Why in news:

• The state government of Punjab has announced policy initiatives aimed at revolutionizing early childhood education in the state.

Key Points:

• Taking active steps in the direction, in a groundbreaking initiative, state Ministry of Social Security, Women and Child Development, has launched the "Aarambh" program.
• This innovative program, designed to focus on the holistic development of young children attending Anganwadi centers, is set to revolutionize the way early childhood education is currently approached.
• The "Aarambh" initiative is built on the principles of the National Education Policy 2020 and aligns with national initiatives like the foundational "Aadharshila" and "Poshan bhi Padhai bhi" training curriculum. As part of its partnership with Rocket Learning, a social enterprise focused on foundational and early education, the government of Punjab is poised to leverage innovative strategies and technology to empower educators, students, and parents.
• The importance of early childhood education cannot be overstated. As emphasized by the state Ministry of Social Security, Women and Child Development, 85% of a child's brain development occurs by the age of six, making this period critical for cognitive development.
• The "Aarambh" program in this regard recognizes this critical period and is designed to provide a nurturing and play-based learning environment for children, with active participation from parents and Anganwadi workers.
• The program's hybrid approach, combining traditional and digital interventions, will maintain parental engagement, awareness, and correct behavior. By focusing on all Anganwadi centers across Punjab, with support from district offices and community partnerships, "Aarambh" aims to foster comprehensive development through engaging activities.
• The potential impact of this program is vast. By building active and sustained engagement among Anganwadi workers and parents, "Aarambh" aims to enhance trust within Anganwadi centers, improve parental behaviors, and achieve better learning outcomes for children. This, in turn, will have a ripple effect on the state's education system, leading to improved academic performance, increased employability, and a more skilled workforce.