Integrated Early Childhood Development Model centres

With financial assistance from UNICEF millennium funds, a project to develop 5 Integrated Early Childhood Development Centres began in 2002 by Ministry of Education. The aim of this project was to establish 5 centres across the country that can be used as model setups for play based learning and to facilitate training of teacher and learning methodologies. However, in 2004 January with the establishment of ECD unit at EDC this project was transferred from ESQIS to EDC. 

The 5 preschools identified and developed were:

1.    Saeedhiyya School, S. Hithadhoo
2.    Raula Preschool, G.Dh. Thinadhoo
3.    Madharsatul Ameer Ahmed, Male’
4.    Nooraanee Preschool, Lh. Naifaru
5.    Lily Preschool, H.A. Kela

The above 3 year cycle of the project ended at the end of 2004, and an evaluation of the project was completed in later in 2005.

However due to tsunami in 2004, expansion programme shifted from the atolls where there was a model centre to tsunami affected preschools. By the end of 2005 78 preschools have been developed with appropriate out door and indoor materials.

Activities conducted for preschool development work consists of

1. Development workshops

Development workshops are conducted for preschool where is there is a need to develop out door and in door materials and have the infra structure to change the setup to child friendly preschool. Priority was given to tsunami affected preschool. Up to date 91 preschools have been supported by EDC with UNICEF funds in upgrading teaching/learning environment.

Link 5: 91 schools fully or partially developed

Link 6: schools selected for 2006

Link 7: school that would be developed in 2007

Link 8: photo gallery

Link 9: materials developed

2. Financial support for teacher training (CCE course) in Male for selected preschools

One teacher from every developed preschool is given a sponsorship to attend  CCE first certificate course in Early Childhood Development. Support provided for the teachers attending this course are: a living allowance, material allowance and travel to and from the island.

Link 10: teachers trained under the programme

Link 11: schools that are listed for next training

3. Teachers camp

With the aim of upgrading the teaching skills, communication skills and leadership development teachers’ camps are conducted for teachers from school that are developed under the programme. The areas covered in the training are

• Messages from Parent Education Package (12 hour sessions)
• Modules from play-based learning package (6 day in-service programme)
• Sessions on Special Educational Needs (4 hours)
• Sessions on eating habits, hygiene, and nutrition
• Leaderships games and activities
• Physical Education sessions (10 hours)
• Music and Movement sessions (6 hours)
• Organizing a children’s fair
• Organizing a sports meet

Link 12: programme

Link 13: Participant list for camp – 1

Link 14: Participant list for camp - 2

Link 15: List of islands planned for camp 3 and 4

4. Managers/school head training

Training of Managers and preschool head/head teachers would take place in 2006. This activity is targeted to preschools that have been developed under the Quality Education programme.

The aim of this training is:

·         to orient managers/school heads on the importance of early learning and first 5 years of a child’s life

·         to develop management and administration skills of managers and heads

·         to give guidance on how to raise funds and skills for writing project proposals

·         to orient to ECD curriculum and guidelines

·         to develop skills on the latest techniques on continuous assessments, mentoring and supervision techniques

Development of the training package planned for 2006

5. Monitoring of developed preschools

Monitoring trips are planned for schools whose teachers have attended the teachers’ camp. Monitoring is done to identify areas of weakness and strengthen in order to improve the quality of teaching/learning in ECD centres

6. Help establish preschools in islands where there are no preschools

Special emphasis is given to start preschools in islands where there are no preschools.

The islands with no preschools so far are:

1.                  Sh. Goidhoo

2.                  Sh. Maaugoodhoo

3.                  Sh. Feydhoo

4.                  Raa. Angolhitheemu

5.                  Raa. Fainu

6.                  Raa. Vaadhoo

7.                  Baa. Hithaadhoo

8.                  AA. Bodufulhadhoo

9.                  ADh. Fenfushi

10.              M. Naalaafushi

11.              Dh. Maaebudhu *

12.              Th. Thimarafushi *

13.              L. Isdhookalhaidhoo

14.              L. Maabaidhoo

15.              L. Kunahandhoo

16.              Ga.  Dhiyadhoo *

17.              Ga.  Kondey *

18.              Ga.  Kanduholhudhoo *

19.              GDh. Vaadhoo

Note:        Selection for development would be on the basis the school/community initiates and starts a preschool. ECD unit with UNICEF assistance will then develop the school

Schools that started in 2005/2006 are;

1.                   Sh. Noomara *               to be developed in 2006

2.                   Raa. Maakurath

3.                   Raa. Kinolhas

4.                   Lh. Maafelaafushi

5.                   AA. Thoddoo

6.                   AA. Feridhoo

7.                   Dh. Vani

8.                   Th. Burunee

9.                   L. Kalhaidhoo

* With community initiative 9 preschools were developed in 2005/2006