Respond with warmth

Early Childhood Care and Education provide opportunities for children to develop holistically to flourish after their early years. Families and preschool environments influence children's development. However, preschool experiences are not the primary factor in a child's development during early learning, hence the foundations laid by the family matter most during the children’s early years. Hence, communities, parents, and caregivers need to ensure that children's holistic development is realized and this begins from conception. During the early years, community collaborations that benefit children are often encouraged. Children may miss out on learning and developmental chances, and their brain development and capacity to thrive later in life may be jeopardized if partnerships between communities and early childhood centres are not realized and achieved. Research suggests that caregivers, parents, and communities are not completely involved in their children's early learning, and this impacts negatively on the provision of ECCE services. Hence, this paper investigates how early childhood education is conceptualized to empower communities. The cooperation theory which emphasizes interpersonal contact among various stakeholders with varied roles to achieve a shared goal, was adopted. Ten communities from Chris Hani District Municipality were purposefully chosen to be included in the study using the qualitative research approach and interpretive paradigm. Data collection tools included focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that stakeholders are working in silos for the ECCE provisioning as the research participants were not aware of the services rendered by other stakeholders. Practitioners mentioned lack of parental involvement as another factor compromising the provision of ECCE. Parents seemed to be unaware of their responsibility when it comes to early learning. In empowering communities about their involvement in the provision of ECCE, the paper suggests community dialogues with the cooperation of other stakeholders, including government departments. In addition, parents need to be engaged in their children’s early learning by providing caring and nurturing environments that support children’s holistic development from their early years for them to thrive even beyond their childhood years.

The article is devoted to highlighting the features of sensory integration manifestation in childhood and its significance for the holistic development of the child. This includes uncovering the characteristics and patterns of mental development during childhood, describing the main stages of sensory integration development in ontogenesis, and examining sensory integration disorders and the application of sensory integrative therapy with children. A review of foreign and domestic literature on the research problem has shown that there is a growing interest in sensory integration in modern psychology as the foundation for a child's holistic development. Sensory integration is a process occurring in the brain that organizes information received through the senses (vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste), gives meaning to these sensations by filtering information, selecting what to focus on, and enabling us to act and react thoughtfully to the situation we are in. It also forms the basis for theoretical learning and social behavior. The harmonious development of a child depends on the coordinated functioning of all sensory systems. The article explores the features and patterns of mental development in childhood, such as heterochrony, asynchrony, staging, differentiation, and integration of mental processes and properties, as well as changes in the determinants of mental development and plasticity. The main stages of sensory integration development in ontogenesis are also examined. The importance of the sensory-perceptual sphere in a child’s development is underscored, as sensory development is the foundation of a child’s intellectual growth. Sensory development involves the development of sensations and perceptions, as well as the understanding of objects' forms, colors, sizes, and spatial locations, as well as the objects and phenomena of the surrounding world. Perception is formed based on the synthesis of various sensations: visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, olfactory, and others. Perception reflects the objectivity, integrity, structure, constancy of objects, and others. Early childhood is the most favorable period for the improvement of sensory organ functions and the accumulation of representations about the surrounding world. Knowledge of the surrounding reality in children begins with the analysis of information received through touch, visual observation, sounds, smells, various tastes, and so on. It has been established that childhood plays a crucial role in sensory integration, as a child organizes not only visual and auditory sensations but also the sensations of their own body and the force of gravity, which contributes to the child’s holistic development. A significant portion of a child’s learning ability lies in their ability to integrate sensory information, as learning depends on the ability to perceive and process sensations from their movements and external influences and to use this information for planning and organizing behavior. It has been found that sensory integration facilitates the development of motor skills, movement coordination, spatial orientation, and visual and auditory perception, particularly by filtering and organizing information to help the child focus on solving specific tasks. Moreover, sensory integration contributes to the development of cognitive mental processes: attention, memory, thinking, and speech. Sensory integration also enhances a child's adaptation to the environment, social interaction, communication, and the formation of independence and curiosity in the child. Sensory integration disorders (hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity of sensory systems) have been analyzed, and the main principles of sensory-integrative therapy with children have been outlined. Children with reduced sensory processing abilities often experience difficulties in carrying out voluntary actions, which in turn can affect learning and behavior. Therefore, sensory-integrated therapy aimed at developing and integrating sensations contributes to improving the child’s learning and behavior. In conclusion, sensory integration is of great importance for child development.

