ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ECCD PROGRAMMES

Lesson 01: History of Early Childhood Education in India and Abroad

Early Childhood Education prior to five year plans

Early Childhood Care and Education is important for the holistic development of a young child. It is a preparatory ground for schooling in the later years. The first 6 years of a child’s life are the critical years for the lifelong development, since the pace of development is extremely rapid. If a stimulating and enriching physical and psychosocial environment is not provided, the child’s brain does not develop to its full potential.

Realizing this importance Smt. Tarabai Modak was the first one to work and develop a centre called Gram Bal Sikshan Kendra at Kosabad village in Maharashtra. It was later known as ‘Balwadi’.

In 1930-40, Madam Montessori created Kalakshetra in Madras for training teachers in preschool education.

Prior to 1947, the Pre School Education programme was mostly conducted by voluntary organizations for the urban upper income group.