The first five years are the most critical for a child’s cognitive, social and emotional development, forming the foundation of lifelong learning and achievement. Recognizing the importance of these early years, we work with multiple partners to improve the quality of care and education at more than 50 baby creches, day care centers, nursery schools, and kindergartens in India and Nepal. Please click here to read beneficiary impact stories.

Training, new playground equipment, indoor play materials, nutritious midday meals, and caregiver bonuses all combine to improve the quality of care and education. Caregivers receive training on the importance of early child development, how to use educational play materials, how to work with parents, and how to conduct daily activities such as storytelling. Pre-primary teachers receive foundational math and literacy teaching aids, reading corners with age-appropriate children’s books, and training in Montessori methods and early literacy development.

We also support community libraries and raise parental awareness. Parents of young children receive care packages with educational and sensorial toys, children’s books, and hygienic baby products, and early childhood experts conduct workshops in best practices of positive parenting, storytelling, and developing good reading habits at home.