CARE has mainly been involved in initiating interventions in the field of health, education and livelihood to improve life opportunities for women and children. Their past interventions have focused on maternal health and strengthening preschool education to improve children’s school readiness. Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) is the oldest and largest programme of the Government of India which aims to build holistic development of children ages below six years of age. It mainly focuses on health and nutrition needs and has a component of pre-school education for children aged 3-6 years.

CARE-India fulfilled this need of the ICDS programme in their project “Early Childhood Care and Development Project’ (ECCD). This project implemented in Chhattisgarh focuses towards strengthening five domains – Health, Nutrition, Care & Development, Rights & Protection and Economic strengthening and works with 5 levels – Child, Anganwadi Centre, Caregiver, Community and National. [153 pages]