Select the correct expansion of ECCE.
AEvery Childhood Care and Education.
BEarly Childhood Care and Education
CEvery Childhood Counselling and Education.
DEarly Childhood Care and Empowerment.
Answer:
B. Early Childhood Care and Education
Read Explanation:
- ECCE stands for Early Childhood Care and Education.
- It refers to the holistic development and learning provisions provided to children during their early formative years, typically from birth to 8 years (covering both preschool/pre-primary and the initial years of primary schooling).
- Constitutional Provision: Article 45 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) under the Indian Constitution directs the State to endeavor to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.
- NEP 2020 Framework: Under the 5+3+3+4 school curriculum structure introduced in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ECCE forms the foundation of the Foundational Stage (ages 3 to 8 years).
- Curriculum Approach: ECCE emphasizes a play-based, activity-based, and inquiry-based learning approach rather than formal rote learning.
- Global Target: Target 4.2 of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) aims to ensure that by 2030, all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education.
- In India, early childhood care services are primarily delivered through Anganwadi Centres under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) / Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.