Early childhood/pre-primary education according to the National Policy on Education document is the education provided in an educational institution to children prior to their entering the primary school. It includes the creche,nursery,and the kindergarten (NPE 2004).
I am proud to be a student who studied Early Childhood education in the college of education in Oyo state,Nigeria. (NCE) I love teaching especially to teach children who are just starting to learn. I was taught many techniques on how to teach small children,which I am using today to inculcate knowledge in them.
Back to my writing.... What is education?
It simply defines as the lifelong learning from the day you were born to when you die. It is something you keep on learning till you die.
Education starts from the cradle. Experts have said catching children young with quality education remains a veritable tool to lifelong development. The earliest years of a child's life are very critical. Children are handled very well while in pre-primary level so that when they get to the upper class,it will be easy for them and the teacher. "The foundation of a child starts from the pre-primary class."
The quality and intensity of care,nutrition and stimulation a child receives during this period determines to a large extent the level of physical and cognitive development a child can attain.
Children go through a huge variety of learning stages during this time,making great steps,and what they learn at a young age offers an important foundation for their learning in later life.
Early childhood education is designed for children who are not up to primary school in Nigeria. It is also the education which is given in an educational institution to children aged 2 to 5 plus prior to their entering the primary school.
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There are purposes why Early Childhood Education is established which I will be highlighting them;
To effect a smooth transition from the home to school.
To prepare and get ready the child for primary level of education.
To provide adequate care and supervsion for the children while their parents are away at work,in the farm or markets place.
To develop in the child the spirit of enquiry and creativity.
To develop in the child the spirit of cooperation and team spirit.
To learn good habits.
To also teach the children rudiments of letters,numbers,colours,shapes through play.
TYPES OF CHILD CARE PRACTICES
1 NANNY
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This is a kind of person that is assigned by the family to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. Their own duties is restricted to the child alone to care for. A nanny working week ranges from forty to sixty hours per week.
2 NANNY SHARING
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This kind is usually employed by two families in the same capacity undertaking tasks related to the care of the children. If you know you are interested in having a nanny for your child's care but due to the expense,you can share nanny with another family.
Others are;
Babysitter
Long day care
Family day care
Pre-school/Kindergarten
Before and after school
The motto for Early Childhood Education is "CATCH THEM YOUNG"
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