Design Management Model for Early-Child-Care and Education (ECCE) Through Sustainable Toys

Abstract

Toys are central to supporting cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. However, plastic toys, while prevalent, raise serious environmental concerns. The research explores the design and integration of sustainable bamboo toys within Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), with the dual aim of fostering holistic child development and promoting eco-friendly practices. A detailed review of ECCE models—such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf—alongside the Indian National Education Policy (NEP 2020) provided the theoretical foundation for embedding sustainability into ECCE frameworks. The study also examined the current state of ECCE in India, highlighting challenges in the Anganwadi system, such as limited access to developmentally appropriate toys, and identified opportunities for introducing bamboo-based alternatives.