LAUSR

Early childhood years are the most crucial period for the development of physical and cognitive growth. Both genetic endowment and environmental factors determine the achievement of the ultimate developmental potential. Healthcare and nutrition, appropriate education, shelter and protection constitute the critical requisites for optimal growth and development. The measures to provide healthcare are well established, but education and learning during the early formative years have not been addressed adequately. In that context, the consensus statement by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) on early childhood development (ECD) is a welcome effort [1]. It focuses on brain development and interventions for ECD that should begin early and be inclusive and available for all, especially for high risk and marginalized families.