Compared to all other professions, teaching is considered the easiest, especially if it is for young children. It is assumed that anyone can teach young children. But only a teacher knows what it takes to attend to the needs of young children and support their learning while balancing parents’ and school’s expectations. 

In this webinar, we will explore what it means to be an effective ECCE professional in today’s dynamic and diverse society? What are some important skills, values and dispositions that today’s ECCE professionals must possess to navigate real-world ethical and moral dilemmas while working with young children. 

What will you get from this webinar?

The webinar will provide a platform to discuss the role of ECCE professionals in shaping the learning and development of young children. The presenters will talk about their own journey in the field as well as some of the dilemmas in working with young children. Through this interactive webinar, we hope to create a platform to talk about the need to professionalise the domain of ECCE in India. 

Who is it intended for? 

Teachers working with children from 3 – 8 years, teacher educators who train the teachers of pre-primary and early grades, school administrators, and other professionals who are involved in working with children. 

About the speakers

Nandini Ram Mohan’s work life spans over 25 years, wherein as a teacher she has extensively experimented with art and play integration in teaching pre-primary school subjects. She likes to explore teaching children through an integrated approach where various subjects come together. Managing and mentoring a pre-primary school, called Magic Puddles for over fifteen years, Nandini is now she is part of the core group that runs an alternative school called Ohana. 

Umamaheswara Rao Jaggena is an experienced professional in early childhood education with over 20 years in the education sector, 12 of which have been specifically in early childhood education. He has held various roles in Azim Premji Foundation, with a special focus on curriculum development assessments, leadership and programme management and mentorship. He specialises in enhancing the quality of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in Anganwadi centers through programme development and implementation. He has been instrumental in transforming ECCE programmes in Puducherry (UT) and nurturing capacity building in various states. 

Aruna Jyothi Vakkalanka, Faculty, Azim Premji University

Ira Joshi, Faculty, Azim Premji Universtiy (Moderator of the webinar)