The role of the family’s awareness about ECD in street-connected children’s (aged 0-8 years) holistic development

Abstract

This study explores the role of family awareness in supporting Early Childhood Development (ECD) among street-connected children aged 0–8 years in Bangladesh. Families play a critical role in ensuring children’s well-being, yet most parents interviewed had little to no formal knowledge of ECD. Despite this, some unknowingly practiced ECD-supportive behaviors, such as interactive communication, play, and emotional bonding with their children. The study highlights how even limited parental awareness has a direct influence on the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of street-connected children. It also identifies key challenges families face, including poverty, malnutrition, lack of access to health and education services, unhygienic environment, insecure shelter, and limited support from stakeholders. These barriers hinder consistent ECD practices. Nevertheless, families demonstrate resilience through informal strategies to meet their children’s needs. The findings underscore the urgent need for awareness programs and multi-sectoral collaboration to empower families and ensure holistic development for marginalized children in early childhood.