guiding Principles, Vision and mission
Statements Key objectives, Areas for action, Strategies and policy implementation framework.
The content of the policy is expected to be incorporated within broader action plans of the public
agencies and other development partners responsible for wellbeing of children in early childhood
including the most disadvantaged and vulnerable. The approach adopted in this policy is
integrated and multi-sectoral.

1.3. Definition of the Key terms

Early childhood is internationally known as the period from conception to eight years of age.
However, age range of this definition varies in different countries. This policy defines early
childhood as the period from conception to the age of school admission in Sri Lanka which is 5
years.

Care is defined as integrated set of actions that ensure children’s health, nutrition, protection,
and their psycho-social and cognitive aspects of development.

Development is the process of qualitative change in the child that enables her/him to master
increasingly complex levels of moving, thinking, feeling and interacting with people and objects.

Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD)

ECCD is defined as essential supports of health, nutrition, education, social services, care and
protection provided to children in early childhood especially to most vulnerable and
disadvantaged

Most vulnerable and disadvantaged children

Most vulnerable and disadvantaged children include children who are orphans, abused and
neglected children, children without families, refugees, children with disability, street children

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

and children living in extreme poverty9.Children in the early childhood who live in prisons with
their mothers also belong to this category.

Centre based early childhood education

Centre based early childhood education is defined as education that children in early childhood
receive in a place organized to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences. It
focuses on holistic development of the child and promotes child’s readiness for learning.

Child Friendly Spaces

Child friendly spaces are defined as temporary (provisional/ short-term) places designed and
operated in a participatory manner, where children affected by natural disasters or armed
conflicts can be provided with a safe environment, where integrated programming including
play, recreation, education, health and psychosocial support can be delivered and/or information
about services/supports provided10.

2. The National ECCD Policy

2.1 Guiding Principles

The National Policy on ECCD 2018 is guided by the following universally accepted principles
related to child development.

a. All children have an inherent right for life, survival and development. All children
deserve a healthy start and equal opportunities to grow and develop to become worthy
citizens of the country.

b. Every child is equally valuable. Therefore, children need to be protected from all forms
of discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, language, religion, skin color, social
origin, socio economic conditions and disability.

c. Children should be treated equally but special attention is given to children in greatest
need and at greatest risk so they can fulfill their potential, thus helping break cycles of
poverty and vulnerabilities
d. Decisions with regard to children should be made based on their best interest. Most
appropriate decisions should be taken based on young children’s physical, emotional,

9
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child ,General Comments No 7,(2005).Implementing Rights of the
Child. Accessed
fromhttp://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/docs/AdvanceVersions/GeneralComment7Rev1.pdf

10
https://www.unicef.org/protection/A_Practical_Guide_to_Developing_Child_Friendly_Spaces_-_UNICEF_(1).pdf

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social and educational needs as well as gender, age, family and social background. This
principle applies to children who are unaccompanied, separated, adopted and those who
live with their mothers in prisons.

e. Child development is holistic and consists of interdependent dimensions. Therefore, a

holistic integrated approach that addresses child’s multiple needs should be adopted in all
services for young children.

f. Learning is an integral part of development. Children are ready to learn when they are
physically healthy, mentally alert, emotionally well-adjusted and socially competent

g. All children are capable and competent, but each child develops at his/her own pace.
Therefore, education provided to young children should be age appropriate as well as
individual appropriate.

h. Since interactions with people and objects in the environment are necessary for children
to learn and develop, children’s learning and development depend on the quality of
environment provided to them.

i. Children live within a context where the family, community and culture influence their
development. In order to strengthen the family and community to improve young
children’s quality of life, it is essential to create awareness among parents, teachers and
the community on child development.

2.2. Vision statement

An enabling environment that ensures every child’s right for optimal development.

2.3 Mission statement

Optimal survival, growth and development of all children in Sri Lanka in early childhood
through a protective, caring and conducive environment in the home and other settings, well
supported by a comprehensive and integrated system of early childhood care and development
services.

2.4. Objectives

The key objectives of the Policy are

1. To assure all children in early childhood including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged,
the best start in life by ensuring equitable access to quality ECCD services that promote
child’s right to life, survival and development
2. To empower parents, families and communities to perform their roles and responsibilities
effectively in bringing up their children and ensure their optimal involvement in ECCD
services and programmes

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3. To promote investments in ECCD programmes including programmes for most vulnerable

and disadvantaged children by ensuring mobilization, equitable allocation and effective
utilization of financial and human resources
4. To establish an administrative mechanism for effective implementation of the policy and for
monitoring and evaluation
5. To promote research to enable evidence based decision making and practice

3. Areas for Action

Strategies identified to achieve the objectives of the Policy are broadly categorized into
following areas for action.

