Introduction to the National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) 2024
GS-2 Mains
Short Notes or Revision Notes
Question : Critically analyze the significance of the Aadharshila curriculum in the context of early childhood education in India. Discuss how its alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework contributes to the holistic development of children aged 3 to 6 years.
Aadharshila: A First-Ever Curriculum for Early Learners
- Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) launches Aadharshila.
- Focuses on children aged 3 to 6 years in Anganwadis across India.
- Aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework.
Importance of Early Childhood Education:
- 85% of brain development occurs before age 6.
- Strong foundation for later learning and reduces future gaps.
Key Features of Aadharshila:
- Covers all developmental domains:physical/motor, cognitive, language & literacy, social-emotional, cultural/aesthetic, and positive habits.
- Weekly calendar:36 weeks of active learning, 8 weeks of reinforcement, 4 weeks of initiation.
- Play-based learning:5+1 days of play in a week, with a combination of activities.
- Flexible learning:in-center, at-home, indoor, outdoor, child-led, and educator-led activities.
- Assessment tools:tracks progress, tailors learning, and celebrates individual journeys.
- Inclusion:special focus on screening, inclusion, and referrals for children with disabilities.
Complementary Program: National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation (0-3 years):
- Provides Anganwadi workers with knowledge on child development and brain development.
- Fills gaps in understanding care and stimulation based on the Nurturing Care Framework.
- Offers 36 month-wise age-based activities for home and Anganwadi centers.
Implementation:
- National Institute for Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) leads training for Anganwadi functionaries.
Significance:
- Strengthens India’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) landscape.
- Improves quality of pre-school learning in Anganwadis.
- Provides a holistic and inclusive foundation for future generations.
हिन्दी