Gurgaon: State Government Expands Play School Initiative with 4,000 New Facilities

July 10, 2024

2 min read

Gurgaon, 10 July 2024 – After the successful launch of 4,000 play schools across the state for children aged three to six, the state government is set to establish an additional 4,000 play schools in the second phase of its ambitious initiative. This expansion aims to provide high-quality pre-school education to more children, according to an official statement.

“These play school buildings, run by the Department of Women and Child Development, are adorned with vibrant colors and paintings to attract children to attend these schools,” said Aseem Goyal, Minister of Women and Child Development. Goyal emphasized that the main goal of establishing these play schools is to offer accessible and high-quality early education.

In the first phase, the state formed a State Resource Group with the support of the NGO Pratham Sansthan. Each district team included a child development project officer, a spokesperson from the education department, and two supervisors. These teams initially received practice sessions followed by advanced training to ensure effective implementation of the play school curriculum.

“In the second phase, the training was extended to all child development project officers and supervisors in the state. Additionally, 25,962 Anganwadi workers have also been trained to utilize teaching aids and various methods to engage children and foster their interest in attending these play schools,” Goyal added.

The initiative aims to address the changing dynamics of early childhood activities. “In earlier times, before going to school, children played in courtyards and alleys of homes, but in modern times, this has become difficult,” Goyal explained. The government’s play school program seeks to recreate these early childhood play experiences in a structured educational environment.

By opening these schools in the public sector, the state government ensures that children from poor families have equal access to early education opportunities, preparing them for primary education. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering equal development opportunities for all children across the state.

As the second phase unfolds, the government’s expanded network of play schools will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the foundational years of young children, setting them on a path toward successful educational journeys.