A policy document on Early Childhood Development became operational in 2007. The document, which forms part of the recommendations of the government’s white paper on educational reforms, makes kindergarten education progressively a part of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE).
Under the policy, all Ghanaian children at the age of four are to receive two years compulsory early childhood development (ECD) education before entering primary one.
It is a fact that there are many pre-schools established in Ghana to meet the educational needs of children and the teachers are therefore required to study and equip themselves with knowledge, methods, skills and resources for helping children, as well as guiding their learning activities.
Education at pre-school level
What can we do to make the education of children at the pre-school level more effective? Are caregivers/facilitators well equipped with knowledge, skills and resources ready to undertake this delicate and devotional job? There is a widespread agreement that something needs to be done to improve the foundational level of children’s education in Ghana.
The early childhood development profession is a noble calling in the sense that not everybody can descend to the level of pre-school children to understand them, work with them and guide them in their innocent and vulnerable stage.
It is heartbreaking to hear that someone is too good to teach in the kindergarten. I think it is rather the reverse because the pre-school level needs professionals who are very intelligent, skillful, empathetic, patient and are mature enough to be able to mould and shape children at the foundational level. “Yes” if a plant is well nursed, the next stage is for it to grow and bear fruits.
Much as I recommend the strengthening of early childhood education, I will also advise my colleagues and juniors in this sector to live up to expectation. As we blow the trumpet, those who are not doing as expected of them, would be called to dance to the tune.
And to President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister of Education, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, stakeholders and fellow Ghanaians as a whole, I strongly advise that we concentrate on the early childhood stage to build a better foundation for our children and for their future development.
Capacity building
The question is,“ why is it that in the Western world most early childhood facilitators hold a PhD degree and are highly respected”? I will urge my fellow Ghanaians to emulate or learn from our colleagues from other parts of the world.
If the foundation of a building is not solid or firm, then the whole structure will be weak. Pre-school teachers or caregivers should be appreciated for their good work and contribution in the nurturing of children.
In a nutshell, early childhood education of children must be given the needed attention. I would like to encourage early childhood facilitators or caregivers to continue with the good work they are doing and live up to expectation, though it is not an easy task.
• The writer is an Early Childhood Development Practitioner
