Background: Early childhood education (ECE) is crucial for children’s holistic development, encompassing physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. In Pakistan, while ECE is gaining recognition, there remains a significant gap in programs for children aged 0 to 3, particularly influenced by socio-economic and cultural factors. The Rupani Foundation addresses these gaps through its family-centred early childhood development (ECD) model, promoting awareness and services.

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Rupani Foundation’s family-centric ECD model, examining the associated challenges and opportunities.

Method: The study was initiated as an organisational development project, where I, as an employee, took consent from the organisational head and the research participants through a formal email/letter. A case study method was used to evaluate the Rupani Foundation’s ECD model. Random sampling selected participants from the program, and data collection included semi-structured interviews with parents, educators, and administrators. Observations of ECD activities and document reviews (lesson plans, monitoring and evaluation reports) were also conducted, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the model’s effectiveness.

Results: Children showed improvements in language, social skills, and problem-solving. Parental involvement increased both in school and home-based learning activities, with parents gaining a deeper understanding of early childhood principles. The model enabled early detection of developmental issues, such as speech delays and learning disorders, allowing for timely support and correction. This program fostered stronger community bonds. However, challenges included trust issues, cultural misconceptions, and program sustainability.

Conclusions: The Rupani Foundation’s model enhanced child development and parental engagement but faced challenges, including community trust and literacy. Success stories should be highlighted to raise awareness, and policymakers should mandate early childhood education across schools.

Implications for children and families: Being parents, you will learn how family involvement nurtures early child development.

Implications for practitioners: You will gain insights into engaging parents in their child’s early development.

Key words: children’s voices, families’ voices, early literacy, qualitative methods, well-being

This presentation relates to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 4: Quality Education