SCERT syllabus for pre-schoolers soon

Thiruvananthapuram: In an effort to ensure quality early childhood learning for pre-schoolers in the state, the Kerala government, for the first time, is planning to introduce an activity-based syllabus for ensuring the overall development of toddlers.

The Directorate of Women and Child Development Department had roped in the Child Development Centre (CDC) for designing a more activity-based syllabus for the pre-schoolers at Anganwadis.  There are approximately around 4.5 lakh pre-schoolers and 33,115 anganwadis in the state.

According to officials, it's the first time since 1975 a major shift is happening in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS). The new SCERT syllabus will be introduced as part of the implementation of Smart Anganwadi project launched by the government.

"Early learning is very important for the physical and mental enhancements of kids. The current curriculum is not activity based.  It's the most crucial period of the overall development of a child and the syllabus should be tailored for brain development. The new syllabus would help them prepare for schooling," an official said.

Currently, anganwadis are following a theme-based curriculum. "Around 32 themes are there and each month two topics would be taught for the pre-schoolers," said the official.

The authorities are planning for orientation classes for anganwadi teachers. Sources say that the government is seriously thinking of recruiting teachers with degree qualification for Anganwadis. The current qualification of anganwadi teachers is pre-degree.