Challenges In ECCE Teacher Education and Vision of NEP 2020

Abstract

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) plays a pivotal role in laying the foundation for lifelong learning during a child’s most crucial developmental years. Despite its significance, ECCE teacher education in India faces severe challenges, including unregulated training institutions, widely varying program durations, and an inadequate curricular focus on developmentally appropriate practices. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to resolve these systemic gaps by envisioning a standardized, high-quality foundational curriculum coupled with stage-specific professional training and continuous development for educators. Robust regulatory mechanisms remain essential to ensure early childhood teachers are effectively equipped to nurture young learners.