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EarlyChildhood 37
EarlyChildhood 37
EarlyChildhood 37
Abstract
The main objective of this research paper is to acquire an understanding of the Early
Childhood Care and Education Programs. The stage of early childhood education develops
the foundation of learning among students. When they get enrolled in nursery schools,
learning initiates with play. Through participation in play activities, the students are able to
understand the meaning and significance of education. At the next level, the teachers impart
knowledge and understanding to the students in terms of other concepts as well. These
include, alphabets, numbers, arts, crafts, music, dancing, singing, sports and physical
activities, role plays, poetries, rhymes and so forth. The participation of students in various
types of extra-curricular and creative activities and learning academic concepts leads to
development of cognitive, intellectual, gross-motor and fine-motor skills among them. In the
impartment of knowledge and understanding to the students in terms of lesson plans,
academic concepts and extra-curricular and creative activities, it is vital for the teachers to
make use of efficient curriculum and instructional strategies. These need to be clearly
understandable and assisting to the students. The main areas that have been taken into
account in this research paper include, meaning and significance of early childhood
education, early childhood education programs, factors in early childhood education and
curriculum and instructional strategies in early childhood education programs.
Early childhood education is referred to the branch of education that focuses upon
imparting knowledge to the students, up to six years of age in terms of lesson plans and
academic concepts. This education lays the foundation on which effective growth and
development of the children take place. It is described as an important period in the lives of
the students. The lesson plans and concepts, which they learn at this stage tend to remain
throughout their lives, provided they need understand and implement them in an efficient
manner. The first six to eight years in the lives of the individuals are known as the early
childhood stage. Early childhood development has been defined in various ways under
different programs. The determining factor is that particular program is focused upon the
needs and requirements of the individuals in the age group up to six years. The Early
Childhood Education (ECE) programs are focused upon the pre-school education. In pre-
schools, the students range between the ages of three to six years of age. But these students
are sharp and are able to understand what their teachers teach them in class.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) retains the same educational thrust
but promotes enlargement of its scope to include the components of care and early
stimulation for the individuals, belonging to the age group of up to three years. Early
Childhood Development (ECD) and Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD)
constitute a still more holistic and integrated approach to programming. This programming
puts emphasis upon the relationship between health, nutrition, education and psycho-social
development of students (Early Childhood Education, 2006). The programs of ECD and
ECCD normally take a life-cycle approach. The Integrated Child Development Services
(ICDS) is a government program in India, which focuses upon providing food, health care
facilities, education, immunization and referral services to the children, below six years of
age and their mothers.
In India, the individuals, belonging to all categories and backgrounds have recognized
the significance of education. They have formed this viewpoint that it is vital for the
individuals to get enrolled in schools from the stage of early childhood. As during this stage,
the mind-sets of the individuals are sharp and they are able to understand the concepts in a
rapid manner. Research has indicated that individuals, belonging to rural communities, who
have not been enrolled in schools before and do not even possess the basic literacy skills of
reading, writing and arithmetic are aspiring to get their children enrolled in schools. When the
children are two plus, they are sent to Anganwadis. Whereas, in urban communities, when the
children reach the age of two plus, they get enrolled in play schools. In Anganwadis, play
schools and nursery schools, the children are imparted knowledge in terms of various lesson
plans, academic concepts and activities that are needed to promote their effective growth and
development.
The various early childhood education programs have been stated as follows:
Early Childhood Care and Education is a program, which is more than just
preparation of the child for primary school. It aims at holistic development of the children in
terms of various aspects, such as, social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs. When
focus is put upon the building of these factors, then the students get prepared for getting
enrolled in formal schools and build the strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-
being. ECCE is regarded as one of the most favourable and worthwhile investments that the
country has made towards leading to human resource development. The foundation for
learning that is built among students from the stage of early childhood tends to remain with
them throughout their lives. But it is vital for the students to ensure that they adequately
understand and implement what is taught to them (Early Childhood Care and Education,
2019).
