Early childhood is the most critical part of the a child’s life. The foundation laid at this age is crucial for holistic development of their life. It is at this point of time children develop cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills essential for their success. The early years are largely spent with family and community. The Census data 2011 reveals 164.48 million children are between the age of 0-6 years in India.
The government has devised educational policies to provide quality pre school programmes. Article 21A provides right to free and compulsory education between the age of 6 and 14 years. Article 45 urges the states to provide free education upto 6 years. Meanwhile, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2010 provides right to quality elementary education.
The National Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Policy was devised in 2013 and the policy framework includes National Curriculum Framework and Quality Standards for ECCE. The policy brings all children under the age of 6 years to universal access to quality education. Around 1.4 million anganwadi centers cater to 38 million children through the Integrated Child Development Services Programme supported by the nodal department of The Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Despite the steps taken by the government the number of children enrolled for preschools is less. In the case of elementary education, the number is on the rise, though dropout rates are a major concern. Evaluation reveals that the literacy skills are low in primary grades. All this points to the urgency get children school ready through quality ECE programme.
Research reveals that early education has long term effects on the child and their future social and economic adjustment. Pre schools in Chennai understand that it can further be passed on to the future generation. Evidences are clear that Early Childhood Education programme change the development projection of a child and make them school friendly.
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