Dost Education hosts ‘Talk, Care, Play’ convening on responsive caregiving and early learning
Dost Education hosted a convening titled “Talk, Care, Play” on 9 March to discuss the role of responsive and playful caregiving in strengthening early childhood development in India.
The half-day event brought together educators, caregivers, system leaders and partners to examine how everyday interactions between caregivers and young children can support early language development and school readiness.
The event opened with a presentation by Dost Education on responsive caregiving, outlining research and insights on how conversation, play and emotional connection contribute to early learning. Participants also took part in interactive play sessions demonstrating ways caregivers can integrate learning into daily routines.
Two panel discussions were held during the convening. The first explored how institutions and systems can support playful parenting and provide caregivers with tools to encourage learning at home as a pathway to school readiness. The second focused on shared caregiving and discussed the need for greater involvement of fathers in early learning and the care economy.
Participants highlighted the role of caregivers in early learning, noting that many children’s first learning environment is their home and daily interactions with family members.
Dost Education works with families of children aged 0–6 through its Talk, Care, Play framework, offering tools to support early language and cognitive development. The organisation engages caregivers through digital platforms, including audio-based parenting support and WhatsApp-based communication, and through partnerships with Anganwadi workers and community groups.
The organisation said it has reached more than 5.5 lakh families across nine states. Many caregivers have reported increased engagement in activities such as talking, reading and playing with their children, with improvements in language development observed among participating children.
Richa Shukla, chief executive officer of Dost Education, said early learning often begins in everyday interactions between caregivers and children, and supporting parents with practical tools can help strengthen those learning experiences.
The event concluded with a networking session aimed at encouraging collaboration among educators, caregivers and institutions working in early childhood development.
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