Background: Children's holistic development includes physical, cognitive, socio-emotional, moral and affective development and lies in early childhood development education (ECDE). According to research, children learn through different age-appropriate teaching and learning pedagogies. Therefore, the importance of implementing a play-based methodology in the early years. This study was underpinned by the theory of play as a spiral of learning.Aim: This study aimed to demonstrate how a play-based pedagogy could be utilised to enhance holistic development in young children.Setting: Three ECD centres in Gauteng, South Africa participated in the Thutopapadi (play-based learning) research. The action learning set (ALS) consisted of one Grade R teacher and two practitioners; the Grade R facilitator and three North-West University researchers.Methods: We employed a qualitative approach within the participatory action learning and action research (PALAR) design to interrogate the extent to which a play-based pedagogy could be useful in enhancing the holistic development of young children. Transcriptions of meetings held by the ALS and photovoice were used to generate data. The participants reflected on and communicated about themes discussed during the ALS. We used the principles of thematic content analysis to analyse the generated data.Results: The results of this study proposed that to support holistic development in young children, practitioners and parents should maximise the use of a play-based methodology in both social and learning environments.Conclusion: Follow-ups should be made to ensure that the pedagogy that is being used in early childhood development education centres corresponds with the needs for the development of young children.

Early years education was found to be a key period for children's development. Children enter the school setting for the first time and are eager to learn as much as possible. At the same time, teachers need to address this demand that, increasingly, exceeds the purely academic boundaries and moves towards the child's holistic development. Therefore, besides academic skills, teachers should also include in their educational practice competencies for prosocial interpersonal relationships and skills to manage social and emotional aspects of life. This should be done without forgetting the academic aspects required in the curriculum. Moreover, all these contents, teaching methodologies, and principles should be adjusted according to children's age and motivation. Thus, skills to design, plan, implement, and evaluate an appropriate curriculum, manage convivencia, and create context and promote children's play are the three key elements of teacher training in early years education.

Contemporary childhood faces the challenge of excessive use of digital technologies and increasing detachment from the natural environment, which compromises children's holistic development. Screen mediation affects emotional bonds, autonomy, and sensory experiences, leading to what is known as the “nature deficit.” In response, several studies advocate for valuing contact with natural environments as a pedagogical axis in Early Childhood Education, promoting free play, identity formation, and environmental ethics. Given this context, the study aimed to demonstrate that contact with nature represented an essential pedagogical resource in Early Childhood Education, fostering children's integral development through sensory, emotional, and cognitive experiences. This qualitative study conducted a literature review on pedagogical practices that incorporate nature, highlighting their cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. School environments such as gardens, vegetable plots, and playgrounds were recognized as learning spaces that stimulate curiosity, responsibility, and connection with the environment. Outdoor activities supported neuropsychomotor development and skills such as empathy, imagination, and self-reflection. However, factors such as urban insecurity, overprotection, and lack of green areas limited children's access to nature, generating concerning impacts on health and quality of life. It was concluded that integrating nature into pedagogical practices is essential to forming healthier, more conscious individuals committed to sustainability.

