Back to: Early Childhood Care and Education B.ed Notes, IGNOU Notes, M.A Notes, Graduation Notes
The origin and development of preschool education in India
A child’s first six to eight years of life are everlasting. These stages, sometimes referred to as the early years of childhood because of how quickly they grow, are widely regarded as being the most crucial for permanent maturation. Unquestionable evidence that “experience-based brain development in the early years creates neurological and biochemical pathways that impact health, learning, and behavior throughout life” has been shown by modern neuroscientists.
Meaning of Early Childhood Care and Education in India
The administration and importance of education between birth and eight years old is commonly referred to as early childhood care and education (ECCE) in the Indian setting. It consists of:
- Childhood enrichment programs are available through daycare centers and residences for children ages 0 to 3.
- Programs for children ages 3-6 in early childhood education (ECE) (as seen in anganwadis, balwadis, nurseries, preschools, kindergartens, preparatory schools, etc.).
- Early Primary Education Programs are included in the curriculum for children ages 6 to 8.
A toddler’s first eight years of life are a time of extraordinary progress and expansion. Up to age 8, brain connections increase dramatically, and there is a very strong likelihood that maturation will proceed as intended. In order to assure long-term advantages, not only for the maturation of each particular kid but also for the broader community, it is crucial that this genuine “window of opportunity” be properly utilized and maintained. The significance of childhood experiences has a higher effect on development than inheritance; a significant amount of human brain growth occurs after birth as a result of interactions with the environment.
Objectives of Early Childhood Care and Education in India
According to the Report of the Education Commission’s (1964-66) description, the objectives of the ECE programme are:
- Build a strong body, appropriate physical coordination, and fundamental motor abilities in the youngster.
- To instill in the kid healthy habits and the development of fundamental life abilities, including clothing, feeding, showering, and cleaning.
- To promote healthy group involvement and to make the kid attentive to the rights and privileges of others, establish appropriate social concepts and etiquette.
- Encourage the kid to express, comprehend, accept, and manage his feelings and emotions in order to help them develop emotionally.
- Promote the appreciation of the arts.
- Arouse his natural curiosity, aid his understanding of the world in which he lives, and encourage the development of new interests by providing him with chances to investigate, research, and explore.
- By giving the youngster enough chances for self-expression, you may foster independence and creativity.
- Improve the kid’s capacity to speak clearly, correctly, and fluently to communicate his sentiments.
History of Early Childhood Care and Education in India
Specific demographics were noted as significant target audiences for the growth of early education in India in the “Program of Action” report from the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development in 1993. Toddlers were included in these communities:
- Who lives in metropolitan areas with extremely low incomes?
- Who lives in environmentally depressed places (rural areas and artisan homes) where they must help with domestic and agricultural tasks?
- Who are the children of periodic, mobile, or maintenance companies?
- who are physically disadvantaged or have special requirements (Ministry of Human Resource Development, 1993)?
Programs:
To enhance the physical and social maturation of children from birth to age six; to offer high-quality good nutrition facilities to expectant and nursing mothers; to make it easier for relevant departments in political matters to coordinate; and to execute early childhood education.
The ICDS programs offer a variety of services, including supplemental nutrition, vaccination, health checks, community resources, management of common illnesses, health and nutrition awareness, and kindergarten instruction, in order to achieve these goals.
