Early Childhood Development and Childcare
Strengthening childcare centres, schools, home-based childcare and community programmes to provide safe, responsive, play-based early learning.
The challenge
Childcare for children aged 0 to 5 is under-prioritised in humanitarian response. Existing childcare spaces in refugee-hosting communities are few, unevenly distributed and largely informal, leaving many young children without safe, stimulating environments during their most formative years.
Kupanda’s approach
Kupanda strengthens the childcare capacity that already exists in communities: childcare centres, schools, home-based providers and community programmes, rather than building parallel services. Caregivers and teachers are trained and coached, not simply instructed once and left.
Interventions
- Training caregivers and teachers in nurturing care, responsive caregiving and play-based early learning
- Building capacity in child protection, safeguarding and disability inclusion
- Supporting access to play and learning materials
- Establishing and strengthening safe community play spaces
- Coaching and supportive supervision for home-based and centre-based providers
Field noteThe change soughtMore children aged 0 to 5, including children with special needs, accessing safe, inclusive, play-based early learning close to home, delivered by caregivers with recognised skills.