Digital literacy plays a crucial role in the psychological development of elementary school children, particularly in cognitive, social, and emotional aspects. In today's digital era, children grow up exposed to technology from an early age, making it essential to understand its impact. This study aims to analyze the influence of digital literacy on children's psychology by highlighting both the benefits and challenges it brings. The method used is a literature review, referring to various previous studies that discuss the relationship between digital literacy and children's psychological development. The results show that digital literacy provides numerous positive impacts, such as enhancing critical thinking skills, fostering creativity, and expanding children's communication and social interaction abilities. Access to digital information also enables children to better understand global social issues and develop empathy. However, excessive use of digital technology without proper supervision can lead to negative effects such as gadget addiction, social isolation, concentration problems, as well as exposure to inappropriate content and cyberbullying. Therefore, the role of parents, educators, and policymakers is vital in providing education, supervision, and appropriate guidance to children in using technology. This study emphasizes that digital literacy has a complex influence on children's psychology, requiring a balanced approach to maximize its benefits while minimizing its risks. With the right strategies, digital literacy can become an effective tool to support children's holistic development.

According to Sustainable Development Goal 4.2 (SDG 4.2), Equal Access to Quality Pre-primary Education, governments throughout the world are working to ensure that all children have access to high-quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education by 2030. In order to organize available evidence into a coherent framework, the current scoping review represents an exploratory synthesis addressing the broad question of what qualitative and inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care strategies are currently being established globally to achieve SDG4 targets. The goal of this scoping review in this respect, was to map the available research and offer an overview of micro-, meso-, and macro-level perspectives on evidence-based interventions and strategies, for the promotion of SDG4 globally. A layered model of early childhood education that is both inclusive and egalitarian education emerged, starting with the micro level: child, family and community, mezo level: nursery, and kindergarten and macro level: national policies and SDG 4.2 Agenda for 2030. The mezzo level connects the micro and macro levels, being the most solicited level of implementing inclusive and qualitative ECEC strategies. Thus, starting with putting a real emphasis on children rights, creating a qualitative and inclusive culture with a holistic understanding of child development, then investing in teacher preparation and instilling a strong belief and positive attitudes toward equity in early childhood services, developing inclusive educational policies with an authentic community support offered by all stakeholders, then adapting curriculum and assessment methods to all early childhood educational contexts and lastly piloting and up-scaling good practices, and investing in infrastructure, facilities and innovative educational services, SDG4.2 targets could transparently and efficiently be attained by 2030, with all the setbacks arisen from the pandemic context. The data provide light on a vast topic range, including human rights and values, policy actions, and ideologies. The micro-level themes emphasized the importance of fostering equitable and inclusive environments for children., as well as instructional approaches that encourage positive attitudes toward diversity and instructors' levels of experience in dealing with diversity. We also discovered the significance of creating chances that promote socialization, connection development, and a sense of belonging. Meso-level principles emphasized the relevance of schooling in a child's holistic development and skill acquisition. Mainstream availability for all children, national curriculum regulations, teacher preparation for inclusive early childhood education, excellent funding and governance, evaluation and monitoring, and research on inclusive early childhood education comprise the macro level. As a concept and an approach, inclusive and qualitative education necessitates the preparedness of all relevant educational components to participate. Providing inclusive education in the early years requires setting the foundation for subsequent levels of schooling. The active engagement of a young kid should be directed by developmentally and individually suitable curricula. Access to and participation in age-appropriate general curricula becomes critical in identifying and providing specialized support services. Inclusive programming does not imply that the educational programs will necessarily be of good quality. Efficiency and wellbeing are synonymous with equity. Equitable education investment benefits everyone in society, not just the most marginalized. Investing in education will help communities achieve all of the Sustainable Development Goals related to education.

