The Work-Child Nexus: Parental Employment Sectors and Influence on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

Abstract

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) significantly influences child development, affecting cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. The quality of ECEE depends on socio-economic status, parental education, resources, community support, and cultural norms. The study explores how parents’ employment in organized or unorganized sectors affects children’s physical, language, cognitive, and socio-emotional development, focusing on ECCE. A sample of 466 children enrolled in Anganwadi centers was divided into two groups: organized (n = 227) and unorganized (n = 239) parental employment. The cognitive, physical, and socioemotional scale assessed ECCE outcomes. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-tests. Children of organized sector parents (306.79 ± 47.64) scored significantly higher in ECCE than those of unorganized sector parents (p < .05). Similar patterns emerged for gender and urban areas, while rural children showed no significant differences (p > .05). Policies should address disparities and support vulnerable families’ ECCE access.