Early childhood is defined as the period from prenatal to age 8, as this is the most intensive time for brain development. Governments define early childhood development comprehensively, targeting children's health, nutrition, education and protection from conception through age 8. Growth refers to physical changes in size and body development, while development encompasses gaining skills for independence like motor functions that allow crawling and holding objects.

1. Growth and
Development of Early
Childhood

2. Concept of Early Childhood Development
Generally, early childhood is defined as a time that
“spans from prenatal period to eight years of age and it is the
most intensive period of brain development throughout the
lifespan” (WHO & UNICEF, 2012).
This period is the most critical time for the growth and
development of the child and needs the utmost attention and
appropriate care.

3. Concept of Early Childhood Development
Early childhood development is defined with many
different terminologies by different programs or
institutions. Here is how the ECD policy documents of the
governments of Malawi, Kenya, Zambia, and Philippines
define early childhood.

4. Government of Malawi
Early childhood care and development is a
“comprehensive approach to policies and programs for
children from conception to eight years. It encompasses
early learning and stimulation, health, education,
nutrition, hygiene, and sanitation.” (National Strategic
Plan for Early Childhood Development, 2008,
Government of Malawi).

5. Government of Kenya
Early childhood care and development is a
“framework that targets all children including the
vulnerable and marginalized from conception to eight
years of age…and all these children have the same
needs which consist of nutrition, health, nurture,
protection, stimulation, and training…” (National Early
Childhood Development Policy Framework, Republic of
Kenya, June 2006).

6. Government of Zambia
Early childhood care and development is a
provision of support “for every young child to realize
his/her right to survival, to protection, and to care that will
ensure optimal physical and psychosocial development
from birth to age eight…including infant stimulation, health
and nutrition, early childhood education, community
development…” (National Policy of Zambia on Early
Childhood Care, Development, and Education: Investing
into Our Children’s Future, Everyone’s Responsibility, 1st
Draft by Mulenga, n.d.)

7. Philippines
A system that shall promote the inclusion of
children with special needs and advocate respect for
cultural diversity. It shall be anchored on
complementary strategies for ECCD that include
service delivery for children from conception to age six
(6), educating parents and caregivers, encouraging the
active involvement of parents and communities in
ECCD programs, raising awareness about the
importance of ECCD, and promoting community
development efforts that improve the quality of life for
young children and families,

8. WHAT IS GROWTH?
Growth refers to a process of
change in the child’s physical body
and size. Some examples of
growth are a child’s height, weight,
head circumference, shoe size,
length of arms and legs, and body
shape.

9. WHAT IS DEVELOPMENT?
Development begins at conception. It
refers to a child’s ability to do more
challenging things as they get older.
These skills allow a child to become
independent (e.g., physical development
of large and small motor skills to sit, crawl,
hold objects etc.) and develop with age.

10. Thank you…