To Start With
On Wednesday, the Centre ordered the state and union territory administrations to standardize the admissions age range for kindergarten to age six. Additionally, it suggested that they start the process of creating and executing a two-year diploma program in early childhood education (DPSE). Under the direction and control of SCERTs, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) is expected to develop the course, while DIETs are expected to administer it. This post is included with in-detailed information on UTS to Align Admission Age for Grade 1 to 6+ Years. Go through the entire discussion.
In-depth Discourse
Per the officials on Wednesday, the Ministry of Education has ordered all states and Union Territories to set the minimum age for admission into Class 1 as six years old. The foundational stage, as defined by the new National Education Policy (NEP), consists of five years of educational possibilities for all children (between the ages of 3 and 8), including three years of preschool instruction and then Classes 1 and 2.
“Therefore, the policy encourages students from preschool to class 2 to study and develop in an integrated manner. This can only be accomplished by guaranteeing that all children enrolled in Anganwadis or government, government-aided, commercial, or NGO-run preschool centres have access to three years of high-quality preschool education, “a senior MoE representative said.
The country should priorities improving children’s learning in the “foundational stage,” according to the National Education Policy 2020. The foundational stage consists of five years of learning opportunities for all children between the ages of three and eight, which includes two years of early primary school in Grades I and II and three years of pre-school instruction, according to a statement from the Ministry of Education.
According to the source, “The Ministry has instructed State Governments and UT administrations to match their age of admission with the policy and provide admission to class 1 at the age of six years and above.”
Wrapping-up the Discourse
According to the ministry statement, the policy supports children’s seamless learning and growth from preschool through Grade II. As stated in a statement made by the ministry, this can only be accomplished by guaranteeing that all children enrolled in anganwadis or government-run, government-aided, commercial, or NGO-run preschool facilities have access to three years of high-quality preschool education. The availability of qualified teachers who have received specialized training in age- and developmentally appropriate curricula and pedagogy is the most crucial aspect at the foundational stage.
