Co-Locations of Anganwadi Centres with Schools

The Government of India has put forward detailed recommendations to co-locate the Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) with schools in order to have a solid base on the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) . The move enhances the connection between pre-school and formal education, and children are likely to get a holistic care, nutrition and early learning opportunities. The relocation is directly correlated with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the NIPUN Bharat Mission that insists on the necessity of learning the basics of literacy and numeracy to build the future of young learners.

Background and New Program.

It was an initiative that was initiated by the Ministry of Education along with the Ministry of Women and Child Development . Having close to 15 crore children in question, the guidelines make sure that the children get to enjoy a combined model of care and learning. The transition to Grade 1 will facilitate the enhancement of retention, readiness and learning outcomes in the primary level by enhancing the smooth transition of Anganwadi Centres to Grade 1.

Moreover, the principles promote the adoption of digital connectivity, AI-driven learning applications , and resources in the Indian language , thus updating its early education in accordance to the vision of a developed India by the government.

Role of NEP 2020 in ECCE

NEP 2020 acknowledges ECCE as the basis of the lifelong learning process and introduces three years of pre-school in the 5+3+3+4 education model . It suggests a variety of models that can be used to deliver ECCE, like:

• Single Anganwadi Centres.
• Co-located AWCs with schools
• Existing school pre-primary sections.
• Independent pre-schools

The teachers in such models will be specifically trained on ECCE pedagogy making sure that young children get good early education before they join formal education.

Major Co-Location Guidelines Objectives.

The new guidelines focus on:

• Smooth school readiness of children.
• Establishing a connection between Anganwadi Centres and primary schools that lead to happy learning.
• Enhancement of child retention in the primary classes .
• Currently, it promotes health, nutrition and education as ways of promoting holistic development .
• The empowerment of the local community and maximisation of resources.

Key Building Blocks of the Guidelines.

• Standards to Co-Location - Clarifying standards on the integration of AWCs with schools.
• Mapping & Planning - bridging AWCs to the surrounding schools in order to transition effectively.
• Child-Friendly Spaces