|
Community-Based Early Child Development Programme
 The Human Development Programme (HDP) aims to close the gaps and ensure the inclusion of children at the earliest stages of development for beneficial outcomes on child, family and community. The HDP programme has implemented a model of a Parenting Programme using strategies of education and support to caregivers to promote child development. ECD programmes that work with caregivers to support positive practices have shown developmental benefits for children.
The Community-Based ECD Programme was initiated in Tando Jam, Sindh, in April 2005, and in Pringabad, District Mastung, Balochistan, in September 2005. The programme essentially comprises four activities focusing on children 0-6 years old and their primary caregivers (usually the mother):
- Growth assessment;
- Development assessment using the HDP Record of Early Childhood Growth and Development;
- Age specific suggestions to primary caregivers using the 'Suggestions for Caregivers' part of the Record;
- Identification and enrolment of pregnant women with antenatal advice in each visit.
These activities have been predominantly home-based. The ECD Workers working in pairs visit the families of children 0-12 months old every month and children 1-6 years old every three months. Each visit comprises growth and development assessment followed by a few age-specific suggestions to primary caregivers on health and hygiene, nutrition, immunisation and stimulation.
|