ECCE lays the foundation for the learning and well-being of the children. When the
children will learn and understand various aspects, they will not only be able to bring about
improvements in their overall quality of lives, but also would render an important
contribution in promoting well-being of their families and communities. When the children
are motivated towards getting enrolled in schools and learning, it is important to put emphasis
upon their health and well-being. In order to promote good health and well-being, it is vital
for the individuals to take care of various factors. These include, diet and nutrition, positive
thinking, constructive approach, formation of pleasant and amiable environmental conditions
within schools and home and generating awareness in terms of morality and ethics. In
schools, it is the job of the teachers to impart information to the students in terms of various
factors. But after the teachers have imparted information in terms of these factors, it is up to
the students to understand and implement them in their lives.
Early Childhood Care and Development refers to the areas, which are necessary in
order to lead to lead to effective growth and development of the children. These areas
include, health, education, nutrition and social services programs. From birth until six years
of age, when these factors are taken into consideration, the children will recognize the
significance of learning and education and their growth and development will also take place
in a well-organized manner. The parents are vested with the responsibility of taking into
consideration all these factors. They are regarded as the first and foremost teachers of their
children. The main objectives of this program are, to augment the capacity and capability of
the parents or guardians to create an environment, which focuses upon childhood
development in an efficient manner; quality learning methods and programs are organized to
encourage the participation of children in learning activities; the focus is put upon the
development of skills and abilities among children, so they can get enrolled in formal school
and reinforcement of collaboration and co-ordination among government and local partners is
encouraged to support the operative implementation of the ECCD program.
This program is aimed to nurture the children in terms of physical and psychological
development. The individuals, belonging to various categories and backgrounds need to be
aware in terms of measures and approaches, which are needed to be implemented. Apart from
putting into operation the factors, which are focused upon physical and psychological
development of the children, it is necessary to impart them information in terms of morality
and ethics. When the parents get their children enrolled in schools, they convey to them the
information that they need to communicate with others in a polite and respectful manner, pay
attention in class, possess a sharing nature and develop motivation among themselves
towards participation in various tasks and activities. Therefore, through this program, the
individuals are able to acquire adequate knowledge in leading to effective growth and
development of their children.
In order to lead to progression of the country, it is vital to focus upon promoting well-
being of women and children. The individuals, particularly belonging to deprived,
marginalized and economically weaker sections of the society are the ones, who need help
and support from various programs and schemes in order to lead to their well-being. The
beneficiaries under this scheme are the children up to six years of age, and pregnant women
and lactating mothers. The objectives of this scheme are, to improve the nutritional and health
status of the children, up to six years of age, to establish the foundation for promoting
appropriate development of the children, psychologically, physically and socially, to lead to
reduction in rates of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school drop outs, to achieve
effective co-ordination of the policy and implementation among various departments to
promote child development and to augment the capabilities of the mothers to take care of the
diet and nutrition of the children in order to promote good health and well-being. Therefore,
it can be stated that ICDS has proven to be effective in promoting good health and well-being
of the individuals, particularly women and children, belonging to underprivileged
communities (INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (ICDS) SCEHEME,
2009).
The important factors that need to be taken into account in order to promote
enrichment of early childhood education are stated as follows:
Academic Lesson Plans and Concepts – The academic lesson plans and concepts are
regarded as key aspects that students need to understand in order to achieve academic goals.
When these are formulated, it is vital to take into account various factors. These include, the
needs and requirements of the students, their grade levels and academic goals. The academic
lesson plans and concepts that are taught to the students are alphabets, numbers, other
concepts, such as, family, home, environment, vehicles, shapes, plants, flowers, trees, fruits,
vegetables and so forth. When the teachers are imparting information in terms of various
concepts, they need to make use of appropriate teaching-learning methods, instructional
strategies and teaching-learning materials.
