With the rise in emergencies worldwide, the vulnerability of children has increased manifold. A large number of children are adversely affected due to natural or man-made disasters. The key to responding to emergencies is being prepared to the multidimensional and complex nature of emergencies. Responding appropriately, being prepared for emergencies and developing resilience among individuals, families and social service systems are ways that help in minimizing the disaster. India is among the countries which are at high risk of damage from natural disasters including climate change. With children comprising 39 percent of India’s population it is important that the country stands prepared to respond to emergencies and climate change. Evidence informs that children will be the worst-affected population being affected at a critical age and having to face multiple protection and health risks. Yet at times of emergencies, they are the first to be forgotten in the chaos. The first years of life are the most critical for a child’s development, laying the foundation for life time. ‘During these years chronic malnutrition, poor health, lack of mental stimulation, abuse, neglect and toxic stress can impair the healthy development of both body and brain, with long-term consequences on a child’s health, learning, and behaviour’ (Center on the Developing Child, 2015). This document primarily focuses on the fragmented evidence for children and highlights the gaps that exist in responding to children during emergencies. Majority of the humanitarian response do not focus on comprehensive ECD services. Being under-prioritized in emergencies, ECD continues to receive sectoral interventions. The document concludes with specific recommendations for stakeholders to plan comprehensive ECD interventions to ensure the children have meaningful opportunities to attain their optimal potential, even during emergencies.

.