"Every child deserves a bright beginning"
What is Early Childhood Development?
My First 8 Years
Hear what your little one needs at every stage
“Mumma, I'm Growing Inside You”
“When you eat well, I grow strong. When you rest, I feel happy. Please take your medicines and visit the doctor – I'm getting ready to meet you!”
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“I Just Arrived!”
“My brain is growing super fast! When you talk to me, I learn. When you cuddle me, I feel safe. Feed me well, play with me, and don't skip my vaccinations!”
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“Let Me Play and Learn!”
“I ask 'why' all the time because I want to know everything! I learn best through play. Take me to Anganwadi – I'll make friends and get ready for big school!”
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“I'm in Big School Now!”
“School is exciting but sometimes hard. Help me with homework, read with me, and tell me it's okay to make mistakes. When you believe in me, I can do anything!”
Learn moreResources for Parents
Tools and guides for your child's care
Monitor Your Child's Growth
Track height, weight and developmental milestones
Nutrition Guide for Your Child
Age-appropriate diet plans and feeding tips
Early Learning & Stimulation
Activities to boost your child's brain development
Health & Nurturing Care
Vaccination schedules and healthcare essentials
Parenting Support
Tips for responsive caregiving and bonding
School Readiness Checklist
Prepare your child for formal education
Why Early Years Matter
Children who receive quality care, nutrition, and stimulation during early years grow up to be healthier, happier, and more successful adults.
Become Healthy Adults
Better physical and mental health throughout life
Avoid Substance Abuse
Less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol
Excel in School
More confident and perform better academically
Strong Family Bonds
Positive relationships with family and community
Responsible Citizens
Grow into caring and responsible adults
Achieve Their Dreams
Set bigger goals and become more successful
ECD Happens Everywhere
Your child's development is supported at home, at the Anganwadi centre, and throughout your community. Key interventions include:
- Home visits by ASHA & Anganwadi workers
- Parent coaching on responsive caregiving
- Play-based learning activities
- Nutrition guidance & health check-ups
- Community support through SHGs & faith institutions
Need Help or Have Questions?
At Home
Your home is your child's first classroom. ASHA and Anganwadi workers visit families to guide parents on nutrition, health, and activities that boost development.
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At Anganwadi Centre
Anganwadi centres are being transformed into vibrant learning spaces with play-based learning, nutritious meals, and trained caregivers.
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In Your Community
Village organisations, SHGs, and faith institutions come together through parent circles, trainings, and local initiatives for every child.
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What is MECDM?
The Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission is a government initiative focused on holistic development of children from birth to 8 years through community participation. It brings together departments, village organisations, and faith-based institutions to ensure every child receives good health, nutrition, education, responsive caregiving, and safety.
Home-Based Care
Supporting children 0-1.5 years through home visits by ASHA workers, maternal mental health services, and improved nutrition with eggs in the supplementary program.
Centre-Based Care
Strengthening Anganwadi centres for children 1.5-8 years with extended hours, trained ECD educators, play-based learning, and positive parenting programs.
Building Capacity
Establishing a State Resource Centre for research, training, and quality assurance to continuously improve ECD services across Meghalaya.
Impact Goals
Measurable targets aligned with the Meghalaya Health Policy 2021, tracking our progress towards improving early childhood growth, development, and maternal mental health by 2028.
HBYC Coverage (0-1.5 years)
Children and PLW utilizing full HBYC services
AWC Utilization (1.5-3 years)
Young children accessing centre services
Pre-school Enrollment (3-6 years)
Children enrolled in AWC pre-school
ECD Curriculum Implementation
AWCs implementing age-appropriate curriculum
Workforce Certification
ECD cadre with increased knowledge & skills
ASHA Home Visits
ASHAs completing full HBYC schedule
AWC Infrastructure Upgrade
Centres with climate-resilient features
Extended Daycare (8 hours)
AWCs operating extended hours
Supplementary Nutrition
Children receiving eggs 2+ days/week
Voices from the Ground
Hear from parents, frontline workers, and officials about how MECDM is making a difference in communities across Meghalaya.
“The training I received through MECDM has completely transformed how I work with children. Now I understand how play-based learning helps their development.”
Bansara Lyngdoh
Anganwadi Worker • East Khasi Hills
“As a mother, I didn't know how important the first few years were. The parenting sessions taught me simple activities to do with my daughter at home.”
Merilyn Sangma
Parent • West Garo Hills
“MECDM's multi-sectoral approach is exactly what Meghalaya needed. We're finally able to provide holistic support to our children.”
Dr. Iamonlang Rynjah
District Programme Officer • Ri-Bhoi
“The egg distribution program has made a real difference. My son used to fall sick often, but since he started getting eggs at the Anganwadi, he's healthier.”
Daphi Marbaniang
Parent • West Jaintia Hills
“Our upgraded Anganwadi centre now has proper learning materials and a safe play area. Children actually want to come here now.”
Ribha Kharkrang
ECD Educator • South West Khasi Hills
“The home visits by ASHA workers have been invaluable. They helped me understand my baby's developmental milestones and what I can do to support growth.”
Lakyntiew Dkhar
Mother of 2 • East Jaintia Hills