Page 1 - Curriculum (ECCE).pmd

Early Childhood Care and Education

Senior Secondary Level

Rationale

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is acknowledged the world over as a significant intervention which
aims to help children develop a sound foundation for lifelong learning and development. It is also recognised as the
first step in the education ladder which, if done well, prepares children better for primary schooling and promotes
school retention and learning. The National Policy on ECCE 2013 has highlighted the significance of ECCE. The
policy has slowly emerged from growing awareness and attention on the significance of the early years. Quality
ECCE is the issue of ensuring adequate quality in the programme, particularly from the perspective of making it
developmentally and age appropriate and child-friendly. This course has been designed to orient learners to the
sensitivity required to understand the early learning and developmental needs of young children and how they may
vary in different contexts.It also addresses the essential role of nutrition, health and safety of children for holistic
development. Learners will learn about appropriate ways necessary to provide a responsive environment to meet
the situation-specific as well as stage related needs of children. This programme also aims to prepare learners to
value diversity and recognize the significance of inclusive education.

Course Objectives
The course aims at enabling the learners to develop an understanding of:

• early childhood care and education and its significance;
• the rights and developmental needs of children;

• children’s need for nutrition, good health, protection, education and development;
• appropriate methods of care during early years;

• play and stimulation in early childhood;
• interdependence of child development and learning;
• the issues inECCE and directions to address the issues;

• concept and importance of school readiness and smooth transition;
• language and cultural diversity comprising the Indian social fabric and many co-existing social realities;

• the requirements of an inclusive classroom;
• appropriate interventions to meet the requirements of an inclusive classroom; and

• building meaningful relationships with parents, community and other stakeholders for an effective ECCE
programme.

Course Structure
The curriculum of ECCE at senior secondary level consists of both theory and practical components.Tutor Marked
Assignment (TMA) is also a part of the curriculum.

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