Early Childhood Education in India

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Early childhood education, also known as nursery education, is a branch of education theory that relates to the teaching of children from birth up to the age of eight. Traditionally, this is up to the equivalent of third grade. ECE is described as an important period in child development.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

After completing this course the students will be able to:

• To evaluate the contributions of some philosophers and educationists to early childhood education

• To plan early childhood education centre and program

• To understand developmental objectives and activities during the early childhood period

• To know how to assess children's development and learning

COURSE CONTENTS

Unit-I: Perspective on Early Childhood Education and Planning of the Centre and Programme

1. - Recommendations of NEP 2020 on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

2. - Contributions of Philosophers and Educationists to Early Childhood Education (ECE): Jean Jacques Rousseau, F.W. August Froebel, Maria Montessori, Gijubhai Bhadeka and Tarabai Modak.

3. - Planning of ECE Centre: Infrastructure /Physical Environment, Teaching Staff, Admission Procedure and Records & Registers

4. - Planning of Programmes and Equipment & Materials

5. - Principles of Planning and Preparation of Yearly Plan, Weekly Schedule and Daily Routine

6. - Preparation of Theme Based Lesson Plans

Unit-II: Developmental Objectives, Activities and Assessment of Children during the Early Childhood Period

1. - Physical and Motor Development: Objectives and Activities

2. - Language Development: Objectives and Activities

3. - Socio-emotional Development: Objectives and Activities

4. - Cognitive Development: Objectives and Activities

5. - Development of Creative Expression and Aesthetic Appreciation: Objectives and Activities

6. - Assessment of Children's Development and Learning

References:

· Aggarwal, J.C. (2009). Early childhood care and education. New Delhi: Neha Publishers & Distributors.

· Aggarwal J.C. (1990). Methods and materials of nursery education. Delhi: Doaba House.

· Day, Barbara (1983). Childhood education: Organizing learning activities. New York: Mac Millan.

· Grewal J.S. (1984). Early childhood education. Agra: National Psychological Corporation.

· Kaul, V. (1991). Early childhood education. New Delhi: NCERT.

· Kaul, V., & Bhatnagar, R. (1992). Early childhood education - A trainer`s handbook. New Delhi: NCERT.

· Ministry of Women and Child Development, MHRD, GOI. (2014). National early childhood care and education (ecce) curriculumframework. New Delhi. Author.

· Ministry of Women and Child Development, MHRD, GOI. (2014). Qualiy standards for early childhoodcare and education (ECCE). New Delhi. Author.

· Mohanty, J., & Mohanty, B. (1994). Early childhood care and education (ECCE). New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publications.

· Muralidharan, R.,& Asthana, S. (1991). Stimulation activities for young children. New Delhi: NCERT.

· Muralidharan, R., & Banerji, U. (1969). A guide for nursery school teachers.

Delhi:NCERT.

· Pankajam, G. (1994). Pre-school education: Philosophy and practice. Ambala Cantt: The Indian Publications

· Pankajam, G. (2005). Pre–primary education: Philosophy and practice. New Delhi: Concept Publishing Company

· Rao, V.K. (2004). Early childhood care and education. New Delhi: Common Wealth Publications.

· Shukla, R.P. (2008 reprint). Early childhood care and education. New Delhi: Sarup and Sons.

Siddigi, N., Bhatia, S., & Biswas, S. (2005 reprint). Early childhood care and education. Delhi: Doaba House.

Singh, B. (1997). Pre-school education. New Delhi: APH Publications. Swaminathan, M. (1991). Play activitiesfor young children. New Delhi: UNICEF.