Source: TH
Context:
Early childhood care and education (ECCE) has emerged as a national priority under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat.” Recognising that 85% of brain development occurs before the age of six (NEP 2020), the government has transformed Anganwadi Centres into hubs for holistic learning and parental engagement through key initiatives like Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi and Navchetna.
Key Initiatives:
Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi
- Objective: Transform Anganwadi Centres from mere nutrition hubs into vibrant early learning spaces.
- Features:
- Systematic training of Anganwadi workers in activity-based and play-oriented learning.
- Enhanced budget allocations for teaching-learning materials.
- Monthly ECCE days institutionalised for structured child engagement.
- 5+1 weekly plan under Aadharshila (National ECCE Curriculum):
- 30 minutes free play daily.
- Structured activities for language, creativity, motor skills, and social-emotional learning.
- Outdoor play and value-based interactions post-lunch.
- Outcome: Parents increasingly see Anganwadis as “first schools” rather than just nutrition centres.
Aadharshila – National Curriculum for ECCE (3-6 years)
- Developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Aims to provide a structured, play-based, and activity-oriented curriculum for preschool education.
- Focuses on foundational literacy, numeracy, socio-emotional skills, motor development, and values.
- Designed for Anganwadis, preschools, and private early learning centres across India.
Navchetna – National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation (0-3 years)
- Developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Focuses on early brain development, caregiving practices, and stimulation-based learning during the critical first 1,000 days of life.
- Provides guidelines for parents, caregivers, Anganwadi workers, and health professionals.
- Covers areas like nutrition, health, emotional bonding, sensory stimulation, language exposure, and motor skill development.
