Page 6 - ISSUES AND DIRECTIONS.pmd

Issues and Directions in ECCE

equipped with adequate number of age and developmentally appropriate
teaching learning material. It should have adequate light, ventilation, safe
drinking water, clean and child- friendly toilets. Provision of activity areas such Notes
as dolls, science, dance/ music, art etc. should be made. All these facilities
should also accommodate children with disabilities.

5.2.3 Teachers, Qualification, Capacity Building and Salary

A teacher who has passed class XII and has a two year diploma in preschool
education recognized by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)
must be appointed as a preschool
teacher. All State Council of The Council for Teacher Education
Educational Research and Training (NCTE) is a statutory body established
(SCERTs) and District Institute of by the Government of India on 17 August,
Education and Training (DIETs) 1995. Its mandate is to develop and
must start pre-service and in-service maintain the quality of teacher education
teacher training programmes in all system in the country, mainly through,
the states/ UTs. During their capacity regulation and maintenance of norms
building, teachers must be oriented and standards. It has developed the
about new developments and curriculum for two years Diploma in
initiatives in ECCE. Preschool Education (DPSE) and related
norms and standards to regulate them.
The pay norms of ECCE teachers
may be reviewed. The teachers must
be paid well to attract committed and talented teachers. The salary of preschool
teachers may be made at par with the salary of primary school teachers.
Maintaining teacher-child ratio is very important at preschool level because
young children need more attention from adults. A fair teacher-child ratio
contributes to better interaction between teacher and children. Thus, an
appropriate teacher- child ratio i.e at least one teacher with a helper for 20-25
children of ages three to six years must be maintained.

5.2.4 Teaching Learning Process

a. Creating learning environment

A conducive classroom environment catering to the needs and interest of young
children is an important factor leading to their engagement in the ECCE
programmes and activities. Therefore, it is vital to pay attention to classroom
environment and setting. Different activity areas must be designed in a way so
as to provide ample opportunities to the children to explore the areas of their
interest on a regular basis. Arrange the spaces to allow children to work
individually, in small groups, or in large groups. Make sure that all equipment

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 69