Preschools have been enjoying their strategies of making profits and freedom to teach as per their wishes for decades. Education policies come and go, however, no framework was established for preschools until the National Education Policy of 2020 laid its impact on preschools. The NEP 2020 for preschool was announced on July 29, 2020 which included a standard framework for curriculum of all the preschools.

Before the announcement of this policy, preschools were always neglected and ECE ,i.e, Early Childhood Education was never included in any education policy as it was not considered a significant part of the education system. However, with the launch of NEP 2020 for preschool, the coin flipped to its other side.

You’ll find the preschools in rural areas teaching only the alphabet or rhymes to their students. However, on the other hand, a preschool located in an urban area will be teaching syllabus related to Grade 1 or 2. There’s a huge difference!

It is significant that early education of children is provided properly, as it acts as a base for future education. With the introduction of NEP 2020 for preschool, it is ensured that education which is crucial for a child’s proper development is provided in uniformity by all preschools of the country.

NEP or National Education Policy is responsible for constructing a framework to develop education in the country. The first NEP was released in 1968. Later, the second one in 1986 and in 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented NEP 2020.

The National Education Policy of 2020 is approved by the cabinet and various alterations were made into it regarding the education system of the country, from preschool till college level of education.

The NEP 2020 for preschools is focussing to improve the standard of education for preschools and shift it to secondary level. Benefit of children is the main target so that the children can get a proper chance of improving and build their careers in future.

NEP 2020 for preschool aims at a lot of objectives for the better future of children of our country. It is significant due to a lot of reasons which have been listed below :

• Early childhood education builds up a sound base for children, which if not provided properly, may hamper their future education. It is necessary that NEP tries to frame it better for them.
• There should be a bridge between outcomes that come from today's learning, and outcomes that will come out after reformation is done.
• NEP 2020 is a priority for preschool practitioners since Early Childhood Education was always neglected earlier.
• There is no uniformity of curriculum for ECE and every preschool varies in their curriculum due to vagueness of syllabus to be taught. NEP 2020 for preschool ensures a uniformity in this curriculum for betterment of children's future. Equality is focussed among different section of society by providing education to all.
• Through these new reforms, preschoolers are becoming school ready for Grade 1.
• The main vision of NEP 2020 relates to 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat Program' and 'NIPUN Bharat'.

Thus, the government wants to regulate the preschool sector and make improvements into it by transforming these preschools into not-for-profit organizations.

The NEP 2020 for pre primary education was established with the objective of improving the quality of early childhood education and setting the stage for lifelong learning and development. 

Let us understand what changes to expect -

Quality education

The NEP 2020 for pre primary education promotes quality education by stressing the importance of providing a well-rounded education where the curriculum is both structured and engaging. Instead of focusing on memorising, the policy emphasises play-based and activity-based learning, thereby instilling a love for learning from the beginning of the child’s education. 

Room for inclusivity and flexibility 

As every child has different requirements, the NEP 2020 pre primary policy introduces a flexible and inclusive framework that allows the teachers to cater to the individual needs of kids and adopt a child-centred learning approach.

Equal access to education 

With a motive to make early childhood education accessible to all children, irrespective of their background, the NEP 2020 pre primary education focuses on reducing barriers and providing support to underprivileged families. 

Use of technology

The policy highlights the importance of incorporating technology to make learning fun, engaging and interactive. Along with making education appealing, it prepares students for a technology-driven world. 

Training opportunities for teachers

NEP 2020 pre primary education policy highlights the need for training teachers so that they can use the new training methods effectively and also understand the diverse needs of students.

Involvement of parents and communities -

The policy aims at providing a supportive learning environment for children. And hence, it encourages parents and community members to come together for this cause.

In the long run, the policy seeks to address the learning gaps in the early stages and build a supportive and solid foundation for children to achieve future success. 

All these changes made by NEP 2020 for preschool ensures that children get a quality education by the end of 2030 so that they are able to live a standard life and build a good career for themselves. It will ensure the development and growth of the country in the right way as well. Students will be prepared in advance to enter a higher stage of education.

It is expected that NEP 2020 will be implemented properly throughout the country by 2040. In order to make everything stated in the policy real, it will take time and hardwork and many qualified teachers. The government will ensure that it is implemented smoothly.

Investment in early childhood education is similar to investment in the future of the country. NEP 2020 for preschool ensures that quality education is provided to all the students including underprivileged as well, only then the policy will be implemented to its full use and will flourish.

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