Introduction - Smt. Avantikabai Kelkar had deep interest in child education, and to make Pre-Primary education more practical and effective. She wanted to start a program that could train child educators. Recognizing the need, a six months’ course for them was started on December 1, 1991.
Objectives - The primary aim of this course is to impart training to teachers for the holistic development of children aged 0 to 6 years, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects. To make child education more impactful and fruitful, the course focuses on the following:
- Training in developing educational resources
- Dissemination of scientific and pure child education
- Promotion novelty and originality in training tools
- Advocating for systematic and joyful child-centered education
Specifics - This college provides a six-month training course for individuals aged 16 and above. Applicants should have completed at least 10th grade. Those with a passion for working in child education are encouraged to apply
Training Methodology - The training involves a comprehensive examination with a total of 1000 marks. 50% is allocated to practical work which includes child observation, class activities, handicrafts, yoga, primary healthcare, nutrition, curricular material preparation, and community service. And the rest is orientation to various approaches to pre primary education.
Teaching Methodology - The teaching methodology emphasizes direct classroom instruction, group activities, projects, curriculum development, fieldwork, home visits, and engagement with the community and genuine dialogue between the teacher and the taught.
Special Educational Programs -
Personality Development : Special efforts are made for the personal development of the student teacher. They study biographies of great educationalists. Lectures, experiences and interviews of experts are arranged for them.
Skill Development : Training in reading and artistic skills is an essential component of the program. Plans are made to develop the skills of the student teacher. Entrepreneurship and marketing skills are developed through workshops and hands-on activities. Traditional games, folklore, and arts are organized for student teachers.
Former Students’ Association - Former students are invited for various programs, and some of them are listed below:
- Motherland Worship Program (Matrubhoomi Poojan)
- Sports events for children
- Science Workshops
- Empowerment programs for women, including food item preparation workshops, Rangoli competitions, and sales events
- Health camps for children and women
- Youth Development Camp
- Diwali programs: crafting clay idols, Diya-lamps, and sale events
Activities in the Areas Outside Solapur -Educational tours are organized for former and present students in places like Mumbai-Kosabad, Visakhapatnam, Pitampur, Kolhapur, and Panhala.
Teaching method :
- Training at local preschools
- Training and evaluation of Anganwadi (childcare) workers and writing essays
- Training for Headmasters
- Training of Anganwadi workers, assistants, and supervisors in other states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra
- Camps for boys and girls in primary age groups
- Parent-Teacher Association and workshops
- Contribution to the development of the child education program
- Participation in the development of the Child Education Training Program
- Work as a government-level expert mentor
- Organizing seminars
- Conventions for former students
Head of the Department – Vaishali More