Need to pay attention to affordable quality education during crucial and critical early childhood

A good number of neuro-scientific studies, experiments in social pedagogy, whole brain education initiatives, studies in development psychology and innovations based on multiple intelligence indicate that early childhood years between 3 to 6 years are the most active and significant years for human growth, development and learning.

It has been found that quality education in the early years make education inclusive. It have been observed that quality education comes through the quality in teacher preparation and development. The significance of quality education in early childhood education has been endorsed by the NCERT and IGNOU as well as by the UNCEF and Unesco.

The National Education Policy 2020 has also batted for quality education of at the Foundational Stage (3-8 years) of children's development in government sector. The NCERT's document "The Preschool Curriculum" states, "The all-round capacities that emerge in 3–6 years age group are the pre-requisites for later success in school and life. Through creative play, well thought out games with suitable adaptations for children with special needs, and developmentally appropriate activities, children develop their working memory, focus their attention and acquire self-control. These skills of executive functions and self-regulation provide children with the foundation which help them become confident and efficient learners in the later years."

Though some work has been done in the form of non-formal education in the form of the governmental schemes of Anganbadi and Balwadi schemes, however, but the emphasis has been on nutrition, vaccination and health. This lacked cognitive development and school readiness. Also, in the private sectors nursery schools, KG Schools and Montessori schools had been functioning in cities and towns which often worked as downward extension of mainstream schools. Nursery education training centers and training of teachers has not been addressed properly. Some educators and educational NGOs have run innovative pre-primary schools which have benefited both children and caregivers but have remained stand alone examples.