Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
- Home
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a flagship program of the Government of India aimed at addressing malnutrition, health, and development needs of children under the age of six, as well as pregnant and lactating mothers. The program was launched in 1975 and is one of the world's largest community-based programs for early childhood care and development.
The key components of ICDS include:
Supplementary Nutrition: ICDS provides supplementary nutrition to children under six years of age and pregnant and lactating mothers. This nutrition is aimed at addressing malnutrition and promoting healthy growth and development.
Immunization: ICDS also includes immunization services to ensure that children receive timely vaccinations to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Health Check-ups: Regular health check-ups are conducted to monitor the growth and development of children and to identify any health issues early on.
Pre-school Education: ICDS centers provide early childhood education to children in the age group of 3 to 6 years. These centers offer a stimulating environment for children to learn and develop essential skills.
Referral Services: ICDS facilitates referrals to health services and other support systems for children and mothers who require specialized care.
Health and Nutrition Education: ICDS conducts awareness programs on health, nutrition, and hygiene to educate parents and caregivers about best practices for child care.
ICDS is implemented through a network of Anganwadi centers, which are established at the village level. Each Anganwadi center serves as a focal point for delivering various services under the program. ICDS aims to improve the nutritional and health status of children, reduce infant and maternal mortality, and enhance the overall development of children in India. Over the years, the program has undergone several modifications and expansions to better address the evolving needs of children and mothers in the country.