Pre–School Activities Conducted at ICDS

Abstract

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, flagship programme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development launched in 1975 is one of the prime programmes for women and children in age group of 0 – 6 years. Pre–school education is an important aspect of ICDS activities as it is closely related to educational ideals on one side and to the attainment of educational objectives on the other. Assessing the readiness of entering pre – school children to succeed in school has become an increasing concern for policy makers, pre – school staff, parents, administrators and many others. Present study was undertaken to know pre – school activities conducted at Anganwadi centers and give suggestions for betterment of these pre – school activities. The results revealed that the activities such as introduction to numbers, stories and indoor games were conducted in cent percent Anganwadi centers. Whereas, post – training suggestions such as finger printing (98 %), building blocks and origami (97.33 % each) were incorporated by most of the Anganwadi Workers. There is a need for refresher training for AWWs to help them develop skills to plan and conduct non-formal preschool activities and to enhance the budget of AWCs for preparing play equipment.