Systems Approach to Early Childhood Development: Bridging Theory, Policy and Practice offers a comprehensive and compelling, evidence-based roadmap for strengthening development in early childhood years. Drawing on neuroscience, developmental psychology, developmental diversity and laws for protecting children, the book presents the interaction and influence of each other within a broader ecosystem. The book is a coming together of four decades of academic, research, policy and field experience of the author, and it bridges the gap between knowledge and action. It is spread across eight chapters covering early development, developmentally appropriate activities, care practices, parenting, disability, child protection, and more.

This book tackles the most pressing questions in Early Childhood Development today: What truly shapes a child's development in the early yearsand how can these diverse influences be meaningfully integrated by those working with and for young children? How do we ensure no child is left behindespecially those with disabilities or facing adversity? How do we strength systems for each child?

With a strong emphasis on how nurturing care and emotional safety shape brain development and social outcomes, the book illustrates why investing in early years is not only a moral imperativebut a national strategy.

Grounded in India's ECCE landscape drawing from NEP 2020, it aligns with global frameworks like UNCRPD and UNCRC, this book is an essential resource for educators, researchers, students, policymakers, practitioners, parents and anyone committed to building inclusive, resilient and integrated approach for all children.

Advocates a thorough and holistic understanding of early childhood development Emphasizes inclusivity and offers practical solutions for working with children of varying learning styles and needs Offers valuable insights into WHO's child protection frameworks, such as safety and stimulation

Autorentext

Prof. Geeta Chopra is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), Childhood Disabilities, and Child Protection. With over 38 years of teaching and research at the University of Delhi, she brings a rare blend of academic depth, policy influence, and grassroots innovation.

She is the creator of the Disability Screening Schedule (DSS), now part of India's national ECCE curriculum ( Navchetna and Adharshila ), reaching over 14 lakh Anganwadi workers across India. Her work has informed government policy and programs through collaborations with Ministries of WCD, Health and Education, and international bodies like UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, and the World Bank.

A prolific writer, she has authored six books and over 25 research papers. Her book Child Rights in India (Springer, 2015) is widely used in academia, She developed a Global Brief on parenting support for children with disabilities for UNICEF HQ which is shaping global discourse.

Inhalt

Chapter 1. Early childhood matters.- Chapter 2. Development during infancy.- Chapter 3. Development during the preschool years.- Chapter 4. Care practices and concerns during early childhood.- Chapter 5. Developmentally appropriate activities for young children.- Chapter 6. Parenting to lay the foundation for emotional well-being.- Chapter 7. Early Development and Disability.- Chapter 8. Adopting a rights-based approach for a lying strong foundation.