Early Childhood Development Kit for Emergencies

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Kit for Emergencies was created in 2009 to strengthen the response for young children caught in conflict or emergencies. The kit complements basic services related to young children’s hygiene and sanitation, health and nutrition, protection and education. It contains materials to help caregivers create a safe learning environment for young children, aged 0–8, and offers children access to play, stimulation and early learning opportunities. Each kit is designed to reach up to 50 children. Since its inception, the ECD kit has evolved as the primary service delivery strategy that UNICEF employs to support young children’s right to play. It has been integrated into existing ECD programmes, mainly as part of an active humanitarian response, but also in post-conflict settings and non-emergency development contexts.