Anganwadi Centers to Modern Play Schools: The Educational Revolution of Gurugram.

Pioneering Early Education: Transitioning from Anganwadi Centers to Modern Play Schools

Gurugram, a city at the forefront of progress, has undergone a remarkable transformation in its educational landscape. In line with the New Education Policy 2020 and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Policy 2013, this transformation has been led by Nishant Yadav, a dedicated 2013 batch IAS officer serving as Deputy Commissioner, in partnership with the Women & Child Development Department's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program.

The Emergence of Playway Schools: Fostering Young Minds

At the heart of this educational renaissance is the recognition of the pivotal role played by early childhood care and education. Acknowledging that a remarkable 80% of a child's brain development occurs before the age of 6, the introduction of Playway Schools became imperative. A total of 104 Anganwadi centers across Gurugram were identified and transformed into contemporary pedagogical institutions, placing significant emphasis on cognitive, mathematical, literacy, physical, and linguistic development. Operating under the 5+3+3+4 educational structure, these Playway Schools cater to children aged 3 to 8, with a dedication to enhancing the formative years of education.

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Revamping Infrastructure: A Cornerstone of Transformation

The newly established Playway Schools have undergone substantial infrastructure enhancements, a pivotal aspect of this endeavor. Nishant Yadav, the IAS officer spearheading this transformation, stressed the importance of six key parameters: ensuring ample room space, supplying metered electricity, installing water purifiers, facilitating kitchen facilities, creating child-friendly restrooms, and incorporating BaLa paintings (Building as Learning Aids). Basic educational materials, learning resources, and play-based items have been thoughtfully provided, creating an environment conducive to effective learning.

"According to data from Pratham's field assessments, Gurugram is home to 1,331 children. As of now, approximately 1,500 children have been enrolled in these playschools, with the majority located in rural parts of the district."

Leveraging Modern Technologies: Enhancing Monitoring and Engagement

To further enhance the quality of education and engagement, the administration has harnessed modern technologies. Tools such as the Bal Samvardhan Portal and POSHAN Tracker are being employed to track attendance and gather essential developmental information. Innovative approaches, including the use of WhatsApp Groups facilitated by Rocket Learning in select schools, have become channels for interactive learning, enriching the educational experience for these budding minds.

Comprehensive Management: Ensuring Accountability

They elaborated on the multi-faceted management of these Playway Schools. At the grassroots level, dedicated Anganwadi workers oversee day-to-day operations, supported by Anganwadi helpers. Administrative oversight is provided by seasoned professionals, including Supervisors, Child Development Program Officers, and District Program Officers. To guarantee accountability and seamless execution, Gurugram has established District-level ECCE Committees, bringing together key stakeholders to facilitate internal reviews and monitoring.

Community Participation: A Unique Approach

One distinctive facet of this initiative is the active involvement of the community. Village leaders in the areas housing these Playway Schools have been encouraged to actively participate in maintenance and infrastructure development, fostering a strong sense of community ownership and support.

Beyond Education: A Holistic Impact

The impact of these Playway Schools extends beyond education. With a particular focus on children from low-income backgrounds, parents find reassurance in the guarantee of their children's education, nutritional needs, and overall well-being by using school parent app

A Vision for the Future: Expanding the Initiative

Looking forward, preschools in Gurugram envisions a more extensive transformation. The Chief Minister has unveiled plans to scale up this initiative, with an additional 4,000 Playway Schools slated to be established in the coming year. Furthermore, private companies expressing interest in supporting these schools through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives underscore the growing recognition of the program's importance. Gurugram's education landscape is evolving, not just as a corporate hub but as a center for high-quality early education, laying the foundation for a brighter future for its young learners.

Originally Published by HelloParent.