Abstract

Scientific research on early childhood development has informed investments in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) across the global south. Conceptual frameworks of ‘developmentally appropriate practice’ (DAP) guide ECCE policy and practice according to established norms for children’s development. However, DAP frameworks leave the universal and normative core of developmental thinking unaddressed. Based on an ethnographic study of ECCE with Adivasi communities in Gudalur, Tamil Nadu, India, we identify how this understanding of development is in conflict with community values and practices of socialisation. Policy implications from this data are drawn out for designing responsive ECCE policies.

CBPS. (September, 2019). Developing 'responsive' ECCE models in India [CBPS-UCAM Policy Brief 02]. Bengaluru: Centre for Budget and Policy Studies.