Early childhood is a critical developmental period for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Since they are interrelated and influence each other, a holistic approach is essential to ensure children's overall development and growth at an early age. The Tashkent Declaration endorses this view and states: ‘ECCE recognizes the holistic nature of child development, encompassing early cognitive and social development, which requires foundational learning, responsive care, nutrition, health, safety, protection, and play.’ The Committee on the Rights of the Child calls upon state parties to have ‘a systematic and integrated approach to law and policy development in relation to all children up to 8 years old’ General Comment No. 7 (para. 22). This indicator assesses if national laws or policies on ECCE have adopted a holistic approach.
Convention on the Rights of the Child, Articles 6, 18, 24, 27, 28, 29 and 31, General Comment No. 7 (paras. 10 and 22).
Nurturing care framework for Early Childhood Development provides details about the holistic approach and suggests five essential components as more critical for children's growth and development to their full potential. They are good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, security and safety, and learning opportunities.