1. Health and nutrition

2. Early childhood education
3. Child care and protection
4. Parents, family and community
5. Investments in ECCD

In addition, the Policy proposes strategies targeting quality improvement of all ECCD services
and programmes.

3.1. Area 1:Health and Nutrition

Specific Objective

Assure all children in early childhood including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged,
equitable access to quality health and nutritional services

Strategies

1. Strengthen relevant national and provincial authorities to ensure all children in early
childhood have equitable access to all health and nutrition services at both field and
institutional setting.
2. Facilitate and strengthen the quality of health and nutritional services provided by
relevant national and provincial authorities
3. Promote advocacy and awareness to bring the most vulnerable and disadvantaged
children in to mainstream health and nutrition services
4. Strengthen and Facilitate relevant authorities to ensure that parents, families, youth
groups, adolescence and communities are aware of available child care services,
nutritional programmes and referrals.

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

5. Facilitate national and provincial authorities as well as non-governmental agencies to

expand child care services to underserved areas and communities especially focusing
on most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
6. Promote the provision of safe drinking water, sex and age appropriate sanitation and
hygiene services especially in underserved and unserved areas.
7. Promote and facilitate relevant national and provincial authorities to ensure adequate
child care services including nutrition during emergency situations
8. Facilitate capacity building of personnel involved in health and nutrition to deliver
quality health and nutrition services for all children
9. Facilitate participation of development partners (NGO & private sector) in delivering
quality services for children in early childhood.
10. Facilitate Implementation of appropriate mechanisms for early identification of
disability and other special needs with a system of referrals.

3.2. Area 2: Early Childhood Education

Specific Objective

Assure all children in early childhood especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged have
equitable access to quality early childhood education.

Strategies

1. Facilitate expanding spaces and procedures with essential facilities in un-served and
underserved areas to improve equitable access to quality centre based early childhood
education (ECE).
2. Promote expansion of ECE services focussed on essential support needed for most
vulnerable and disadvantaged children through infrastructure development and
positive discrimination measures.
3. Promote awareness of the importance of ECE for optimal development of the child
and the impact of ECE on the development of human capital among policy makers,
officials and the general public.
4. Promote and facilitate collaboration among public, NGOs and private sector
organizations to expand centre based ECE.
5. Strengthen relevant national and provincial authorities to ensure the quality of centre
based ECE to foster physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of
children and smooth transition to the primary school through implementing
developmentally appropriate (age appropriate as well as individually appropriate)
practices.
6. Facilitate development of a national core curriculum/national curriculum guide.

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7. Facilitate all national and provincial authorities to promote ECE centres to comply
with standards related to structural and process features of centre based ECE as well
as early childhood development standards11.
8. Promote and facilitate capacity building and career development of personnel
involved in ECE (Early Childhood Development officers/Assistants, other relevant
officers and preschool teachers).
9. Promote and facilitate capacity building of personnel involved in centre based ECE to
adopt inclusive practices in centres.
10. Promote and facilitate systematic use of valid assessment techniques to gauge
children’s learning, development, and readiness for schooling.
11. Promote mechanisms to safeguard the quality of professional development
programmes offered to preschool teachers and other care givers.
12. Facilitate measures for early detection of children at risk of developmental delays and
disabilities to ensure early interventions.
13. Promote and facilitate quality assurance mechanisms for educational materials and
toys to ensure that they are developmentally appropriate and nurture children’s
learning and development.
14. Promote and facilitate interactions in mother tongue in centre based learning
environments.
15. Promote community involvement in centre based ECE.
16. Promote and facilitate initiatives in capacity building of parents and families to
improve home based learning environments.
17. Promote and facilitate programmes and services targeting families of children at risk
due to multiple reasons (socio-economic conditions, illiteracy, migration, separation,
disability etc.) to ensure favourable home environments for ECE.
18. Facilitate relevant national and provincial authorities to ensure that children in early
childhood continue their education in emergency and disaster situations.

3.3. Area3: Child Care and Protection

Specific Objective

Assure all children in early childhood especially those who need care and protection from
violence, abuse and neglect equitable access to quality care and protection.

11
National Early Childhood Development standards are learning standards that indicate “what children should
know and be able to do” at a certain age

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Strategies

1. Promote and facilitate nationally and provincially available care and protection
services and interventions specific for children in early childhood to ensure equitable
access.

