When childhood becomes a commodity: Why preschools must be regulated

The Hindu
The Hindu
1M ago
India's preschool sector faces issues due to commercialization, threatening children's social and emotional growth. Effective regulation is essential for quality early childhood education.
When childhood becomes a commodity: Why preschools must be regulated
A What happened
India's preschool education system is increasingly commercialized, which is detrimental to children's social and emotional development. Although the country has a robust policy framework for early childhood education, the implementation is lacking. Many private preschools operate without proper oversight, leading to inadequate teacher training and a focus on academic performance over emotional growth. This trend is concerning, especially in a nation with a young population facing rising mental health issues. The Tamil Nadu example shows that while regulations exist, compliance is often ignored. To improve early childhood education, India must treat it as a regulated public good, enforce strict licensing, and ensure that educators are properly trained. Without these changes, the future of India's children and society is at risk.

Key insights

  • 1

    Erosion of Emotional Development: Commercialization prioritizes academics over emotional growth in preschools.

  • 2

    Need for Regulation: Lack of oversight allows poor-quality preschools to thrive.

  • 3

    Importance of Early Childhood: Early years are crucial for emotional and social development.

  • 4

    SPICE Framework: Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, and Emotional elements are essential.

Takeaways

To ensure a better future for children in India, early childhood education must be regulated and prioritized. This requires a collective effort to enforce standards and protect the sanctity of childhood.

Topics

Work & Education Education Health & Medicine Mental Health Culture & Society Society

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