early years

The Chief Editor would like to thank those who contributed both to the initial advice and to the piloting of it. All Guides incur a cost which as a minimum is for editorial work and web hosting.  The Guide was funded by the MESH Founder Members and Associates with the time of volunteer educators and researchers being donated as well the time of VSO staff. Feedback is welcome email editorialteam@meshguides.org.

Strength of evidence 5*

The pooling of knowledge that has led to this guide has involved educators both researchers and practitioners, in developing and developed countries, from nine countries. The Editorial Board considers there is strong enough evidence behind the advice for practitioners to be confident about implementing the advice.

A MESHGuide focused on early assessment of deafness and hearing impairment is under-development and will be found when published on www.meshguides.org.

We suggest you join the professional association relevant to your area as these associations normally have as a minimum email lists to support exchange of ideas. If there is not one in your country then you are likely to be able to find one elsewhere that has international members. Alternatively, you are welcome to set up an online community in the KHub (www.khub.net) which supports MESH and which provides this service for the public sector.

content

With thanks to: Emma Goto, Lynne Berry, Alison Clark-Wilson, Cally Kuhne*

Overview from research

Songs/rhymes/games in the home language are a major resource. New songs and rhymes may need to be developed in some languages to help children learn in their new environment.

VSO use, where possible, tablets and associated software and charging kits. These will hold:

- videos of songs, rhymes, games plus

- talking heads explaining why and what about EYS education for those who cannot read the accompanying written materials.

Other resources:

You are welcome to download, adapt and translate this document for your context.

Summary for trainers

The examples here indicate that there is widespread acceptance of the importance of early childhood education through play, song, rhyme, physical activities and dance. These examples are provided not for copying but in the spirit of sharing ideas for the benefit of all. Please submit examples you know of to editorialteam@meshguides.org.

The importance of pre-school child development is widely recognized and all families are entitled to some free pre-school provision often in school or private nurseries.