2. Promote and facilitate referral pathways specific to care and protection services and
interventions tailored to children in early childhood and their families.
3. Promote and facilitate expansion of existing care and protection services initiated by
national and provincial authorities to reach children who have no voice (children in
early childhood are too small to protest) and pregnant mothers.
4. Promote and facilitate alternative child care mechanisms such as family based day care
centres and neighbourhood play groups that enable parents to leave their young
children especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in safe environments.
5. Strengthen relevant national and provincial authorities to ensure the quality of care and
protection services offered to children in early childhood including the most
vulnerable and disadvantaged.
6. Promote and facilitate prevention networks to protect children in early childhood from
violence, abuse and exploitation.
7. Promote and facilitate regulatory measures to protect children in early childhood from
all forms of exploitation.
8. Strengthen relevant authorities to provide care and protection to children in early
childhood during disaster situations.
9. Facilitate national and provincial authorities to professionalise child care and
protection services through capacity building of personnel involved in care and
protection services.
10. Facilitate all programmes implemented for care and protection of children in early
childhood to comply with National guidelines12for Child protection.
11. Strengthen and facilitate strategies adopted by relevant authorities to promote safety
and resilience in children in early childhood.
12. Promote and facilitate planning, developing and operating child friendly spaces in
emergencies and special circumstances.

12
Retrieved from http://www.childprotection.gov.lk/?page_id=2211

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3.4. Area 4: Parents, families and community

Specific Objective
Capacitate parents, families and communities to perform their roles and responsibilities
effectively in bringing up their children and ensure their optimal involvement in ECCD
services and programmes.

Strategies

1. Facilitate capacity building of parents and families to adopt best practices of child
rearing that promote care and protection and psychosocial stimulation for all children
including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the home environment.
2. Promote advocacy and social mobilisation to ensure safe environments free of
violence and negligence for all children in early childhood including the most
vulnerable and disadvantaged within the family and community.
3. Promote and facilitate programmes to create awareness among parents, families and
communities on child’s right to play, recreation and cultural participation.
4. Promote and facilitate community based disaster risk reduction planning. The strategy
requires capacity building of communities and local authorities on disaster prevention
and preparedness activities.
5. Promote and facilitate community driven ECCD programmes that uphold cultural
values and meaningful involvement of all sections of the community.
6. Facilitate community to establish well-equipped outdoor spaces to promote children’s
physical wellbeing, social interactions as well as learning through play.

3.5. Area 5: Investments in ECCD

Specific Objective

Promote investments in ECCD services and programmes and assure equitable allocation and
effective utilization of financial resources.

Strategies

1. Strengthen public investments at national and provincial level to promote equitable

access to quality ECCD programmes for all children including the most vulnerable
and disadvantaged.
2. Facilitate investments in poverty reduction programmes that target quality water
sanitary and health interventions and housing facilities to make a change in the lives
of children in early childhood.

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3. Promote and facilitate more investments for health and nutrition programmes
providing continuum of care from pregnancy, child birth through to age 5+ years.
4. Facilitate community mobilisationas well as mobilisation of resources in communities
to promote ECE for all children in early childhood including most vulnerable and
disadvantaged.
5. Promote equitable allocation of sufficient human and financial resources to all
administrative areas with special attention to areas with un-served and underserved
regions.
6. Promote investments in national and provincial level research related to ECCD.
(Development partners [Local and International NGOs and Private sector] can play a
crucial role in this task).

3.6. Strategies Targeting Quality Improvement of All ECCD Services and Programmes.

The Policy proposes following strategies to improve the quality of all ECCD services and
programmes
1. Strengthen the Children’s Secretariat with technical expertise to guide and support
initiation and implementation of ECCD services and programmes.
2. Promote and facilitate the study of early childhood development as an area in which
professional qualifications can be obtained by all personnel involved ECCD.
3. Promote research on child development including longitudinal research and strengthen
links between policy, research and practice. Facilitate universities, development partners
and other research institutes to carry out research studies to provide sound data to guide
planning and management of ECCD services.
4. Facilitate dissemination of research and evaluation providing a wider coverage to
promote best practices.
5. Promote and facilitate procedures to establish ethical standards for research to ensure
maximum protection for children in early childhood who participate in research.
6. Strengthen Government initiatives to create a data base on ECCD and maintain it
regularly.

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4. Implementation Mechanism of the Policy

The implementation of the national Policy on ECCD will be coordinated through committees
established at different levels of governance linking the central government at ministerial
level, with lower tiers. The proposed mechanism adopts a multi sectoral approach and
reporting system from national to grass root level and vice versa for effective implementation
of the policy.

