Volume 13 : Issue 13.1 (2026)

Assessment of the Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in Ahmedabad District

The philosophy of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in India has been significantly influenced by pioneers such as Gijubhai Badheka, who emphasised child- centred, activity-based, and joyful learning. He advocated that early education should be rooted in the child’s natural curiosity, play, and freedom rather than rigid instruction. His approach highlights the importance of teachers, parents, and the community as active stakeholders in nurturing holistic development. This perspective aligns closely with contemporary ECCE frameworks, including NEP 2020, which emphasise experiential learning and stakeholder participation. This study examines the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in Ahmedabad District. Using a descriptive survey method, data were collected from 46 stakeholders through an interview schedule. The findings reveal high levels of stakeholder involvement in monitoring, school readiness, and community participation. However, gaps were observed in enrolment facilitation, inclusion of children with special needs, and infrastructure-related decision- making. It recommends strengthening capacity building, accountability mechanisms, and participatory governance to enhance the quality and implementation of ECCE programmes in alignment with national policy goals.

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders

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