Why do the early years matter so much?
The first eight years of life—and especially the first three—are the most critical period for human development. What happens during this time shapes a child's brain, health, and capacity to learn for life.
The Numbers Speak
Research from neuroscience, economics, and developmental psychology shows why early investment matters most.
Brain Development
A child's brain develops 90% by age 5, making early years the most critical period for cognitive development.
Return on Investment
Every ₹1 invested in early childhood development returns up to ₹13 through improved health, education, and productivity.
Critical Days
The first 1000 days from conception to age 2 are the foundation for physical growth, brain architecture, and lifelong health.
Lifelong Impact
Children who receive quality ECD are 5 times more likely to complete school and earn higher incomes as adults.
Building the Brain
During the early years, a child's brain forms more than 1 million neural connections every second. This rapid development is shaped by experiences, nutrition, and the quality of caregiving.
The brain's architecture is built through a continuous process that begins before birth and continues into adulthood. The quality of a child's early experiences—positive or negative—helps shape how their brain develops.
Neural Connections Over Time
Basic sensory processing begins
Social smiling, recognizing faces
Language foundations, attachment forming
Peak brain plasticity, rapid language growth
Complex thinking, social skills develop
The Nurturing Care Framework
Nurturing care is the environment created by policies, services, and families that ensures children's good health and nutrition, protects them from threats, and gives them opportunities for early learning through emotionally supportive interactions.
Good Health
Preventing illness, ensuring treatment, and promoting optimal physical development.
Adequate Nutrition
Breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and ensuring micronutrient sufficiency.
Opportunities for Learning
Age-appropriate stimulation through play, reading, and interaction.
Safety & Security
Protecting children from harm, violence, and environmental risks.
Responsive Caregiving
Sensitive interactions that respond to children's cues and needs.
Parental Well-being
Supporting caregivers' mental health and capacity to nurture.
The Situation in Meghalaya
Despite progress, many children in Meghalaya still face challenges that affect their development. MECDM is working to change this through integrated, evidence-based interventions.
View Current DataBenefits of Early Investment
The Best Investment We Can Make
Nobel laureate economist James Heckman's research shows that investing in early childhood development yields the highest returns of any investment in human capital.
Children who receive quality nurturing care in their early years grow up to be healthier, more productive adults who contribute more to society and are less likely to need social support systems.
Be Part of the Change
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or community member, you can help ensure every child in Meghalaya gets the best start in life.