Importance
Early Childhood Care and Education is an important part of children's overall development. Children begin the learning process from birth, and their early experiences have a profound impact on their mental, emotional, and social development.
early development
In the first year, the baby forms bonds with his family and learns to recognize familiar and unfamiliar faces at the age of 8-12 months. Crying is normal when separated from the mother or caregiver. After 1 year, the baby learns to walk, run and grab things and starts feeling safe even in the mother's absence.
Types of early childhood care
Family care: Earlier, the child was looked after by a family member, such as a grandmother or other relative, but now the need for crèches and institutional care has increased due to working parents. Pre-school education: From the age of 3, children learn in small groups through play, which helps prepare them for school and teaches social skills.
conducive learning environment
Children need a safe, loving, and fun environment to learn. Games, toys, natural objects, and caring adults such as parents, grandparents, or teachers encourage their learning.
Benefits of Preschool Experience
Social development: Children learn quickly from peers and participate in teamwork. Self-reliance: They learn new skills, such as eating on their own. Help in special circumstances: Children growing up in difficult circumstances are prepared for school. Older children benefit: Older children are able to go to school as the responsibility of caring for younger children is removed.
Objective of elementary education
The child develops holistically mentally, physically, emotionally and socially. It prepares them for studies and social activities. Also, it proves helpful for working parents by providing them supportive services.
Basic Concepts
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is extremely important to ensure the holistic development of children from birth to the age of 8 years. It can be divided into two phases:
1. Birth to 3 years: Infancy, when the child is completely dependent on adults for their care.
2. 3 to 8 years: This stage is the basis of the physical, mental and social development of the child.
Types of baby care
- Crèche: When the mother is not at home, children are looked after either at home or in a crèche.
- Day Care Centers: Young children receive full-day care that addresses feeding, toileting, language, and social-emotional needs.
- Pre-school education: Play-based education is given to children after the age of 3. Montessori schools and Anganwadi centres in India play an important role for this age group.
Piaget's theory and children's learning process
According to Piaget, children's way of understanding the world is different from that of adults. They need an environment to learn that stimulates their curiosity and provides them with new experiences.
Guiding Principles of ECCE (NCF 2005)
Children's education should be play-based and creative, with arts and experiences being given priority. Local and cultural materials should be used in education and healthy habits should be promoted. It is important to incorporate formal and informal methods while adopting a flexible approach according to the needs of the children.
Benefits of ECCE
For the holistic development of children, it is important to encourage their physical, mental, social and emotional development. Also, it is important to prepare them for school entry and provide support to parents and older children.
Preparing for a living
The role of teachers and caregivers in early childhood care and education (ECCE) is crucial in the overall development of children. A person working in this field must understand the special needs and developmental stages of children.
Why is training necessary?
Parents care for children without training, but teachers and caregivers must be trained to work with children. Scientific information is necessary to properly understand children's development and set appropriate expectations.
What is expected from a teacher in early childhood?