- The National Coordination Committee (NCC) is the national level body that oversees
the implementation of the policy and making adjustments when deemed necessary. It
will ensure multi sectoral collaboration from national to grassroots level in
developing and implementing action plans and ECCD related activities.
- The NCC has the power to appoint technical committees consisting relevant expertise
related to areas for action stated in the policy when deemed necessary.
- The overseeing of the implementation of the policy at provincial level shall be carried
out through Provincial Coordination Committees (PCC). Similarly, the PCC has the
power to appoint technical committees consisting relevant expertise related to areas
for action stated in the policy when deemed necessary.
- At district and divisional levels subcommittees shall be appointed from the existing
CRC Monitoring Committees in the Districts and the Divisional Secretariat Divisions
to oversee the implementation of ECCD policy. Representatives of Preschool/ECCD
Authorities/Bureaus, Provincial Departments and Local Authorities shall be members
of these subcommittees for smooth implementation of the Policy.

- At village level Village Child Development Committees established to monitor child

rights will be strengthened and expanded to initiate/support village based ECCD
programmes and services.

Roles and responsibilities of each of these committees are annexed.

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

The Implementation structure of the National Policy on ECCD

National Coordination Committee on ECCD

Provincial Coordination
Committee on ECCD
District Coordination Committee on ECCD

(A sub committee appointed by the District CRC

Monitoring Committee)

Divisional Coordination Committee on ECCD

(A sub committee appointed by the Divisional CRC

Monitoring Committee)

Village Child Development

Committee

4. 1. Composition of the Committees

4.1.1. National Coordination Committee on ECCD

The National Coordination Committee (NCC) on ECCD will function under the patronage of
the Minister responsible for the subject Child Affairs. The Secretary responsible for the same
subject will act as the chairperson of the NCC. The Children’s Secretariat will function as the
Secretariat of the NCC and will be responsible to operationalize the recommendations of the
NCC.

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

The NCC shall consist of representatives of the following categories

1. Secretary, MWCA (Chairperson)

2. Director, Children’s Secretariat (Secretary)
3. Executive level officers appointed by the Secretaries of the Ministries responsible for
the following subjects
I. Health,
II. Education,
III. Social Services,
IV. Policy Planning and Economic affairs,
V. Justice/Law and Order
VI. Local government and Provincial Councils
VII. Home Affairs,
VIII. Disaster Management
4. Director, Family Health Bureau or an executive level officer appointed by the
Director
5. Commissioner of the Department of Probation and Child Care or an executive level
officer appointed by the Commissioner
6. Chairperson, Child Protection Authority or an executive level officer appointed by the
Chairperson
7. Heads of Provincial entities established in the provinces for ECCD/Preschool
education or a relevant executive level officer appointed by the Provincial Chief
Secretary.
8. Director General, Plantation Human Development Trust or a relevant executive level
officer appointed by the Director General.
9. Two members to represent NGOs/INGOs/UN agencies and private sector
organization who offer ECCD services.
10. Two experts in the field of ECCD who possess academic qualifications as well as
research in the field of ECCD.

NCC members of the first six categories are appointed as ex officio members. Other members
are appointed for a period of three (3) years by the Secretary of the Ministry responsible for the
subject Child Affairs. NCC will meet on quarterly basis and the quorum shall be more than 50%
of members.

4.1.2. Provincial Coordination Committees on ECCD

Provincial Coordination Committees (PCC) on ECCD will function under the patronage of the
Chief Minister of the Provincial Council. The Chief Secretary of the Province shall be the
chairperson of the committee. The establishments instituted for monitoring and supervision of

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

ECCD/Preschool education shall function as the secretary of the PCC. The committee shall
consist of the following officers appointed by the chief secretary of the province.
1. The Chief Secretary of the Province (Chairperson)
2. Head of the establishment instituted for monitoring and supervision of ECCD/Preschool
education in the Province (Secretary)
3. A responsible officer from the Provincial Ministry of Health/Director, Provincial Health
Services
4. An executive level officer from the Provincial Ministry of Education/Provincial Director
of Education
5. Provincial Probation Commissioner
6. Provincial Director, Social Services
7. Commissioner, Local Government
8. An executive level officer from the Police Department
9. A representative from the Plantation Human Development Trust (if applicable)
10. A staff officer from the Children’s Secretariat, ECD Officers/Assistants of the relevant
districts.
11. In addition to the above members, three members appointed by the Chief Secretary of
the Province to represent NGOs and Private sector organizations involved in ECCD
PCC members of the first ten (10) categories are appointed as ex officio members. Other
members of the PCC are appointed by the Chief Secretary for a period of three (3) years. The
committee will meet on quarterly basis and the quorum shall be more than 50% of the total
number of members.

