The basic approach of this book has been shaped by our own research, professional and personal experience as parents, teachers and researchers. We aimed for a text that is intellectually stimulating, that portrays the complexities of early childhood care and stimulation and that is relevant and useful in building a bridge between theory and research to children’s every day lives. This book is grounded with carefully selected classic and current theory, methods, concepts and research with sharp and accurate findings.
Proper stimulation provided during early childhood has positive impact on the child’s brain growth and development than at any other time in life. It is imperative to maximize both the amount and quality of stimulation that child receive which will ensure a strong foundation for future learning.
The text approaches early childhood as a comprehensive, integrated experience, one that takes place through children’s play and activity rather than through a formal adult directed approach. The need for parents, caretakers, teachers, who can integrate nature, nurture and education, using children’s natural play and activity as the integrators, is also highlighted. The text focuses on the constant needs of child for a nurturing yet intellectually challenging environment for stimulating interaction between adults and children.
Expanded and updated discussion on the various stimulating techniques, current research studies on the impact of early child care practices on the later development have been dealt. The intervention package included home based instructional package suitable to the immediate environment, culture and age of children. It can be useful for training of health workers, AWWS, ANMS, Crèche workers; Participation of parents with special focus on father’s participation has been highlighted.
In addition, the content of book highlights the interacting contributions of biology and early environment to the developing child, explains how the intervention process helps parents to utilize their immediate environment for well being of the child.
