Education is the indispensable device of civilisation. Early childhood education is the key driver in shaping an individual's cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development. India laid a road map to enhance early childhood education by the National Educational Policy (NEP)2020 and the National Curriculum Framework- foundational stage(2022), through Anganwadi and Balvatika. Curriculum is the fundamental instrument of the education system. It is the blueprint of child experiences to attain the aims and objectives of education. This article will explore the curriculum practices in Anganwadi and Balvatika with a focus on NEP 2020 and NCF-FS 2022. A descriptive analytical study sheds light on the curriculum and pedagogical practices of Anganwadi’s and Balvatika’s by reviewing the policy documents like the National Educational Framework for Foundational Stage 2022, the National Educational Policy 2020, Guidelines for Anganwadi, literature on ECCE, and supplementary field reports. The analysis explores the objectives, aims, goals, syllabi, pedagogical practices, assessments, content, teaching and learning material, infrastructure, learning environment, and culture of the institution. Besides its challenges like teacher capacity, involvement of parents and community, issues of access to institution and administration, and support structure will be analysed. The article highlights to what extent the curricular practices at Anganwadi’s and Balvatikas promote the holistic development of child of age 3-8.
K. NAVYA SRI (Sun,) studied this question.