The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) project, implemented by Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust in partnership with Michelin India Pvt. Ltd., worked across five Anganwadi Centres in Tiruvallur District between 2018–2023. The program aimed to enhance ECCD quality, promote positive parenting, and build community ownership.

The assessment, based on FGDs, tracer studies, case studies, and AWC observations, revealed significant progress. Pregnant women showed improved awareness of the “first 1000 days” in child health and development. Adolescents emerged as a critical group for future caregiver preparedness. Parents demonstrated better knowledge and more responsive caregiving practices, though traditional norms continued to influence attitudes. Anganwadis transformed into active learning spaces with play-based methods, leading to gains in language, numeracy, independence, and socio-emotional skills. Teachers adopted positive discipline and supported early identification of delays. Fathers’ involvement increased modestly, though gender norms limited engagement.

A tracer study of 29 children confirmed strong school readiness and long-term developmental gains, reinforced by case studies of individual journeys. However, socio-economic barriers and weak infrastructure (water, toilets, safety) continued to hinder progress.

The report recommends strengthening public–private partnerships, deeper community engagement, integrated family support, and smoother school transitions to ensure sustainability and scale.