4.1.3. District Coordination Committees on ECCD

District CRC Monitoring Committee shall appoint a subcommittee to function as District

Coordination Committee (DCC) on ECCD to implement the National Policy. The DCC shall be
chaired by the District Secretary or his nominee. District ECD Officer shall function as the
Secretary to the committee. The committee shall consist of the following members.
1. District Secretary (Chairperson)
2. Director, District health services
3. An executive level officer to represent Provincial institutions established for
ECCD/Preschool education
4. Additional Director of Education
5. Assistant Commissioner Local Government
6. Senior Superintendent of Police
7. Assistant Commissioner Samurdhi
8. District ECCD Officer ⁄Assistant (Secretary)
9. District Officer in Charge of Probation and Child Care

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

10. District Social Service Officer

11. District Child Rights Promotion Officer
12. District Counselling Officer
13. District Women Development Officer
14. District Psychosocial Officer
15. District Child Protection Officer
16. An officer representing provincial entities established for monitoring and supervision of
Preschool Education and
17. In addition to the above members three others appointed by the District Secretary to
represent NGOs and Private sector organizations involved in ECCD
All members of the DCC are appointed for a period of three (3) years. The Committee will meet
on quarterly basis and the quorum shall be more than 50% of members.

4.1.4. Divisional Coordination Committees on ECCD

Sub committees appointed by the Divisional CRC Monitoring Committees established in each
Divisional Secretariat Division are the Divisional Coordination Committees (Div.CC) on ECCD
that coordinate the Policy at Divisional level. The Divisional Secretary shall be chair theDiv.CC.
The ECD Officer/Assistant attached to the Divisional Secretariat shall function as the secretary
to the Committees to the Divisional Coordination Committees on ECCD.
1. Divisional Secretary (Chairperson)
2. Divisional Medical Officer of Health
3. Zonal/Divisional Directors of Education
4. Commissioner or a higher level officer to represent Local Government Authorities in the
Division
5. ECD Officer(Secretary)
6. Probation Officer
7. Social Services Officer
8. Manager, Samurdhi
9. Officers attached to MC/UC/PS Preschools
10. A Officer attached to relevant Provincial institution established for ECCD/preschool
education
11. Child Rights Promotion Officer
12. Counselling officer
13. Child Protection Officer
14. Women Development Officer
15. Grama Seva Niladharis
16. Police officer representing Women and Child Desk
17. In addition to the above members three others appointed by the Divisional Secretary to
represent NGOs and Private Sector organizations involved in ECCD.
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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

All members of the Div.CC are appointed for a period of three (3) years. The committee shall
meet at least twice a year and the quorum shall be more than 50% of members.

4.1.5. Village Child Development Committees

Village Child Development Committees (VCDC) shall coordinate the implementation of the
Policy in Grama Niladhari Divisions. The Early Childhood Development(ECD)
Officer/Assistant, Child Rights Promotion Officer (CRPO)/ Assistant, Women Development
Officer (WDO), Counseling Officer (CO) and Child Protection Officer (CPO)/Assistant
appointed by the Ministry in charge of the subject Women and Child Affairs and attached to
Divisional Secretariat Divisions are responsible for the implementing the policy through VCDC.
The membership of the VCDC will be expanded to carry out ECCD activities.
The existing members of the VCDC are
1. Grama Niladhari/ Samurdhi Niladhari
2. Agriculture research Officer
3. Public Health Inspector
4. Religious dignitaries
5. School Principal
6. Head of the Samurdhi
7. Preschool teachers
8. Children between 5-18 years
Following members will be appointed to the committee for ECCD activities
9. ECD Officer/CRPO/DO/CPO
10. Public Health Midwife
11. Representatives from mother groups
12. Representatives from Preschool Cluster Management Committees
13. Two voluntary members
Chairperson and the secretary are appointed by the committee itself
According to the guidelines13 specified by the Department of Probation and Child Care the
VCDC meets once a month. ECCD shall be made an item in the agenda of every fourth meeting.
All the members appointed for ECCD should be present at these meetings. The Secretary shall
handover minutes of the meetings to the CRPO and the CRPO shall share the minutes with the
ECD Officer in the Division.