Early childhood education (ECE) serves as the foundation for a child's holistic development in cognitive, social, emotional, language and academic growth. Understanding the quality of early childhood education programs and their direct influence on cognitive development is crucial for policymakers, educators, parents, and researchers alike. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between the quality of early childhood education and cognitive development in young children. The study was conducted across seven districts in Meghalaya among 457 randomly selected rural children aged 3 to 6 years from 21 Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) blocks. Pandey’s Cognitive Development Test for Preschoolers (PCDTP) which included both verbal and non-verbal tests was administered individually. The findings indicate noticeable cognitive development differences exist right from the preschool stage. The mean cognitive test score for the entire sample was 46 out of a total score of 65. Rural children attending private preschools achieved a mean score of 37.87, while their counterparts in publicly funded non-formal preschools attained a mean score of 28.33, revealing significant disparities in cognitive development. These distinctions likely arise from various factors including differences in educational approaches, resource availability, home environments, parental involvement and overall quality. The study underscores the critical importance of addressing these disparities in early education to foster equitable development for all children.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, children encounter unprecedented opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, but also face challenges and risks that demand careful and informed navigation.As children increasingly engage with online environments, it is imperative to empower healthcare professionals, teachers and parents with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently support children in managing risks safely and effectively.Amid this complexity, the enduring power of movement and physical activity remains a vital cornerstone of healthy child development.This talk highlights potential negative consequences of digital engagement and underscores the importance of nurturing movement as a universal language through which children explore, learn, and grow.In an age dominated by digital noise, physical activity offers children essential opportunities to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills in an engaging, natural, and holistic manner.Prioritising physical activity and skill-building through movement goes far beyond enhancing physical strength, it develops intelligence, courage, kindness, and self-confidence.These qualities enable children to process experiences, build resilience, and cultivate a grounded sense of self, all of which are critical not only for success offline but also for navigating the digital world with awareness and safety.This presentation will highlight the need to integrate movement and physical activity into contemporary strategies aimed at supporting children's holistic development in the digital age.By embracing both digital literacy and the irreplaceable benefits of active play, we can equip children to thrive as well-rounded, empowered individuals prepared to meet the challenges and possibilities of our interconnected world.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, children encounter unprecedented opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, but also face challenges and risks that demand careful and informed navigation.As children increasingly engage with online environments, it is imperative to empower healthcare professionals, teachers and parents with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently support children in managing risks safely and effectively.Amid this complexity, the enduring power of movement and physical activity remains a vital cornerstone of healthy child development.This talk highlights potential negative consequences of digital engagement and underscores the importance of nurturing movement as a universal language through which children explore, learn, and grow.In an age dominated by digital noise, physical activity offers children essential opportunities to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills in an engaging, natural, and holistic manner.Prioritising physical activity and skill-building through movement goes far beyond enhancing physical strength, it develops intelligence, courage, kindness, and self-confidence.These qualities enable children to process experiences, build resilience, and cultivate a grounded sense of self, all of which are critical not only for success offline but also for navigating the digital world with awareness and safety.This presentation will highlight the need to integrate movement and physical activity into contemporary strategies aimed at supporting children's holistic development in the digital age.By embracing both digital literacy and the irreplaceable benefits of active play, we can equip children to thrive as well-rounded, empowered individuals prepared to meet the challenges and possibilities of our interconnected world.

