 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

3 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Recognising the two-fold significance of Early Childhood Education (ECE)-its direct influence on development of the child and its potential contribution to the goal of Universalisation of Elementary Education (UEE) -the ECE project has been focussing on discovering and developing inexpensive non-formal and effective media. of educational and entertainment value for the pre-school and early primary level children as also on developing state-level expertise and strengthening of programmes in this area. The capacity building is being done through training of personnel at various levels and development of suitable teaching-learning material for children and teachers in regional languages. The NCERT has been providing significant inputs and academic support in the area of Early Childhood Education (ECE) through improvement in the quality of preschool education, developing relevant resource materials, conducting training/ orientation programmes and undertaking research studies.

Study of Pre-School Education Component of ICDS and its Perception and Extent of Utilisation by the Community

The study was undertaken to assess (i) the duration of Pre-School Education (PSE) programme, (to utilisation of the PSE in terms of attendance., (tit) linkages between Anganwadi and Primary School, (iv) the quality of PSE programmes, and (v) to gauge the perception of parents towards PSE. The study was launched in 10 states. Eight per cent of ICDS projects and 8 per cent of Anganwadis were taken in the sample. The field staff was trained in the use of tools and data collection. After collection of data, a common format, analysis and report plan was prepared. The report of the study is being finalised.

Activity Books for Reading, Writing and Number Readiness

Drafts of the three activity booklets on Reading, Writing and Number Readiness have been prepared for pre-primary and primary school teachers. The following booklets have already been published:

1 . A manual for a Minimum Kit of Play Material for ECE programmes.

2. School Readiness Programme

3. Four picture story books for Children with Special Needs. These provide positive role models for children in this category.

4. Six picture books for Children with Special Needs (under print)

5. A booklet on 'Pressures on the Pre- school Child'.

Training Package for Key Resource Persons for Short-term Training in Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Five audio cassettes and a video film for supporting ECE training were produced.

Coordination of ECE Project

In order to take stock of the previous year's activities and developing a plan for 1997, a two-day meeting of coordinators of ECE project in 12 states was organised.

Intervention Study to Improve Linkage between Pre-school and Primary School

The planned interventions were tried out in selected schools of Gurgaon in Haryana. After orientation of teachers, implementation of readiness programmes is in progress.

The Indian Association for Pre-School Education, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, and the OMEP (India) participated in a oneday consultation organised in the context of 'Pressures on the Pre-school Child: The Role of Professional Organisations'. An agenda for advocacy with different stake-holders was presented and discussed.

Training Programme in Early Childhood Education for Key Functionaries of the Central Tibetan School Association

The 12-day training programme involved the participants in play-way methods and covered issues such as (i) significance of ECE programme planning, (ii) personal-social development, (iii) language development, (iv) cognitive development, (v) puppet-making, (vi) creative art activities, and (vii) nutritious diet and evaluation of children. The training strategies were: participatory discussion, internship in the IIT Nursery School, New Delhi exposure to video films, visits to educational institutions and preparation of materials.