Play-based learning for India’s future , Pg7

Key Highlights:

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognizes that 85% of brain development occurs before the age of six, emphasizing investment in early childhood care and education (ECCE).
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, transforming Anganwadi Centres into early learning hubs with systematically trained workers.
• Aadharshila, the National Curriculum for ECCE for children aged 3-6 years, focuses on holistic development through structured play.
• Navchetna, the National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation, empowers parents and caregivers with play-based activities for children from birth to three years.

Detailed Insights:

• A study by CMC Vellore found that children with 18-24 months of structured ECCE showed significant IQ gains, up to 19 points by age five.
• Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi enhances teaching-learning materials and institutionalizes monthly ECCE days, transforming Anganwadis into children's first schools.
• Aadharshila’s 5+1 weekly plan includes free play, structured activities for language and motor skills, nutritious meals, and outdoor play to reinforce values.
• NEP 2020 raised the formal school entry age to six years, making structured ECCE crucial for children's emotional, social, and cognitive readiness.
• Navchetna aims to equalize opportunities by providing stimulation and care to children from lower-income households through parental involvement.

Key Concepts Involved:

• ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education): Comprehensive development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs from birth to eight years.
• Holistic Development: Focuses on the complete well-being of a child, including intellectual, emotional, physical, and social aspects.
• Anganwadi Centre: A rural child care center in India, providing basic health care, nutrition, and preschool education.