In an ever-evolving world, the role of education becomes more crucial than ever before. The early yearsof a child's life lay the groundwork for learning, character development, and social growth.This period is very important for a child's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, making ECE a vital foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. Early childhood education is crucial in determining our children's futures in the modern world of working parents, nuclear families, and the continual attraction of screens and smartphones. Bangladesh is at a turning point in its history, and in order to give our children the best start in life, we must acknowledge the importance of early childhood education, the difficulties we confront, and the role models given by other nations.
Children from birth to age eight receive their education from Early Childhood Education (ECE). Since the child's brain is still developing, this is a critical time in their growth. A child's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development can all be significantly impacted by ECE. Regretfully, in Bangladesh, ECE is frequently disregarded. Just 45% of children aged 3-6 are enrolled in early childhood education (ECE) programmes, according to the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). This is a substantial decrease from the 65% global average.
In recent decades, there has been a shift in the conventional family structure. Many families have two full-time parents, which leaves little time for active childrearing. The nuclear family, which frequently consists of just parents and kids, further cuts off young people from a larger social circle. The vital relationships and experiences that mould a child's development have unintentionally decreased as a result of these changes.
The lack of play and social connection for children is one of the most urgent issues related to the shifting dynamics of families. Children who don't have siblings or other family members miss out on the natural companionship and social development that these relationships provide. Long-term impacts on a child's emotional and social development may result from a decline in neighbourly relationships and an increase in social isolation.
The formative years are critical for moral formation. During these early years, values, empathy, and ethical behaviour are imprinted. Children might not have the necessary basis for developing character if they don't receive the right direction and don't engage with their peers. In addition, social isolation exacerbates the psychological crisis that many youngsters today confront, contributing to problems like anxiety and depression.
The demands of modern education frequently start early in life. Children may experience excessive tension and pressure as a result of the high academic and family expectations placed on them. A counterbalance can be offered by early childhood education, which encourages a love of learning via engaging in interactive activities and play.
The onset of the digital era has brought forth an extra difficulty: an increased reliance on displays and mobile devices. The amount of time kids spends using electronics is growing, which can cause a number of problems such as decreased physical activity, delayed language development, obesity, eye problems, and possible social isolation. This reliance on technology can lead to long-term issues and impede the acquisition of critical life skills.
Several countries have made remarkable strides in institutionalizing early childhood education to address these modern challenges effectively. Countries like Finland, Sweden, and Singapore serve as models for a holistic approach to early childhood education.
Finland: Finland's achievements in education are widely known. ECE is free and required for all children in Finland who are six years of age or less. Play and exploration are the cornerstones of the Finnish ECE curriculum, which emphasises the holistic development of the child-cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. This method guarantees that kids grow socially and academically, laying a solid basis for their future.
Japan: Japan places a strong emphasis on the value of an early education, with preschool beginning at age three. Children can acquire important skills and attitudes at a young age thanks to this early start. Their early education is centred on the overall development of the child, fostering social and emotional as well as cognitive capabilities. In addition, it fosters the development of well-rounded persons in kids. It adheres to a set curriculum that incorporates academic courses with extracurricular including music, art, physical education, and moral instruction. Parental involvement in their child's schooling is highly valued. A supportive learning environment is fostered by instructors and parents working together and communicating on a regular basis. Furthermore, it emphasises the need of teaching social graces and manners. Youngsters learn the value of showing others respect and being courteous to others. Common customs such as bowing and using formal language help to foster a polite and peaceful community. An essential component of early education in Japan is self-reliance. Youngsters are urged to accept accountability for their choices and actions, which fosters independence and the ability to solve problems.
Sweden, Singapore and Norway also have effective ECE system.
In Bangladesh, the importance of early childhood education cannot be overlooked. To ensure the holistic development of our children and to address the challenges posed by changing social dynamics, we must take concerted action. While the benefits of early childhood education are clear, there are several challenges in Bangladesh that need to be addressed:
Infrastructure: There is a need for more preschools, especially in rural areas, to ensure equitable access to early education. The classroom settings should be proper, modern and well-decorated for children education. Teacher Quality: Making sure teachers are knowledgeable, well-trained and qualified is crucial. This requires investment in teacher training and development. Attracting brilliant students in teaching is a challenge here.
Cultural Barrier: Parents may be discouraged from enrolling their children in preschool due to certain cultural barriers. Campaigns for awareness and community involvement can aid in removing these obstacles.
Funding: Programmes for early childhood education may demand substantial financial outlays. Finding long-term financial sources is essential. At the moment, Bangladesh's government underinvests in early childhood education. To make ECE more accessible and inexpensive, additional government financing is required.
Coordination: Establishing a coherent and efficient early childhood education system requires cooperation between different government ministries, non-governmental organisations, and educational establishments.
Bangladesh's progress in increasing access to school education and ensuring that more children complete school is remarkable. To improve the quality of human capital we needto expand the reach of ECE programs.Early childhood education is becoming more than simply a luxury-it is a need in the contemporary society. It provides a route for children's healthy social and cognitive development, particularly considering shifting social conditions. The advantages of investing in early childhood education are numerous and go beyond the individual to the larger society, as demonstrated by Finland, Sweden, and Japan. Bangladesh has to take the initiative and ensure that everyone has access to high-quality early childhood education. The community, parents, educators, and legislators must work together on this project. By doing this, we can foster the potential of our youngest members of society and build the groundwork for a better and more successful future for our country.
The writer is a columnist and works as Senior Assistant Secretary at the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC)
