The course encompasses early development, learning and care with a particular focus on discovering connections between theory, research, policy, and professional practice. The course aims to provide a clear understanding of the holistic development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical needs in order to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning, optimal development, and wellbeing. More specifically, the course will focus on phases/stages of child development, significance of 1st 1000 days, factors affecting brain milestones, positive and playful parenting, the Single National Curriculum Framework on Early Childhood Care & Education, global best practices, Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on Goal 4.2, Nurturing Care Framework, UN Conventions on the Rights of the Children (with a focus on the four principles, i.e., best interest of a child, non-discrimination, survival and development, and participation) and health, nutrition standards for children between the ages of zero to eight, landscape of ECD in Pakistan, rationale for early investment and proposed ECD/ECCE programme for Pakistan