13
National Guideline for Village Child Development Committees,2016, Department of Probation and Child care
Services, Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

4.2. Monitoring and Evaluation

The Policy shall implement a well-developed monitoring and evaluation framework to cover full
spectrum of services under ECCD. Relevant ministries shall be required to maintain a data base
and carry out monitoring and evaluation in relation to ECCD services and programmes under
their purview. A comprehensive management information system (MIS) needs to be established
in the Ministry in charge of the subject Child Affairs for ECCD data collection, compilation and
analysis. Impact evaluations should be conducted on programmes and services to measure the
outcomes, identify gaps and improve the performance.

5. Roles and Responsibilities of Key Stakeholders

Child development is multifaceted and a multi-sectoral approach is required in implementing
the national policy. Therefore, following ministries, agencies and organizations are identified as
key stakeholders of ECCD. The roles and responsibilities of each key stake holder are presented
below.
5.1. Ministry in Charge of the subject Child Affairs
Currently, the MWCA is responsible for formulation of policies, programmes and projects,
monitoring and evaluation regarding the subjects of women and children. The MWCA also has
been mandated to formulate policies and programmes for early childhood care and
development aimed at bringing up a physically and mentally healthy child, coordination and
liaison with provincial level committees and monitoring of activities14. The Child Protection
Authority, Department of Probation and Child Care Services, Women’s Bureau and the Children
Secretariat function under this Ministry. Since the Department of Probation and Child Care
Services is responsible for children who need care (vulnerable children) it shall play an
important role in identifying and providing care needed for children in early childhood.

Among the main functions of the Children’s Secretariat is formulating national policies on ECCD
and acting as the implementation machinery. Therefore, the Ministry in charge of the subject
Child Affairs will be the focal ministry for implementing the National Policy on ECCD. The
Children’s Secretariat of the Ministry shall function as the executive agency of the NCC. The
Director Children’s Secretariat shall function as the secretary of the NCC.
The responsibility of coordinating ECCD related activities among different departments of the
Ministry and different ministries involved in ECCD activities lies with Children Secretariat. It will
also function as the coordinating body for all ECCD activities conducted by INGOs, local NGOs
and private sector organizations. It will liaise with the provincial and local government
authorities and initiate efficient mechanisms to implement the national policy. The Ministry
shall work to ensure a legal basis for the operations of the Children’s Secretariat with regard to

14
Gazette extraordinary no.1933 9th September 2015

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

ECCD activities and implementing decisions taken at the NCC meetings. At the same time
Children’s Secretariat will be strengthened with necessary technical expertise. The Ministry
shall focus special attention on investing for programmes and services targeting most
vulnerable and disadvantaged children including children of economically weaker segments of
the society and children with disabilities.

5.2. Ministry in Charge of the Subject Health

The Ministry of Health (MoH) plays an immensely important role in uplifting health and
nutrition status of Sri Lankan children in early childhood. The National Policy on Maternal and
Child Health introduced by the Ministry in 2012 covers women during pregnancy, delivery and
post-partum period, and newborns, infants and children up to 18 years. Its goals 2, 3 and 4 are
related to children below 5 years of age15. With regard to the implementation of the National
Policy on ECCD the Ministry in charge of the subject Child Affairs shall work closely with the
MoH in matters concerning health, nutrition and psychosocial development of young children.
5.3. Ministry in Charge of the subject Education
The 13th Amendment to the constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, has
given the right to Provincial Councils for supervision of the management of all preschools.
However, the Constitution states that the Ministry of Education (MoE) will retain the right to
inspect and supervise the management of schools (schools include preschools as well) in order
to ensure standards. Recognizing that child development consists of integrated and
interdependent dimensions (physical, social, emotional and cognitive), and education is closely
linked to child’s maximum right to development16, the MoE will closely work with the Ministry
in charge of the subject Child Affairs in formulating policies for preschool education. Such
collaboration will support the National Policy on ECCD to deliver all inputs in an integrated
manner, optimize resource utilization and prevent duplication of services and programmes
offered to children in early childhood.
5.4. Ministry in Charge of the subject Social Empowerment and Welfare
Ministry of Social Empowerment and Welfare (MSEW) has a significant role to play in ECCD to
achieve equity. MSEW has a Social Services Department which has an island-wide network.
The department has a child guidance center in Colombo which serves as model facility and a
resource center. It carries out staff and preschool teacher training.For ECCD efforts to be
successful state based interventions should be in place for children who are placed in most
vulnerable and disadvantaged situations. Therefore, poverty alleviation as well as children

15
National Policy on Maternal and Child Health, Ministry of Health
16
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, General Comments No 7, (2005). Implementing Rights of
the Child. Accessed
fromhttp://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/docs/AdvanceVersions/GeneralComment7Rev1.pdf

