Early childhood education (ECE) plays a critical role in shaping a child's cognitive and social development, with lasting impact on their future success. Quality ECE, combined with proper nutrition and health care, equips children with the abilities to succeed in school and beyond. In India, Anganwadi Centres under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme deliver ECE for children upto age 6. Strengthening these centres and the capacity of their frontline workers ensures that every child has an equal start in life.

The CII Foundation focuses on improving the quality of early childhood education (ECE) delivered through the Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). Several Centres have infrastructural issues and are poorly equipped to impart quality education. Adopting a multi-stakeholder approach focused on improving childcare and developmentally appropriate environment for children, the CII Foundation works with corporates, local NGOs and the community to identify and work with AWCs across India, leading to a positive impact on the quality of learning.