Cognitive Skills – Cognitive skills are the core skills that are used by the brain to
think, read, remember, pay attention and reason. It is indispensable for the classroom
activities to be organized in such a manner that lead to up-gradation of cognitive skills among
students. These skills are referred to the brain-based skills, which are implemented to carry
out the task or activity from simple to more complicated. These skills are supported by neural
networks. When the individuals are engaged in the implementation of any task or activity,
apart from generating awareness in terms of methods and approaches, it is necessary for them
to make use of their cognitive skills. It is the job duty of the teachers to encourage the
participation of students in tasks and activities, which lead to up-gradation of their cognitive
skills.
Intellectual Skills – Intellectual skills are the skills that are put into practice by the
individuals to evaluate and organize information and data. When the students are engaged in
any task or activity, which is academic or creative in nature, they need to make use of their
intellectual skills. These skills enable the individuals to carry out their tasks satisfactorily and
generate the desired outcomes. Reading, understanding, memorising and practice are the
main strategies that are put into operation by the students to develop their intellectual skills. It
is apparent that they need to obtain support and assistance from parents and teachers.
Motor Skills – A motor skill is a function that involves the movement of muscles with
the intent to perform the specific act. Motor learning is regarded as the permanent change in
the ability to perform a task, as a result of practice or experience. Gross motor skills include,
the activities, such as, standing, walking, running, swimming, going up and down the stairs
and so forth. The participation of children in sports and physical activities and playing of
games are vital ways that lead to development of motor skills. When the students are working
on an academic, art or craft assignment, this also requires them to use their muscles and in
this manner, development of motor skills takes place.
Creativity – Creativity is referred to the act of turning new ideas into a reality. It is
characterised by the ability to perceive the world in new ways, to find hidden patterns, to
establish connections between unrelated phenomena and to generate solutions. One of the
major benefits of creativity is, it helps the students to observe things from a different
perspective and deal with uncertainties. Creativity among nursery school children is
developed through encouraging their participation in various activities, such as, augmenting
their learning in terms of academic lesson plans and concepts, extra-curricular activities,
group discussions, communication and organization of workshops.
Manners and Etiquettes – Manners and etiquettes are regarded as vital aspects in
order to improve one’s personality. The various kinds of manners and etiquettes in terms of
which students are provided information are, giving others a chance, waiting for one’s turn
patiently, wishing and smiling, possessing a sharing nature, helping parents by doing tasks
such as, keeping games and playthings in their places, after done playing, saying thank you
and please, apologising when done something wrong, maintaining tidiness at home and
school, listening and obeying parents, teachers and other older individuals in families and
communities and paying attention in class, particularly when the teacher is teaching. The
teachers usually put emphasis on these factors, even within the course of regular interaction
with the students and even when they are participating in play and creative activities. The
reason being, these are vital in order to turn into a good human being.
Diet and Nutrition – Diet and nutrition is regarded as an aspect that is of utmost
significance in maintaining good health and well-being. The students are imparted
information in terms of various types of healthy foods and fast foods. Normally information
in terms of diet and nutrition is written down in the school diaries of students, so the parents
are able to understand what kind of diet is healthy and nutritious for the children. Fast foods
need to be consumed in moderation. They should not be completely avoided, but need to be
consumed in moderation. The children are imparted information that they need to eat healthy
in order to lead to development of personalities and promote good health and well-being.
In early childhood education, learning begins with play. As the child gains familiarity
and get accustomed to the school environment, they are imparted knowledge in terms of
academic concepts and extra-curricular and creative activities. Apart from academic
concepts, the participation of students is encouraged in various types of extra-curricular and
creative activities, such as, artworks, crafts, dancing, singing, role plays, games and sports.
