How the National Education Policy Has Structured Preschooling in Kolkata?

The culture of sending children to a preschool in Kolkata has existed for quite a few years now. However, with the publication of the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, free schooling has been formalised. 

How are the preschools across Kolkata implementing the NEP guidelines? 

• Previously, the standard practice used to be two years of preschooling, and admission to the schools at the minimum age of five. But now, it is mandatory to have three years of preschooling which must start at the age of 3, so that the minimum age for school admission could be at 6.

• Although the NEP guidelines stipulate the necessity of a preschooling system, it has also provided the educational institutions the autonomy to decide upon what lies in the best interest of the children, but it must be in conformity to the framework.

• Going a step ahead of the standardised policy of the government, the minimum age to enroll at a preschool in Kolkata is at 2 years, which makes the pre-primary level education a 4 year programme.

• The faculty must essentially have a bachelor of education degree with specialisation in child education in order to be a preschool teacher.

Rationale behind the unique preschooling system followed in Kolkata 

The preschools in Kolkata are very much in alignment with the NEP, and the 4 years programme is but a holistic decision arrived at on the basis of deep analysis.

• Firstly, it is the preschool or the play school stage, then nursery, followed by upper kindergarten and lower kindergarten subsequently, dedicating each year to each stage, which is the standard early education system in Kolkata.

• Even before entering the academic world, the preschools across Kolkata are more keen on helping out the children to familiarise themselves with the school environment.

• The first and the most important thing that is taught to children is to socialise, and develop interpersonal skills, in form of initiation to the teacher student relationship, developing a friendly equation with the classmates.

• Just like one needs to develop an appetite before being able to eat something, the unique approach towards pre schooling in Kolkata focuses on developing interest in the minds of the children towards academic pursuits.

Wrapping up 

Building up cognitive capabilities in an environment suitable for emotional well-being is the key principle guiding the preschooling system in Kolkata, making it unique and fundamental to the growth and development of children.