Objectives of establishment of Early Childhood Care and Education Centres

The objectives of the establishment of Early Childhood Care and Education Centres shall be as under:—

1. (a) Promotion of inclusive, equitable and universal opportunities for optimal and active development of all children below six years of age;
2. (b) Laying of sound foundation for survival, growth and development of children with focus on early learning for every child and at the same time ensuring that there is no physical or mental burden inflicted on the child;
3. (c) Ensuring the right of every child to universal and quality pre-primary Education;
4. (d) Preparation of children above the age of three years for elementary education and provision of early childhood education for all children until they complete the age of six years;
5. (e) Ensuring following basic quality standards of Early Childhood Care and Education:—
   • (i) An Early Childhood Care and Education programme of 3-4 hours duration,
   • (ii) Accommodation with such indoor and outdoor space as may be prescribed,
   • (iii) Appropriately trained staff, having a minimum basic qualification of 10+2. Preference shall be given for the higher academic education and specialized courses like Nursery Teachers’ Training (NTT)/Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma for teaching staff, in addition to the provision of regular up-gradation of skills and knowledge of the entire staff (teaching as well as non-teaching),
   • (iv) Every Centre shall have an age appropriate child centric curriculum in line with the National Early Childhood Care and Education Policy, 2013,
   • (v) Provision of adequate toys and learning material for conduct of indoor and outdoor activities,
   • (vi) Safe building having easy approach and clean surrounding area,
   • (vii) Provision of safe drinking water facility,
   • (viii) Provision of separate child friendly toilet, child friendly basins, liquid hand wash facilities and clean towels,
   • (ix) Immediate health services in terms of first aid and medical kit, and
   • (x) An adult child ratio of 1:20 for three to six year old children and 1:10 for under three year old children,
6. (f) Addressing various facets of care, education and development of children below six years of age and ensuring the right of the child to inclusive and integrated development; and
7. (g) Regulating institutions providing Early Childhood Care and Education for children below six years of age in a congenial atmosphere: