ECD teacher training and ECDIE initiatives and Transitional Learning Centres

Overview Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation delivers early childhood education and protection for children affected by displacement, poverty, and emergencies, combining learning, nutrition, and psychosocial support to keep young children in safe, developmentally appropriate learning environments.

Teacher Training for Early Childhood Development Focus: We build the capacity of local educators and caregivers to deliver high‑quality ECD.
What it includes: in‑service training on child‑centred pedagogy, play‑based learning, social‑emotional support, classroom management in crisis settings, and techniques for inclusive practice. Outcome: teachers are equipped to plan stimulating daily activities, identify and respond to trauma, and support smooth transitions into primary school.

Establishing ECD Programs in Community and Transitional Learning Centres Approach: We have set up accessible Community Learning Centres and Transitional Learning Centres in displaced and underserved areas to restore routine and normalcy for children.
Components of our programs include safe learning spaces, trained staff, school feeding, psychosocial services, and community engagement to ensure attendance and protection. Impact: continuity of education for out‑of‑school and displaced children and strengthened local capacity to sustain early years services.

Curriculum Planning and Development Principles: child‑centred, play‑based, developmentally appropriate, and trauma‑sensitive.
Process: We adapt national ECD standards to emergency contexts, design daily routines and learning modules that integrate literacy, numeracy, motor skills, and social‑emotional learning, and provide teachers with simple planning tools and assessment checklists. Our goal is to ensure a coherent, flexible curriculum that supports learning, wellbeing, and a smooth transition into primary school.