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Punjab: Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Child Development (WCD), Baljeet Kaur, today (December 11) announced a new set of norms that will ensure the health, safety and well-being of children between the ages of three and six. go to private play schools and nurseries in punjab. The Department of WCD will require all these schools to register under these rules, which will come into effect over the next six months. The aim of this action is to monitor and improve the early childhood education and care system in the state.
Minister Baljeet Kaur said the main objective of the guidelines is to protect the health and safety of children. She has also determined that teacher-student ratios should be limited to a maximum of 20 children per teacher. Caregivers must also be adequately trained to meet the required standards for the care of young children. In addition to teacher-student ratios, schools must ensure that their facilities are safe and learning-friendly. This includes keeping school boundaries safe, ensuring classrooms have adequate airflow and giving children enough space to play. In addition, schools must create rooms where children can sleep.
CCTV cameras will be installed in all schools for surveillance
However, WCD Minister Kaur stated that the new guidelines would place a strong emphasis on hygiene. Schools must have hygienic toilet facilities separated by gender, safe drinking water, regular cleaning supplies and also child-friendly toilets. Kaur also stressed the importance of child safety and ensured that CCTV cameras would be installed in all schools for monitoring purposes.
She added that the learning atmosphere would be child-friendly and would not involve the use of typical techniques such as carrying books, copies and pencils. Instead, learning will take place through play, using audiovisual aids and other interactive methods.
However, Kaur said, “We will take special care to ensure that the children do not face any form of physical or mental intimidation. Not even a slap,” as they cannot even blame the teachers. They are expected to create a nurturing environment that encourages learning through fun and play, rather than strict discipline.”
In addition, health and well-being are given the highest priority under the new guidelines. A regular physical examination is a requirement for all children attending a Playway school, with an emphasis on identifying and addressing health issues in early childhood. The government will monitor vaccine compliance and maintain up-to-date immunization records to ensure that all children receive the necessary vaccinations at the appropriate age.
New rules advise parents not to send ‘junk food’ with children
Besides tackling the problem of poor eating habits, the new rules advise parents not to send their children to school with junk food. A Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) will be formed to help prevent poor eating habits in schools and other accessible places, and to raise awareness about nutritious food for young children.
In the meantime, there will be no more parent or child interviews and the admissions process will be closely monitored to ensure that children with physical or mental health problems are not excluded or ignored.
Furthermore, early childhood education and care in Punjab would be improved by these new standards. In a society where both parents work frequently, Minister Kaur also noted that the adjustments are a response to the increasing demand for childcare. The government strives to provide these schools with a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment for young children. About 40 lakh children between the ages of 0 and 6 live in the state of Punjab.