Understanding Inclusive Care and Education
Acquiring foundational skills in the early years is critical for children to be ready for future curricular expectations and to pursue lifelong learning. While all children have varying degrees of vulnerabilities, children with disabilities disproportionately face significant systemic, socio-economic, and cultural barriers, putting them at great risk of being left behind in acquiring foundational skills.
Over 85% of a child’s cumulative brain development occurs before the age of six. Providing appropriate care and nurturing to children in their early and formative years is therefore critical for subsequent growth and development. A significant proportion of disabilities are preventable if developmental delays are detected early and appropriate action is taken in a timely manner.
ENABLE (Equity in Accessing Numeracy and Basic Literacy Education) is a key initiative of Pratham, in collaboration with USAID, to strengthen inclusive care and education, with a focus on children with disabilities.
LEAVING NO CHILD BEHIND
OBJECTIVES
- Raise awareness among caregivers and communities about developmental delays and the needs of children with disabilities.
- Enhance the capacity of Anganwadi instructors to detect developmental delays early on and implement appropriate interventions.
- Equip Anganwadi workers and early grade teachers with the skills and resources to assess the learning needs and progress of children with disabilities, and to employ tailored and inclusive teaching-learning strategies.
- Empower caregivers to provide effective learning at home.
- Foster a shared understanding and sense of urgency regarding the needs of children with disabilities and the systemic barriers hindering inclusive education.
- Drive technological innovations that facilitate access, participation, and learning for children with disabilities.
ENABLE is currently being implemented in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, and will soon be in Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region (NCR).
CONTACT
For more information, write to us at enable@pratham.org