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

placed in other disadvantaged situations such as disability is one of the priority areas of the
Policy. Since ECCD is a “shared operational concept” the Ministry in charge of the subject Child
Affairs will work closely with the MSEW in activities and programmes for most vulnerable and
disadvantaged children and their families as well as such marginalized communities.
5.5. Provincial Councils
Provincial Councils (PC) have the mandate for supervision of the management of all preschools
in their respective province. Most of the PCs have established authorities/ units/
departments/bureaus for ECCD/preschool education. The PCs have an active role to play in
increasing equitable access to all ECCD programmes and services and in the process of
monitoring and evaluation. The PCs will closely work with the Ministry in charge of the subject
Child Affairs and MoH to implement the National Policy on ECCD effectively at provincial level.
5.6. Plantation Human Development Trust
The Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) implements social development programmes
to enhance the quality of life of the plantation community in the estates managed by the
Regional Plantation Companies. Among the responsibilities of PHDT is planning and
implementation of ECCD activities in the estate sector. PHDT will closely work with the Ministry
in charge of the subject Child Affairs, MoH and Provincial Councils in implementing the National
Policy on ECCD.
5.7. Non-Governmental Organizations
Non-Governmental organizations (NGO) play a significant role in ECCD activities in Sri Lanka.
Their support is extended from infrastructure development, capacity development of ECCD
personnel including care givers to policy development. Their services are invaluable in the
implementation of quality programmes and in mobilizing parent involvement and support.
NGOs have a role to play in defining community needs and developing community based
solutions. The Ministry in charge of the subject Child Affairs and the PCs will closely work with
NGOs in implementing the policy from national level to grassroots level.
5.8. International Multilateral and Bilateral Organizations
International organizations and donor agencies have been collaborators and partners for ECCD
activities at National and Provincial level in Sri Lanka. They have supported many ECCD
initiatives and their continuous technical and financial support is required to implement ECCD
programmes.
5.9. Private Sector Organizations
Private sector organizations as well as individuals have played a significant role in ECCD
activities in Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka considers the involvement of business

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

establishments in ECCD activities as a positive step towards the development of social capital in
Sri Lanka. Therefore, such involvement is encouraged under proper guidance and regulation at
the appropriate administrative level. Private sector options can be leveraged to strengthen quality
services for young children and their families

Private individuals and institutions also play a significant role in the ECCD activities particularly
in the provision of preschool and day care centre facilities. A large number of these institutions
functions under private management. In addition, there are private sector
institutions/organizations that provide ECCD services either for the children of their own
employees or others who require assistance.

5.10. Parents and Community

Parents and communities are key stakeholders in planning and implementation of ECCD
activities. For ECCD services to become truly effective planning and provision of services need
to be initiated after assessing and analyzing the situation with the participation of the
community. Participation and mobilizing communities in all activities is essential to make an
impact on children’s development. Community can partake in programmes to ensure child
rights. VCDC can play a leading role in involving of parents and communities in poverty
alleviation programmes and other interventions such as provision of child friendly spaces in
emergencies to make a positive change in the lives of their children. The need for communities
to take up ownership and management of community based programmes is of paramount
importance for the success and sustainability of ECD programmes.

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Annexure1

Responsibilities and functions of the Committees appointed to implement the Policy

National Coordination Committee

- Identify roles and responsibilities of ministries for implementation of the national policy.
- Develop mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the policy and evaluate the
functioning, effectiveness and relevance periodically.
- Introduce necessary legislation for effective implementation of the national policy
- Ensure coordination among ECCD service providers.
- Ensure coordination of ECCD related activities between provincial, district, divisional
secretariats and grassroots level bodies.
- Take policy decisions in keeping with contemporary needs.
- Appoint technical committees consisting relevant expertise related to areas for action
stated in the policy when deemed necessary.
- Facilitate existing mechanisms (for example, nationally established standards and
indictors of early learning and development, minimum standards for centre based ECE
and standardized assessments) and introduce mechanisms where necessary for
monitoring, evaluating and managing the quality of inputs provided for ECCD
programmes.
- Ensure national core curricular/curriculum guide for centre base ECE are/is established
and implemented.
- Facilitate capacity building of personnel involved in ECCD and awareness raising
programmes for parents.
- Monitor programmes and services related to professional development of ECCD
personnel.
- Seek out and secure funding required for ECCD programmes.
- Report to the subject minister any decisions, proposals or recommendations regarding
ECCD matters of special importance.
- Advice the subject minister on matters related to ECCD.

