"Every child deserves a bright beginning"
Every Child in Meghalaya
Deserves the Best Start
Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission nurtures every child from conception to age 8 through health, nutrition, early learning and responsive caregiving.
Who are you?
What is Early Childhood Development?
My First 8 Years
Hear what your little one needs at every stage
“Mumma, I'm Growing Inside You”
“When you eat well, I grow strong. When you rest, I feel happy. Please take your medicines and visit the doctor – I'm getting ready to meet you!”
Learn more
“I Just Arrived!”
“My brain is growing super fast! When you talk to me, I learn. When you cuddle me, I feel safe. Feed me well, play with me, and don't skip my vaccinations!”
Learn more
“Let Me Play and Learn!”
“I ask 'why' all the time because I want to know everything! I learn best through play. Take me to Anganwadi – I'll make friends and get ready for big school!”
Learn more
“I'm in Big School Now!”
“School is exciting but sometimes hard. Help me with homework, read with me, and tell me it's okay to make mistakes. When you believe in me, I can do anything!”
Learn moreResources for Parents
Tools and guides for your child's care
Monitor Your Child's Growth
Track height, weight and developmental milestones
Nutrition Guide for Your Child
Age-appropriate diet plans and feeding tips
Early Learning & Stimulation
Activities to boost your child's brain development
Health & Nurturing Care
Vaccination schedules and healthcare essentials
Parenting Support
Tips for responsive caregiving and bonding
School Readiness Checklist
Prepare your child for formal education
MECDM: A Mission, Not an Organization
MECDM facilitates convergence across four government departments to create a unified approach to early childhood development in Meghalaya. Our shared mission is to ensure every child experiences nurturing care and optimal development.
The Nurturing Care Framework
Health & Nutrition
Ensuring physical health, proper nutrition, and medical care for all children
Learning & Development
Supporting cognitive and social-emotional growth through play and responsive interactions
Safety & Protection
Creating safe, secure environments where children are protected from harm
Responsive Care
Providing warm, attentive caregiving that responds to children's needs and emotions
Early Learning
Building foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and language development
Holistic Development
Nurturing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of child development
Cross-Departmental Convergence
Community & Rural Development
ICDS & Anganwadi services
Social Welfare
Social protection & inclusivity
Health
Maternal & child health
Education
School readiness & learning
These five departments work together under MECDM to deliver coordinated, high-quality early childhood services across Meghalaya.
Why Early Years Matter
Children who receive quality care, nutrition, and stimulation during early years grow up to be healthier, happier, and more successful adults.
Become Healthy Adults
Better physical and mental health throughout life
Avoid Substance Abuse
Less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol
Excel in School
More confident and perform better academically
Strong Family Bonds
Positive relationships with family and community
Responsible Citizens
Grow into caring and responsible adults
Achieve Their Dreams
Set bigger goals and become more successful
of brain development occurs before age 8
critical window for foundational skills
return on investment in early childhood
ECD Happens Everywhere
Your child's development is supported at home, at the Anganwadi centre, and throughout your community. Key interventions include:
- Home visits by ASHA & Anganwadi workers
- Parent coaching on responsive caregiving
- Play-based learning activities
- Nutrition guidance & health check-ups
- Community support through SHGs & faith institutions
Need Help or Have Questions?
At Home
Your home is your child's first classroom. ASHA and Anganwadi workers visit families to guide parents on nutrition, health, and activities that boost development.
Learn more
At Anganwadi Centre
Anganwadi centres are being transformed into vibrant learning spaces with play-based learning, nutritious meals, and trained caregivers.
Learn more
In Your Community
Village organisations, SHGs, and faith institutions come together through parent circles, trainings, and local initiatives for every child.
Learn moreData & Impact
Real numbers reflecting the scale and reach of MECDM's work across Meghalaya. These metrics show our progress in reaching children and families with quality early childhood development services.
AWCs Active
Anganwadi Centers operational across Meghalaya
Children Enrolled
In ICDS and AWC programs
ECD Centres Upgraded
With improved infrastructure and learning materials
Eggs Distributed
For supplementary nutrition program
Parenting Sessions
Conducted across communities
Workers Trained
In ECD methodologies and approaches
What is MECDM?
The Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission is a government initiative focused on holistic development of children from birth to 8 years through community participation. It brings together departments, village organisations, and faith-based institutions to ensure every child receives good health, nutrition, education, responsive caregiving, and safety.
Home-Based Care
Supporting children 0-1.5 years through home visits by ASHA workers, maternal mental health services, and improved nutrition with eggs in the supplementary program.
Centre-Based Care
Strengthening Anganwadi centres for children 1.5-8 years with extended hours, trained ECD educators, play-based learning, and positive parenting programs.
Building Capacity
Establishing a State Resource Centre for research, training, and quality assurance to continuously improve ECD services across Meghalaya.
Latest Updates
Stay informed with the latest news, announcements, and updates from MECDM's work across Meghalaya.
Chief Minister Launches Phase 2 of AWC Transformation
Hon'ble CM inaugurated the second phase upgrading 1,000+ Anganwadi centers across all districts with improved infrastructure and learning materials.
Module 2 Training Rollout Begins
ECD at Centre training module launched for frontline workers focusing on play-based activities, responsive caregiving, and child protection protocols.
Egg Distribution Reaches 50 Lakh Milestone
Major achievement in supplementary nutrition program with 50+ lakh eggs distributed, ensuring improved nutrition for children across the state.
Our Partners & Collaborators
MECDM works with leading development organizations, academic institutions, and social enterprises to strengthen early childhood development across Meghalaya.
Voices from the Ground
Hear from parents, frontline workers, and officials about how MECDM is making a difference in communities across Meghalaya.
“The training I received through MECDM has completely transformed how I work with children. Now I understand how play-based learning helps their development.”
Bansara Lyngdoh
Anganwadi Worker • East Khasi Hills
“As a mother, I didn't know how important the first few years were. The parenting sessions taught me simple activities to do with my daughter at home.”
Merilyn Sangma
Parent • West Garo Hills
“MECDM's multi-sectoral approach is exactly what Meghalaya needed. We're finally able to provide holistic support to our children.”
Dr. Iamonlang Rynjah
District Programme Officer • Ri-Bhoi
“The egg distribution program has made a real difference. My son used to fall sick often, but since he started getting eggs at the Anganwadi, he's healthier.”
Daphi Marbaniang
Parent • West Jaintia Hills
“Our upgraded Anganwadi centre now has proper learning materials and a safe play area. Children actually want to come here now.”
Ribha Kharkrang
ECD Educator • South West Khasi Hills
“The home visits by ASHA workers have been invaluable. They helped me understand my baby's developmental milestones and what I can do to support growth.”
Lakyntiew Dkhar
Mother of 2 • East Jaintia Hills