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Profile of an ECCE Centre

Notes

Fig. 15.1 An ECCE Centre/Preschool
(a) Easy Accessibility

Location is an important factor impacting the parent’s choice of an ECCE centre/
pre-school. Young children are usually dropped to the centre by their mother or
older siblings. Parents usually choose schools closest to their homes or working
place so that it is covenient to drop and pick up the child everyday. An ECCE
centre is best located adjacent to or co-located with schools or adjacent to parks
or centrally located in the community.

(b) Cleanliness, Hygiene and Pollution Free Environment
Hygiene and cleanliness are fundamental issues when caring for young children.
High standards in hygiene and cleanliness create a welcoming and safe environment
for children to learn in. Young children are more vulnerable to infections. Dirty
rooms and compounds can cause skin diseases and worm infections. Thus, the
location of ECCE centre should always be away from the sources of infection
like stagnant water pools, garbage dumps and open drains. The floor and toilets
should be cleaned with disinfectant. The building should be made of standard
quality construction methods and materials. This will help promote good indoor
air quality.

Noise pollution can cause lack of concentration and headaches among children.
It should be controlled through the use of sound absorbing materials like ceiling
boards, rubber flooring and solid doors.

Heat, light and proper ventilation all have an impact on the development of
children’s health. To ensure the provision of adequate light and ventilation, an

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 95