A conference on ‘Leadership and Global Practices in Early Childhood Education’ held at Hotel ‘Sun n Sand’ recently saw principals, educators, consultants and representatives of pre-schools as its participants.
The conference was organized by ‘Early Childhood Association’ (ECA-India), Pune chapter which have 3500 members and was inaugurated by MP Vandana Chavan.
Looking at the millennium development goals (MDG) set up by Kopanhegan Conference, no access to education is the root cause of many social issues. Hence, forward and backward extension of education has to be taken care of in India.
We have to strive to put childhood education issues in government’s agenda to get funds, awareness and new programs. New education policy should address issues related to childhood education.
“Child marriages in Pune have also increased and this has to stop. Hence I have requested PMC to extend primary education up to 10th grade . I take up the issue in the parliament”, said Chavan.
During her key note address on ‘Global Trends in Early Education’, Swati Popat-Vast, president, Podar Education Network said, “Honoring teachers is important. Though children comprise of only 25 percent of our total population but they are 100 % of our future. So, investment in childhood education is needed. Secondly there is a need to change the word ‘Pre-School’ used for early childhood education because many schools have forgotten that preschools are places where children can enjoy and learn, they are children’s garden. They are not there to prepare children for school. Moreover, Course in parenting is also need of the time.”
Source: Times of India