Early Childhood Centres

The programme proposes to:

• Create an appropriate space for the early stimulation of children age 45 days to 2 years old and for 3 and 4 year old children to acquire good habits and education;
• Provide the basic elements to satisfy the physiological and affective needs as well as the psycho-motor, play, recreation, and socialisation skills for healthy childhood development;
• Strengthen the ties between children and their parents;
• Create a consciousness about the importance of early education to a human being’s development;
• Partner with parents and work with families to improve children's upbringing.

The programme uses games, physical exercise, and play activities to promote early stimulation which favours the complete development of the child.
 
The programme trains families through workshops that offer information to improve their childrearing skills. The participatory workshops address different themes: maternal health during pregnancy; sexual and reproductive health; responsible paternity; the importance of breastfeeding, nutrition, early stimulation, detection and treatment of health-related issues, and social integration for boys and girls; the prevention of domestic accidents; and efficient parenting guidelines, among others.

Early childhood development, education, nutrition, healthcare.

The programme also provides nutritional support with breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for girls and boys who attend the centres daily. The purpose is to guarantee adequate food and nutrition for good development. The programme also follows up on healthcare issues, facilitating the obligatory annual check-ups and vaccinations for each age group.
 
Currently, 3,600 children attend the Early Childhood Centres daily where they receive holistic care. The programme is supported by the ALAS Foundation which helps monitor and supervise the programme itself and disseminates information about progress and results in all forums and environments in which the Foundation operates.