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.

What is Uganda’s Early Childhood Care and Education Policy really about? Is it just about nursery schools, or is it about the whole child?

In this opening episode of The First Six, we break down Uganda’s ECCE Policy in simple, everyday language. The conversation explains why the policy matters, who it speaks to, and how it can help parents, caregivers, teachers, centre proprietors, Local Governments, civil society, faith-based organisations, development partners and communities work together to give every child a strong beginning.

The episode explores the policy’s focus on children from birth to six years, including the two key age groups of birth to three and three to six. It also explains why ECCE goes beyond classroom learning. It includes care, play, health, nutrition, safety, child protection, inclusion, parenting, community engagement and preparation for a smooth transition into primary education.

This episode invites listeners to see the ECCE Policy as a shared national guide for improving the daily lives of young children, families and communities across Uganda.