National Framework of Early Childhood Stimulation, 2024

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Context

• The National Framework of Early Childhood Stimulation, 2024, underscores a critical aspect of child development: learning begins at birth.

Details

• Ministry of Women and Child Development recently launched:

1. a National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation for Children from Birth to Three Years and
2. a National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education for Children from Three to Six Years

SCHEME 1: National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation 2024

Objective:

• Empower caregivers and Anganwadi Workers for holistic early stimulation.
• Promote optimal development of children, focusing on body and brain development.

Conceptual Framework:

• Based on the Nurturing Care Framework.
• Fills conceptual and practical gaps in understanding care and stimulation.

Core Principles:

Serve and Return:

• Emphasizes responsive interactions between caregiver and child.

Caregiver’s Three Acts:

• Love, talk, play.

Positive Guidance:

• Encourages positive reinforcement and guidance.

Activities:

• 36 month-wise age-based activities provided.
• Can be conducted at household, Anganwadi Centre, or Creche.
• Delivered through all contact points including home visits, monthly meetings, and community-based events.

Special Focus:

Screening:

• Early identification of developmental delays or issues.

Inclusion:

• Ensure all children, including Divyang children, are included.

Referrals:

• Provide referrals for further assessment and support.

In a nutshell,

• It outlines a comprehensive set of activities designed to foster holistic development in children from birth to the age of three.
• This framework is aligned with the National Education Policy, 2020, which emphasizes a continuum of learning from the early years.

Importance of Early Years

• Recognizing that 85% of brain development occurs before the age of six, the Ministry emphasizes the importance of a child's early years.

Developmental Milestones and Activities

• The framework emphasizes the importance of engaging children in activities that stimulate their senses and promote cognitive, language, and motor skills development.
• Activities include talking to the child, playing, moving, listening to music, and engaging in sensory stimulation, particularly focusing on sight and touch.
• To cater to the specific developmental needs of children at different stages, the framework provides a month-by-month guide.
• For instance, in the first year, activities involve reaching for objects, imitating sounds, and exploring different textures using household items like cups, bottles, and fabric pieces.
• As the child grows, activities progress to more complex tasks such as feeding themselves, playing with dough, and sorting objects.

Training and Implementation

• Implementation of the framework involves training staff in the 14 lakh anganwadis across the country.
• This training aims to equip caregivers, including parents, anganwadi workers, and ASHA workers, with the knowledge and skills to conduct the prescribed activities effectively.
• By following the guidelines provided in the framework, caregivers can create a stimulating environment that supports the child's overall development.

Early Identification of Developmental Delays

• One of the key benefits of the framework is its focus on early identification of developmental delays.
• By engaging children in age-appropriate activities, caregivers can observe their development closely and identify any delays.
• In such cases, the framework provides guidance on adapting activities to suit the child's needs, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and intervention at an early stage.

Conclusion

• The National Framework of Early Childhood Stimulation, 2024, serves as a comprehensive guide for caregivers to promote optimal development in children during the crucial early years.
• By emphasizing the importance of early learning and providing practical guidance, the framework aims to lay a strong foundation for children's future learning and success.

SCHEME 2: National Curriculum for ECCE 2024: Enhancing Early Childhood Development

Comprehensive Coverage of Development Domains

• The curriculum covers all domains of development, including physical/motor, cognitive, language and literacy, socioemotional, cultural/aesthetic, and positive habits.
• Aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022 (NCF-FS).

Improving Quality of ECCE

• Aims to enhance the quality of ECCE by prioritizing competency-based lesson plans and activities.
• Activities are presented in a simple and user-friendly manner to facilitate effective implementation.

Focus on Early Learning

• Emphasizes how children learn in the early years, with a focus on playful joy-based learning.
• Designed to prepare children for primary school by developing foundational skills.

Structured Curriculum Design

• Provides a weekly calendar comprising 36 weeks of active learning, 8 weeks of reinforcement, and 4 weeks of initiation.
• Includes 5+1 days of play-based learning in one week, with three blocks of activities in one day.

Diverse Range of Activities

• Offers a combination of activities, including in-center and at-home, indoor and outdoor, child-led, and educator-led activities.
• Ensures a holistic approach to learning and development.

Assessment Tools for Progress Tracking

• Robust assessment tools are provided to track progress, tailor learning, and celebrate each child's unique journey.
• Facilitates continuous monitoring of development milestones.

Focus on Inclusion

• Special focus on the screening, inclusion, and referrals of Divyang children in every activity.
• Ensures that all children, regardless of ability, can benefit from the curriculum.

Community Engagement

• Facilitates community engagement through monthly ECCE days and a continuum of home learning activities for each week.
• Encourages active involvement of parents and caregivers in children's learning and development.

SOURCE: THE HINDU