Page 5 - ISSUES AND DIRECTIONS.pmd

Issues and Directions in ECCE

(iii) Teaching learning process c) Quality ECCE programmes

(iv) Regulatory framework d) Adequate
Notes
(v) ECCE teachers e) Ministries and Governments

ACTIVITY 5.1

Discuss with parents in your neighborhood the issues and challenges being
faced by them with respect to the education of their young children.

5.2 DIRECTIONS TO RESOLVE ISSUES

Till now, we have discussed some of the issues pertaining to various aspects
of ECCE. Though these issues exist, it is possibile to address them through
combined efforts of all the stakeholders. These efforts will ensure accessibility
of quality ECCE programmes to all children. In this context, some guidelines
are given below as workable solutions to address the above mentioned issues.

5.2.1 Process of Admission

The date of admission, age of admission and process of enrolling children in
a preschool differ from state to state. However, children are ready to enter a
preschool programme on completion of three years of age by 31 March of an
academic year. That is when children can handle anxiety of separation from
family, develop some verbal competence, communicate basic needs and are
toilet trained.

Further, there should be no use of evaluation/ interview/ interaction of children
and parents at the time of admission as assessment tool for entry in a preschool.
In order to save young children from the anxiety created though such tests, it
is imperative to abolish the admission test. Some alternative methods such as
first come first served basis or a randomized lottery system may be used for
enrolling children.

Admission to children should not be denied on the grounds of religion, region,
caste, race, sex, disability and socio-economic status of the family. Preference
should be given to children living in the neighborhood.

5.2.2 Infrastructure, Material and Classroom Environment

The preschool centres must ensure safe and adequate indoor and outdoor space.
A minimum of 300/450 sq. meters of outdoor space and 35 sq meters indoor
space should be provided for a group of 25 children. The space must be

68 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION