Programs: Child-Focused Development: Early Childhood Development

Early Childhood Development

Many of the world's poorest children are born on the dirt floor of a hut.  They are born to mothers who did not gain enough weight or have the benefit of lifesaving tetanus shots.  They are at risk of low birth weight, developmental delays and birth defects. And many die.  Christian Children's Fund (CCF) is working to change this grim picture through Early Childhood Development (ECD).

What happens in the first years of life ... from conception through the age of eight ... is the cornerstone upon which the child grows and develops.  Because of the importance of these early years, CCF supports Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs in 23 countries throughout the world including the U.S.  CCF-supported ECD programs assist approximately 250,000 children. 

CCF believes Early Childhood Development begins even before birth, while the child is still in the womb.  Mothers in CCF programs attend prenatal classes and learn safe motherhood practices.  They learn to eat healthy diets and take vitamin supplements.  They get tetanus shots that protect the mother and child from infection.  This prenatal care and training is integral to a child's survival and goes a long way toward preventing developmental problems in the future.

Even before a child is born ... in fact, right from the moment of conception ... CCF embraces the child's well-being as a core value of our organization's efforts to help children worldwide.  CCF provides prenatal screening, education for the expectant mother and nutritional assistance.

CCF's approaches to the ECD program include innovative activities to promote learning.  ECD programs are designed to involve caregivers in routine childcare/daycare, non-formal education and after school programs.  Nutrition and primary health services are also emphasized through the ECD program.

Innovative Learning Activities

Toy Libraries:  CCF constructs spaces in schools or other community facilities where children can play with age-appropriate toys and games. This is a valuable developmental tool for children because many do not have toys at home.  These toys are inexpensive, durable and culturally suitable.  Toy libraries encourage children to interact with their peers, community members and CCF staff.  The increased interaction helps build social skills while  providing activity that promotes healthy development.

Tracking Health:  Early health care is essential to the development of children.  Home visits by CCF staff ensure that children are immunized and a record of immunization is kept.  It also ensures that general health care is provided to children starting at an early age.  Home visitors train parents to track their children's health  to ensure a happy, healthy childhood.  Developmental delays and problems are identified at an early stage and appropriate treatments are sought.

Guide Mothers:  Mothers worry about the health of their babies and often seek advice from others.  To ensure that information on safe motherhood and best child rearing practices is accurate and widely disseminated CCF has established a Guide Mothers program.  Guide Mothers receive training on childcare techniques critical to healthy child development.  After training, Guide Mothers visit other mothers in the community to share the information they learned during training. 

Preschool Programs:  The learning process begins at a very early age.  Preschool programs help develop the learning skills of children from a young age so they will be better prepared for primary education at school.

If you would like to help, you may contribute to our Children's Greatest Needs Fund. This is our general fund used for developing, operating and providing life-sustaining programs for children and families. Contributions to Children's Greatest Needs are essential to help CCF in its mission to improve the lives of children.

Please enter the amount you'd like to donate (in US Dollars) in the box.