What is Early Childhood Development (ECD)?
The latest research suggests that the earliest years of life lay the foundation for all that follows and are the most important in developing children’s capacity to learn. Good health, a safe and nurturing environment, and the right kind of mental stimulation give a child a strong framework for growth and help ensure later success at school, at work, and in society.

According to a UNICEF definition, the acronym ECD refers to a comprehensive approach to policies and programs for children from birth to eight years of age, their parents and caregivers. Its purpose is to protect the child’s rights to develop his or her full cognitive, emotional, social and physical potential. Community-based services that meet the needs of infants and young children are vital to ECD and they should include attention to health, nutrition, education and water and environmental sanitation in homes and communities. The approach promotes and protects the rights of the young child to survival, growth and development.

What is Cognitive Development?
Cognitive development refers to "how a person perceives, thinks, and gains an understanding of his or her world through the interaction and influence of genetic and learned factors" (Plotnik, 1999) Research areas on cognitive development include: information processing, intelligence, language development, memory, (to name a few).

Within the history of developmental psychology, Jean Piaget's work has made the greatest impact on the study of cognitive development. A significant feature of Piaget's theory is the focus on processes of cognitive development. According to Piaget, the child is born with an innate curiosity to interact with and understand his world. It is through interaction with others (particularly with one's peers), that the child actively constructs his development

Early Childhood Development (ECD) is also referred to as: Early Childhood Care and (Initial) Education (UNESCO); Early Childhood Education and Care (OECD); and Early Childhood Development (World Bank).

Early childhood development draws on research and knowledge from the fields of:

• Health and nutrition,
• Education,
• Community development,
• Psychology,
• Sociology,
• Anthropology, and
• Economics.

ECD - The Givens
• ECD covers the age group of 0-8 years

• Medical research has demonstrated that the most rapid period of brain development occurs in the first few years of life and that the experiences of early childhood have an enduring effect on an individual’s future learning capacity.

• ECD includes all supports necessary for every child to realize his or her right to survival, protection and to care that will ensure optimal development.

• Early childhood refers to the developmental period from conception to age eight. During this stage, children learn through manipulating objects, and exploring and experimenting in the world around them. This “learning by doing” interval can be facilitated and enhanced through specific forms of stimulation, safe and secure surroundings, and continuity of experiences.

• ECD relies on an “enabling environment”, people and places that provide warmth, affection, security, and encouragement.

• Ensuring the rights of the child must begin at the first moment of life. Choices made, and actions taken affect not only how a child develops, but also how a region and a nation progresses.