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Profile of an ECCE Centre

• Dusting, cleaning and sterilising all equipment should be done regularly to
avoid the spread of germs.
Notes • Toys made of washable material should be washed and kept clean at all times
to prevent spread of disease producing germs.

• Enough storage space is necessary to maintain cleanliness as well as for easy
access of the materials at the time of use. Space to store children’s personal
belongings is also essential.
• All storage containers and shelves must be labeled with pictures or words.
While the initial set up of a labeling system is time-consuming, once in
place, it helps children and the staff to put back the materials in their
designated places. It also encourages independence and ownership among
children.
• Organise storage of small items like beads, crayons, picture cards etc in
labelled tubs or baskets for easy clean-up.

• Try to place areas requiring clean up in close proximity to a water source
with available cleaning materials.
• Materials that have not been used for a long time may be rotated frequently
and new things added to sustain the interest of children.

• All electrical fittings and heating appliances should be out of the reach of
children. They need to be checked regularly and repaired immediately to
avoid any accident.

The Quality Standards for ECCE has been approved by the Government of India
in 2013-14. Let us study the provisions mentioned in the document.

The following non-negotiables must be made available to all children attending
any kind of ECCE provision:
• Duration of the ECCE programme should be three to four hours

• One classroom measuring 35 square meters for a group of 30 children and
availability of 30 square meters of outdoor space for a group of 30 children
• The building should be structurally safe and within easy approach. It should
be clean and should have surrounding green area

• Clean drinking water should be available

• Separate toilets for girls and boys should be available
• Immediate health service in terms of First Aid/ Medical Kit should be
available at the centre. It should be checked regularly against a check-list
and anything that has been used, must be replaced immediately. The expiry,
if any, must be checked.

106 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION