Ministry of WCD launches Framework and Curriculum For Early Stage Learning
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is launching a National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for children from 3-6 years and a National Framework for early childhood stimulation for children from birth to 3 years.
Through some other programs including Mission Saksham Anganwadi, Poshan 2.0, the Palna and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Schemes under Mission Shakti, and other initiatives, the Ministry of Women and Child Development empowers and supports women and their children under six years old.
The documents are prepared by the National Institute for Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD), with the support of an Internal Committee and development partners after incorporating feedbacks from Anganwadi Workers. NIPCCD will lead the training of Anganwadi functionaries on the new Curriculum and Framework.
@MinistryWCD is launching National Curriculum for ECCE for Children from 3 to 6 Years and a National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation for Children from Birth to 3 Years. Read more https://t.co/6Fr22CzUh9 @smritiirani @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts
— PIB WCD (@PIBWCD) March 11, 2024
National Curriculum for ECCE
The National Curriculum for 3-6 years has been developed in accordance with the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022 (NCF-FS). It aims to improve the ECCE at the Anganwadi Centre and prioritize competency-based learning. The ministry runs 13.9 lakh Anganwadi centres around the country which caters around more than 8 crore children under the age of 6 years.
Key Features of ECCE Curriculum
The curriculum is set up to offer a weekly schedule that includes three blocks of activities in a day, five+1 days of play-based learning in a week, eight weeks of reinforcement, and four weeks of initiation.
It offers a variety of activities, such as those that are child-led and educator-led, indoor and outdoor, in-center and at-home, etc.
Strong evaluation instruments are offered to monitor development, customize instruction, and honor the child”s individual path.
The screening, inclusion, and referral of Divyang children in all activities have received particular attention.
A weekly schedule of home learning activities and monthly ECCE days have been used to promote community involvement.
National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation 2024
The framework has been created for children from birth to 3 years, and aims to empower caregivers and Anganwadi Workers for holistic early stimulation through holistic care giving to fill conceptual and practical gaps in the care and stimulation.
The framework will help in Anganwadi workers to understand the growth and development of children. It emphasizes on the three actions of a caregiver—love, play, conversation, and constructive guidance—as well as the concepts of serve and return.
Key Features
36-month-olds can participate in age-appropriate activities at the Anganwadi Center or Creche, as well as at home.
These activities can be arranged through all available channels, such as home visits, monthly meetings, community events, etc.
Special attention is also given to screening, inclusion, and referrals for children who identify as Divyang.
