Our early childhood development program nurtures strong starts for small people.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Studies and research highlight that the period of human development between conception to six years of age is imperative to the healthy cognitive, emotional and physical growth of children.

The rapid development of a child’s brain begins in the prenatal stage and continues into the first 2000 days of life. This period is critical, yet currently, in Cambodia, multiple factors inhibit the healthy development of young children. Vulnerable families often find challenges in registering the birth of infants, accessing adequate medical care, nutrition and child care. We work closely with the Preah Sihanouk Department of Health, Department of Health and with families to ensure that infants and young children have the best start in life.

LUCF COMMUNITY DAY CARE CENTRES

LUCF community daycare is open on weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm and provides childcare solutions for at-risk parents who work during the day. Studies highlight that the first six years of a child’s life are critical for human brain development. We aim to work with children through all stages leading to primary school entry.

The LUCF day care centre provides young children aged 1-3 years with a safe, specialised environment to access:

  • Supervised recreational play
  • Free-play
  • Fun, interactive base learning classes
  • Creative activities
  • Social integration with age-appropriate peers
  • Nutrition supplementation
  • Nap time

HOME BASED DAY CARE

In less urbanised areas of the province of Preah Sihanouk, there are currently limited quality childcare options for at-risk families. We are working with strong group leaders in the community to establish a standardised quality home-based daycare options for families with young children. The mobilisation of the community provides sustainable outcomes and benefits early childhood development through the province. Our support includes the following guidance and services:

  • LUCF social outreach
  • ECD specialist advice and guidance
  • Framework for best practice standards
  • Ongoing support to nurture the skills of care providers
  • Resources

COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL

Our preschool program aims to provide the foundations for a lifelong journey of learning. We offer the opportunity for children aged three to six years of age to access community preschool on school days between 8 am and 4 pm. LUCF early development specialists work closely with the Preah Sihanouk Department Of Education to ensure that the curriculum and best practice standards correlate with national standards. These services aim to help young children reach their full development potential and are ready to enter primary school by six years of age.
Recreational play and activities are also an essential part of the learning days at LUCF. Children have the opportunity to engage in safe environments that are catered to early childhood development learning and play. Community pre-school activities include:

  • English classes
  • Khmer language classes
  • Khmer history
  • Maths classes
  • Group reading
  • Art classes and activities
  • Monthly creative group workshops
  • Recreational play
  • Sports and games
  • Daily nutrition supplementation
  • Daily collection and drop off in the van

HEALTH SUPPORT

We are committed to the ongoing development of our early years health program. We work closely with the provincial Department of Health to improve early years health outcomes.

M’lop T’pang, a leading specialist NGO generously contributes resources and clinic time to ensure that our current intake of children in programs attend regular medical check-ups.

Our outreach work with families to ensure that children are receiving first round vaccinations at local health centers. Emergency medical support is also available for all families when needed.

  • Health center liaison and coordination
  • Water and sanitation development

Reaching sustainable outcome through community mobilisation and skill development

Nurturing cognitive capital positively benefits the future prosperity of communities. We aim to bring community together to advocate for the importance of early childhood development. We work with community members, community leaders and authorities to build sustainable knowledge and outcomes that include:

✔  Community workshops
✔  C.A.G members leadership
✔  Home-based daycare
✔  Early childhood development home resource packs for home learning
✔  Intellectual sustainability

We recognise that sustainable outcomes are critical for social empowerment. Ensuring that community can harness resources to build awareness and strengthen advocacy is an essential component of our program design and delivery. We aim to support increased community awareness, advocacy, participation and mobilisation through workshops, skill development, community volunteer programs and opportunities for learning.