Children are precious, priceless and invaluable asset to our society. They are the most valuable wealth of the nation. Developing a nation and its people begins with early childhood and Pre School education. It is the responsibility of the parents and the government to provide opportunities to develop and bring the potential to fruition. In developing a child's - potential, we are in reality, developing the child and the human capital of the nation. In carrying out this task, we are enabling the child to grow holistically so that the child is equipped with abilities, knowledge and skills to become a productive member of the nation. Economists have long believed that investment in early education is a good strategy in developing human capital which in turn, is an important source for economic growth. Cognitive and non-cognitive abilities are important for a productive work force. It is said that key workforce skills such as motivation, persistence and self-control are developed early. Children are the future generations who have the potential to drive the economy of the country as leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and economists.
The age from two to six years in the life of an individual is called as the Early Childhood Stage (Elizabeth Hurlock). This stage is also known as the ‘Pre-School Stage’ as this stage precedes the formal schooling age that begins at 5/6 years of age. The child of this stage is more placid and flexible. The child who is more dependent during the infancy stage begins to move towards independence in the early childhood stage. The important thing about this stage is that, though comparatively low to infancy, much of the growth and development takes place during this period and the child begins to establish relations with outer world laying a base for the critical/crucial social life. For qualitative growth and development, the child needs nutrition, healthcare, stimulating environment etc.
Article 45 of Indian Constitution (as per the 86th Amendment of the Indian Constitution of 2001) states that, ‘The State shall endeavour to provide Early Childhood Care and Education for all children until they complete the age of six years’. The Section 11 of RTE Act, 2009 reads as, ‘With a view to prepare children above the age of three years for elementary education and to provide Early Childhood Care and Education for all children until they complete the age of six years, the appropriate Government may make necessary arrangements for providing free Pre School education for such children’. But, as there are a few Pre Schools under the Dept. of School Education in Government sector in our State, Children with 3 and less than 3 years of age are entering into Pre Schools (Nursery/Kindergarten) run by private/private aided managements.
In order to provide quality Pre School Education (ECCE) to all the children irrespective of their diversity and socio-economic status in the State of Telangana, this Pre School Curriculum is prepared by the SCERT, TS.
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