ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ECCD PROGRAMMES

Lesson 03: Application of educational philosophies / theories to ECE

Tarabai modak

Tarabai Modak is a great pioneer in pre-school education and child welfare programme in India. She evolved a simple Anganwadi (a courtyard or open school) on a rural pattern for pre-school care.

Main features of Anganwadi or Meadow School Concept:

• It is meant for village children between the age of 3 and 6.
  
• It is a school located in the courtyard or open space or under a tree in the village.
  
• It is looked after by a motherly village woman.
  
• The motherly village woman is trained in the basic principles of child care including play techniques.
  
• Ordinary local equipment is used for teaching and learning.
  
• This Programme was basically launched for the tribal children of Kosabad hills in Maharashtra. . It now runs a complex of educational institutions beginning from ‘Balwadi’ to a ‘high school’, training institution for teachers at different levels and a workshop for educational materials. The meadow school concept is now turned into non- formal education. After training the trainees set up Anganwadis in villages to devise play materials and elicit community support.