Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

The assertion states that quality early childhood care and education positively impact human capital development. Early childhood care and education refer to programs and services that support the growth and development of young children, typically from birth to around 8 years old. The reason provided is that early childhood care and education support the holistic development of children. This is accurate because quality early childhood care and education programs focus on nurturing children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development during their critical early years. These programs provide a stimulating and supportive environment that promotes learning, social interaction, and the acquisition of foundational skills. By investing in quality early childhood care and education, individuals develop a strong foundation for future learning, well-being, and success, which positively impacts their human capital development. Therefore, both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.