The participation of students in these activities stimulates their mind-sets and develop
motivation among them towards learning. In order to augment student learning, it is vital for
the instructors to put into operation, the curriculum and instructional strategies in an
appropriate manner. The various types of curriculum and instructional strategies that are
implemented by the instructors in case of academic concepts as well as extra-curricular and
creative activities have been stated as follows:
Practice Exercises – In pre-schools, the students are different from each other in
terms of various factors. These include, learning abilities, age, gender, nature, behaviour, and
personality traits. Some students are able to acquire an understanding of the concepts rapidly,
whereas, others take time in understanding. It is essential for the teachers to give practice
exercises to the students to augment their learning. Practice exercises are given to the
students in case of academic subjects as well as extra-curricular and creative activities. When
the students are implementing these exercises, they usually are assisted by their teachers.
Therefore, after the completion of lesson plans and academic concepts, when the students are
given practice exercises as well as are assisted by their teachers, they are able to acquire an
efficient understanding of the lesson plans and academic concepts.
Role Plays – Role plays are regarded as one of the important curriculum and
instructional strategies, which not only enables the students to understand the academic
subjects, but also hone their communication skills and develop creativity among themselves.
When the instructors are teaching students, lesson plans in English, they encourage them to
assume the roles of characters and organize a role play. The organization of role plays have
proven to be beneficial to the students in number of ways. These include, enabling them to
acquire an efficient understanding of the lesson plans, bringing about developments in their
communication skills and interactive abilities and motivating them towards learning. Role
play is an enjoyable strategy and students feel pleasurable, when they are provided with the
opportunity to participate in it or observe it.
Providing Assistance – In pre-schools, students are young and they initiate learning. It
is apparent that when students are imparted information in terms of lesson plans, academic
concepts and extra-curricular and creative activities, they need support and assistance from
teachers in schools and parents at home. When they are given an assignment to complete
within class as well as for homework, they need help and assistance from others. Research
has indicated that teachers in class, normally pay attention on an individual basis to the
students in completion of an assignment. The common strategy, which is put into practice by
the teachers is hand-over-hand assistance. Whereas, in lower kindergarten, in some cases,
students are able to carry out their assignments on their own, and others need assistance from
teachers. Therefore, it can be stated that providing assistance is one of the important
strategies in promoting student learning and helping them to achieve academic goals.
Using Flashcards – Flashcards are the cards, which contain a small amount of
information. The teachers make use of them as an aid to learning. These are used in all
subjects. The flashcards, which are used in pre-schools are in terms of various subjects. For
instance, mathematics flashcards comprise of numbers, English flashcards comprise of
alphabets, and other flashcards would include, pictures of various objects, such as, vehicles,
animals, birds, plants, flowers, trees, fruits, vegetables, shapes, and so forth. The major
benefit of flashcards is to give to the brain a quick way to check, whether the answers are
correct. Another benefit is, they encourage the participation of students in academic
activities. When the students participate in academic activities, they are able to easily
remember the term, process or a concept with or without any indications. Therefore, it can be
stated, use of flashcards have proven to be beneficial and meaningful to the students.
Conclusion
Early childhood education is the branch of education that focuses upon imparting
knowledge to the students up to six years of age regarding various types of lesson plans and
academic concepts. The various early childhood education programs are, ECCE, ECD,
ECCD and ICDS. The important factors that need to be taken into account in order to
promote enrichment of early childhood education are, academic lesson plans and concepts,
extra-curricular and creative activities, cognitive skills, intellectual skills, motor skills,
creativity, communication skills, manners and etiquettes, diet and nutrition and personality
development. Curriculum and instructional strategies in early childhood education programs
are, classroom teaching, group discussions, practice exercises, role plays, providing
assistance, promoting play-based approach, promoting theme-based learning, using
technology, using flashcards and asking questions. It is vital for the educators to conduct
research and up-grade their knowledge and understanding in terms of modern, scientific and
innovative methods, so they can make operative use of these strategies. Finally, it can be
stated that when effective use of these strategies is made, one can promote student learning,
enhance the system of education and achieve desired goals.
Bibliography
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What is Play-based Learning? (2017). Retrieved July 14, 2020 from wonderschool.com