Care is Learning Too

Why do we separate care from education when young children experience them together?In this episode of The First Six, we bring the “care” in Early Childhood Care and Education back to the centre. The conversation explores why young children need more than books, classrooms and formal teaching. They need feeding, safety, hygiene, health, protection, rest, emotional security, play, responsive caregiving and loving environments.We explain that care is the foundation that makes learning possible. A child who feels safe, loved, healthy, protected and supported is more ready to play, explore, speak, listen, relate with others and learn.This episode speaks to parents, caregivers, teachers, ECCE centre proprietors, Local Governments, health workers, civil society, faith-based organisations and communities, showing that everyone has a role in creating caring environments for children from birth to six years.