Malerkotla admn begins drive to register playway schools

In line with UNESCO’s recommendations on early childhood care and education, the Malerkotla administration has initiated a coordinated effort to ensure that all play-way schools and childcare nurseries in the district register with the Department of Social Security and Development of Women and Children promptly.

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Senior officials have been instructed to assist in preparing the necessary documentation for registration and to ensure that no applicant faces undue difficulties during the process.

“Following instructions regarding the registration of all schools, play-ways and nurseries offering early childhood care and education, we have advised personnel at the Child Development and Project Office (CDPO) and District Program Officer’s office to create a checklist of requirements for applicants seeking registration according to the Early Childhood Care and Education Council’s guidelines,” stated the DC.

The DC further emphasised that only registered institutions would be allowed to operate. “Officials have been directed to conduct inspections of schools within their jurisdiction and take strict action against any institutions that do not comply with government regulations,” added DC Pallavi.

Key prerequisites for registration include ensuring the safety of children, a conducive learning environment, employment of qualified trainers and caretakers and adherence to the standards for establishing a governing body within the institution. The government had earlier issued instructions for the registration of all private pre-primary, nursery, and play-way schools with the Department of Social Security and Development of Women and Children, as per the Early Childhood Care and Education Council’s norms.

Previously, many play-way schools and childcare centres operated under their own programs. Going forward, only those institutions that register through a governing body will be allowed to provide care and education for children between 3-6 years of age.

A recent report on childhood care and education, published jointly by UNESCO and UNICEF, highlighted the importance of inclusive and quality childhood education in fostering school readiness, foundational learning and well-being. This report was created in response to the UNESCO World Conference in 2022. Accordingly, the administration reaffirmed its commitment to the right to education.