Three-year collaboration to promote early childhood education, digital quality assessment, maternal well-being and frontline worker development
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], October 31: In a significant initiative to strengthen early childhood care and education across Uttarakhand, the Department of Women Empowerment & Child Development, Government of Uttarakhand, has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation for Quality in Early Childhood Care & Education (CQ-ECCE) for the academic years 2026–27, 2027–28 and 2028–29.
The collaboration aims to strengthen the state’s network of 20,070 Anganwadi Centres through quality improvement, professional development, community participation, technology-enabled assessment and partnerships between government Anganwadi Centres and private preschools. The agreement envisions a more connected early childhood development ecosystem, bringing together government institutions, educators, parents, communities and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners.
Connecting Government Anganwadis with Private Preschools
A key component of the MoU is “From One Classroom to Another – Together Building Strong Foundations for Every Child.” Under this initiative, CQ-ECCE will facilitate partnerships between Anganwadi Centres and nearby private preschools to encourage mentoring, knowledge exchange and sharing of educational resources.
The proposed Circular Learning Ecosystem follows the principle, “No Learning Resource Should Be Unused.” It will encourage the sharing and rotation of books, toys, teaching-learning materials and educational kits. Knowledge exchange activities may include storytelling, reading sessions, music, sports, outdoor learning, parent interactions and exposure visits for children and Anganwadi Workers. Participating preschools may also be recognised as Verified Mentor Preschools in accordance with programme guidelines approved by the Department.
Registration of Private Preschools in Uttarakhand
The registration process for private preschools across Uttarakhand is expected to commence from November 2026, with CQ-ECCE supporting the Department of Women Empowerment & Child Development in preschool mapping, survey, registration facilitation, and quality assessment, in accordance with the framework and guidelines approved by the Department.
Digital Assessment and Quality Improvement
The agreement provides for technology-enabled quality assessments of Anganwadi Centres through a digital assessment tool and mobile application. The Department will determine and approve the quality parameters, assessment indicators and reporting requirements. CQ-ECCE will document observations, identify resource gaps, prepare centre-level and consolidated reports, and submit findings to support evidence-based planning and continuous improvement.
The MoU also provides for CQ-ECCE to undertake technical assessments of private preschools under the Department-approved Preschool Registration Framework. These assessments may cover infrastructure, child safety, curriculum, teacher competency, hygiene, inclusion, governance and school readiness.
Supporting Mothers and Frontline Workers
The collaboration introduces Maatri Saathi, a proposed programme to support the emotional well-being of pregnant women and mothers during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. Through Anganwadi-based engagement and WhatsApp-enabled guidance, the programme aims to help mothers access timely information, emotional support and appropriate professional assistance when needed.
Another initiative, Sakhi Saathi, will focus on Anganwadi Workers and ASHA Workers through short learning videos, interactive assessments, motivational messages, self-reflection activities and recognition under the Sakhi Samman initiative. These programmes aim to strengthen knowledge, confidence and engagement among the women who support mothers, children and families at the community level.
Building Better Learning Environments through CSR Partnerships
CQ-ECCE will seek CSR support for approved initiatives, including book and toy libraries, reading corners, teacher development, indigenous toy-making, low-cost teaching-learning materials, Poshan Vatikas, Building as Learning Aid (BALA) interventions and selected digital , CQ-ECCE School Growth System (SGS) and safety infrastructure improvements.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the foundations of learning and development during the early years. By connecting government services, private preschool expertise, community participation and CSR-supported resources, Uttarakhand aims to build a more collaborative and quality-focused ecosystem for its youngest children.
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