Earlier years are the most determinant of the child’s psychosocial and cognitive development. The greatest risk for young children is a repressive environment that hinders creativity and lacks conditions for healthy physical and mental development. During the situations of crisis, instability and violence, young children are the most vulnerable and they need special attention.
As one of the responses to the special needs of younger children, UNICEF assists in developing Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centers or equivalent settings in temporary settlements. Responding to the special needs of younger children together with their caregivers leads to a faster recovery and rehabilitation. Helping young children in organised learning/ECD centres also help mothers/caregivers to overcome their own depression and distress.
This Guideline is prepared for the caregivers who will organize activities with children in such Centers. It outlines essential aspects that caregivers should know in order to take care of children. Part 1 introduces what caregivers should take into account in dealing with children in emergency situations. It describes how play and art could help children in coping with psychological difficulties and how to assist such process. Part 2 summarizes some general points that caregivers should consider in organizing activities with children. Part 3 provides rough ideas of how to make toys with locally available materials. Since the items included in the ECD Kit may have limitation in terms of number and durability, caregivers are strongly encouraged to create play materials locally as much as possible.
©UNICEF