Provincial Coordination Committees

- Coordinate the implementation of the National Policy on ECCD in the respective
province.
- Introduce necessary legislation for supervision and management of preschools in the
province.
- Ensure equitable access to all ECCD services in the respective province.
- Ensure the quality of all ECCD provisions in the province.
- Appoint technical committees consisting relevant expertise related to areas for action
stated in the policy when deemed necessary.

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

- Ensure the quality of all ECCD provisions for most vulnerable and disadvantaged
children in the province.
- Introduce ECCD programmes appropriate for the province.
- Monitor the ECE programs functioning in the province.
- Mobilize and supplement resources available to the district and local government
authorities.
- Implement national early childhood development standards and standards formulated for
preschools and day care centres to ensure quality of centre based programmes.
- Implementation of national core curricular/curriculum guide for ECE as appropriate for
the province.
- Accommodate requests from the community for technical and financial assistance for
ECD.
- Mobilize and encourage NGO and private sector initiatives related to ECE in the
province in conformity with national ECD centre standards.
- Promote and facilitate streamlining different programmes and services offered to children
in early childhood and their parents.
- Ensure that quality child care services are available to children in need. The Committee
shall bring to the notice of relevant authorities where care provided to children do not
conform to UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Evaluate programmes and services delivered to parents and children periodically.
- Facilitate capacity building of ECCD personnel.
- Maintain a data base related to ECE.
- Ensure accurate reporting and documentation of service delivery.

District Coordination Committee

- Coordinate implementation of the National Policy on ECCD at district level
- Implement decisions taken at national level with regard to ECCD.
- Ensure all children including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the district have
equitable access to ECCD programmes.
- Promote and facilitate strategies to increase centre based ECE enrolments especially of
most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
- Ensure the quality of all ECCD provisions in the district.
- Ensure that quality child care services are available for children in need. The
subcommittee should bring to the notice of relevant authorities where care provided to
children do not conform to UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Ensure that social services are available for children, parents and families in need.
- Support, maintain and monitor ECCD programmes including programmes for most
vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the district.
- Facilitate capacity building programmes for all personnel involved in ECCD.
- Facilitate programmes for most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and communities.

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

- Facilitate awareness raising programmes for parents and community.

- Mobilize and encourage NGO and private sector initiatives related to ECCD in the
district in conformity with national ECCD standards.
- Ensure accurate reporting and documentation of service delivery.
- Review progress of ECCD services and programmes in the district and report periodically
to PCC and to the Children’s Secretariat.
Divisional Coordination Committee
- Promote and facilitate the Implementation of the ECCD policy in the division.
- Coordinate and monitor the delivery of ECCD services in the division.
- Ensure equitable access for all children including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged
to ECCD services in the division.
- Initiate and facilitate programmes specifically designed for most vulnerable and
disadvantaged children and communities.
- Facilitate and provide support to communities in developing ECCD programmes.
- Ensure parents and the community understand the importance of ECCD.
- Ensure parents and families including the parents and families of most vulnerable and
disadvantaged are aware of the best practices in childrearing.
- Promote and facilitate poverty alleviation programmes to support parents and families
living in poverty.
- Ensure the availability of outdoor spaces in communities.
- Ensure the availability of support required for children with disabilities.
- Ensure the availability of child friendly spaces in emergencies.
- Mobilize and encourage private sector and NGO initiatives to support ECCD
programmes and services for parents and children.
- Maintain a data base related to ECCD.
- Ensure accurate reporting and documentation of service delivery.
- Review progress of ECCD services in the division periodically and report to the DCC and
to the Children’s Secretariat.

Village Child Development Committee

- Promote and facilitate the Implementation of the ECCD policy in the village.
- Coordinate and monitor the delivery of ECCD services in the village.
- Ensure equitable access for all children including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged
to ECCD services in the village.
- Initiate and facilitate programmes specifically designed for most vulnerable and
disadvantaged children and communities in the village.
- Provide support to communities in developing ECCD programmes.
- Ensure parents and the community understand the importance of ECCD.
- Promote and facilitate best practices in childrearing.

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 NATIONAL POLICY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

- Promote and facilitate poverty alleviation programmes to support parents and families
living in poverty.
- Promote outdoor spaces for in communities.
- Promote supports required for children with disabilities.
- Promote child friendly spaces in emergencies.
- Mobilize and encourage private sector and NGO initiatives to support ECCD
programmes and services for parents and children.
- Maintain a data base related to ECCD.
- Ensure accurate reporting and documentation of service delivery.
- Review progress of ECCD services in the village periodically and report to the Div.CC
and to the Children’s Secretariat.

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