The impact of early childhood education (ECD) health and nutrition policy component. a case study of ecd centres in Mukuru Slum Nairobi

Abstract

Children make up about 50% of the total population in Kenya, but suffer varying but significant degrees of ill health nutritional deficiencies and mobility which unequivocally impede effective learning and realization of their full productive potential (NHSP, 2008). Ill-health is partly due to water, sanitation, parasitic infections, macro and micro nutrient deficiencies, HIV and AIDs and other hygiene related factors, Under the presidential circular number one of 1980, the pre-school education programme was transferred from the then ministry of culture and social services to the MOE. However pre-school education is not compulsory, hence attendance in ECD centres is not a prerequisite for joining class 1 ( first grade of primary school). Though there has been an increase in the enrollment in ECD centers from 28.7% in 2004 to 35% in 2007, a recent decline has been noted with the introduction of Free Primary Education (FPE) since parents have to pay for ECD education (CBS 2006). The government have put attempts through a number of nutrition and health surveys done to determine the prevalence of nutrition and health conditions among pre-school children in ECD programs and the extent to which these conditions may be affecting access enrollment attendance patterns, performance and drop out rates. A safe and healthful school environment is an environment that attends to the physical and aesthetic surroundings and a psychosocial climate and culture that maximizes the health and safety of children. Such an environment optimizes opportunities for learning. (Linda meeks et al; 1996). School health programmes are the essential sequel and complement to early childhood care and development programs. Good health at school age is essential if children are to sustain the advantages of a healthy early childhood and take full advantage of what may be their only opportunity for formal learning. Furthermore, school health programs can help ensure that children who enter school without benefit of early development programmes receive the attention that they may need to' take full advantage of their educational opportunity.