Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
Supporting the Holistic Development of 3,000 Children
LEADS promotes Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) to ensure every child receives a strong foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being. Working closely with families, Anganwadi Centres, and government systems, the programme strengthens early learning, nutrition, healthcare, protection, and responsive caregiving to improve school readiness and holistic child development.
Key Focus Areas
• Early childhood development and school readiness
• Parent and caregiver awareness
• Capacity building of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers
• Child-friendly learning environments
• Nutrition, hygiene and health promotion
• Strengthening ICDS service delivery
Impact at a Glance
3,000 children supported through ECCE interventions
80 Anganwadi Centres strengthened through capacity building and learning support
Improved early learning environments and child-friendly infrastructure
Enhanced school readiness, nutrition and holistic child development
Enhancing Pre-School Education Practices
Transforming Anganwadi Centres into Joyful Learning Spaces
LEADS strengthens pre-school education by introducing child-centred, activity-based learning approaches that nurture children’s cognitive, social, emotional, language, and motor development. Through continuous mentoring and classroom support, Anganwadi Workers are equipped to create engaging learning experiences using locally available resources.
Key Focus Areas
• Activity-based early learning
• Capacity building of Anganwadi Workers
• Low-cost Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs)
• Play-based and experiential learning
• Child-centred classroom practices
• Continuous mentoring and classroom support
Impact at a Glance
68 Anganwadi Centres implementing improved pre-school education
Daily attendance increased from below 50% to over 70%
Innovative low-cost learning materials introduced
Improved foundational learning and school readiness
Strengthening Service Delivery through Anganwadi Centres
Ensuring Quality Early Childhood Services through ICDS
LEADS works with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to strengthen the delivery of essential services for children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls. By improving coordination between frontline workers, government departments, and community institutions, the programme enhances the quality, accessibility, and accountability of Anganwadi services.
Key Focus Areas
• Strengthening delivery of all six ICDS services
• Capacity building of Anganwadi service providers
• Growth monitoring and nutrition surveillance
• Strengthening Mothers’ Committees
• Village Health and Nutrition Day (VHND) support
• Coordination with ICDS and Health Departments
Impact at a Glance
100 service providers strengthened through technical support
34 Anganwadi Centre buildings sanctioned through advocacy
3 Model Anganwadi Centres identified for development
Improved delivery of nutrition, health and pre-school education services
Promotion of Model Anganwadi Centres
Creating Child-Friendly Centres for Early Learning and Development
LEADS promotes Model Anganwadi Centres to provide safe, inclusive, and stimulating environments where young children receive quality nutrition, healthcare, early learning, and protection. The initiative focuses on strengthening infrastructure while creating vibrant learning spaces that support holistic child development and community participation.
Key Focus Areas
• Development of child-friendly Anganwadi Centres
• Infrastructure renovation and modernization
• Early learning and play-based environments
• Safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene facilities
• Child-friendly teaching and learning resources
• Partnerships with Government and CSR institutions
Impact at a Glance
Model Anganwadi Centres established in Khunti District
Improved infrastructure and learning environments
Enhanced quality of early childhood care and education services
Stronger community ownership and participation in child development initiatives
