First model-inclusive ECCD Centre launched in Thimphu
The country’s first model-inclusive Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centre was opened at Changangkha Middle Secondary School, an inclusive school in Thimphu on November 11. With the centre in place, children with disabilities can now access early learning interventions facilitating their smooth transition to formal schooling.
The centre is designed for children with disabilities and the urban poor and can accommodate about 30 children. It will also serve as a resource centre for early intervention in the country to replicate similar services nationwide.
It is the first of three-model inclusive ECCD centres that the Ministry of Education and UNICEF is establishing in the country. The other two centres are in Gelephu, Sarpang and Trashigang to cover all three regions of eastern, western and central Bhutan. The cost of constructing the three centres is about USD 180,000.
Considering the high prevalence of children with disability and the urban poor, Thimphu was chosen as the location for the first model-inclusive ECCD centre. According to the Population and Housing Census of Bhutan 2017, there are nearly 400 children aged 3-5 years across the country with one or more disabilities. There are 131 children with disabilities in Thimphu with 19.28% of these children in Thimphu Thromde.
Today, the centre has 15 children including five with disabilities and one facilitator. The ECCD is considered an important programme to harness the potential of children from an early age and the centre will ensure that every child receives the support they need to reach their potential.