Social work plays a vital role in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by families and children in rural areas, particularly in regions like Kerala. Despite Kerala's high literacy rate and progressive social indicators, rural communities continue to grapple with issues such as childhood trauma, family conflicts, and socio-economic barriers. These challenges hinder children's holistic development and demand targeted interventions. This paper explores the emerging trends in social work within the subfield of family and child welfare, focusing on rural Kerala. By analysing five case studies, the paper highlights the innovative practices and strategies employed by social workers to overcome these challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, children encounter unprecedented opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, but also face challenges and risks that demand careful and informed navigation.As children increasingly engage with online environments, it is imperative to empower healthcare professionals, teachers and parents with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently support children in managing risks safely and effectively.Amid this complexity, the enduring power of movement and physical activity remains a vital cornerstone of healthy child development.This talk highlights potential negative consequences of digital engagement and underscores the importance of nurturing movement as a universal language through which children explore, learn, and grow.In an age dominated by digital noise, physical activity offers children essential opportunities to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills in an engaging, natural, and holistic manner.Prioritising physical activity and skill-building through movement goes far beyond enhancing physical strength, it develops intelligence, courage, kindness, and self-confidence.These qualities enable children to process experiences, build resilience, and cultivate a grounded sense of self, all of which are critical not only for success offline but also for navigating the digital world with awareness and safety.This presentation will highlight the need to integrate movement and physical activity into contemporary strategies aimed at supporting children's holistic development in the digital age.By embracing both digital literacy and the irreplaceable benefits of active play, we can equip children to thrive as well-rounded, empowered individuals prepared to meet the challenges and possibilities of our interconnected world.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, children encounter unprecedented opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, but also face challenges and risks that demand careful and informed navigation.As children increasingly engage with online environments, it is imperative to empower healthcare professionals, teachers and parents with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently support children in managing risks safely and effectively.Amid this complexity, the enduring power of movement and physical activity remains a vital cornerstone of healthy child development.This talk highlights potential negative consequences of digital engagement and underscores the importance of nurturing movement as a universal language through which children explore, learn, and grow.In an age dominated by digital noise, physical activity offers children essential opportunities to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills in an engaging, natural, and holistic manner.Prioritising physical activity and skill-building through movement goes far beyond enhancing physical strength, it develops intelligence, courage, kindness, and self-confidence.These qualities enable children to process experiences, build resilience, and cultivate a grounded sense of self, all of which are critical not only for success offline but also for navigating the digital world with awareness and safety.This presentation will highlight the need to integrate movement and physical activity into contemporary strategies aimed at supporting children's holistic development in the digital age.By embracing both digital literacy and the irreplaceable benefits of active play, we can equip children to thrive as well-rounded, empowered individuals prepared to meet the challenges and possibilities of our interconnected world.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, children encounter unprecedented opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, but also face challenges and risks that demand careful and informed navigation.As children increasingly engage with online environments, it is imperative to empower healthcare professionals, teachers and parents with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently support children in managing risks safely and effectively.Amid this complexity, the enduring power of movement and physical activity remains a vital cornerstone of healthy child development.This talk highlights potential negative consequences of digital engagement and underscores the importance of nurturing movement as a universal language through which children explore, learn, and grow.In an age dominated by digital noise, physical activity offers children essential opportunities to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills in an engaging, natural, and holistic manner.Prioritising physical activity and skill-building through movement goes far beyond enhancing physical strength, it develops intelligence, courage, kindness, and self-confidence.These qualities enable children to process experiences, build resilience, and cultivate a grounded sense of self, all of which are critical not only for success offline but also for navigating the digital world with awareness and safety.This presentation will highlight the need to integrate movement and physical activity into contemporary strategies aimed at supporting children's holistic development in the digital age.By embracing both digital literacy and the irreplaceable benefits of active play, we can equip children to thrive as well-rounded, empowered individuals prepared to meet the challenges and possibilities of our interconnected world.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, children encounter unprecedented opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, but also face challenges and risks that demand careful and informed navigation.As children increasingly engage with online environments, it is imperative to empower healthcare professionals, teachers and parents with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently support children in managing risks safely and effectively.Amid this complexity, the enduring power of movement and physical activity remains a vital cornerstone of healthy child development.This talk highlights potential negative consequences of digital engagement and underscores the importance of nurturing movement as a universal language through which children explore, learn, and grow.In an age dominated by digital noise, physical activity offers children essential opportunities to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills in an engaging, natural, and holistic manner.Prioritising physical activity and skill-building through movement goes far beyond enhancing physical strength, it develops intelligence, courage, kindness, and self-confidence.These qualities enable children to process experiences, build resilience, and cultivate a grounded sense of self, all of which are critical not only for success offline but also for navigating the digital world with awareness and safety.This presentation will highlight the need to integrate movement and physical activity into contemporary strategies aimed at supporting children's holistic development in the digital age.By embracing both digital literacy and the irreplaceable benefits of active play, we can equip children to thrive as well-rounded, empowered individuals prepared to meet the challenges and possibilities of our interconnected world.