• Failure to get training from accredited institutions, may result in de-listing

Following the statement made by the Minister of Education Susil Premjayantha that permission will not be granted to conduct pre-schools without the training provided by the Education Ministry or an accredited institution, the Education Ministry is gearing up to set up a programme to regulate the early childhood institutions in Sri Lanka, The Daily Morning learns.

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (06), the Secretary to the Ministry Nihal Ranasinghe said that the programme would be launched as soon as possible with the help of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs in order to systematise early childhood education.

Ranasinghe also said that the authorities have understood the lack of regulation regarding the preschools and most of the teachers do not have required qualifications and training on early childhood development.

When asked about the thousands of pre-school teachers who currently work in the sector, the Ministry Secretary said that the programme will encourage preschools owners and teachers to obtain proper training on early childhood development. Failure to get trained or have an accredited diploma will see the registration process fail, the Ministry said. He stressed that the Ministry conducted - diploma in early childhood, or one from a recognised institution will be required to run and teach in such institutions in the future. He also said that the Ministry along with the Women and Child Affairs Ministry will develop this regulation programme in the near future.

In a meeting held recently, the education minister said that preschools should not be allowed to operate without a proper procedure and standard. The minister also said that there are about 40,000 preschool teachers and about 19,000 preschools of various types. “As a result, there is a problematic situation when children join schools. Hence, it is essential to conduct the preschools within a specific framework,” he further stated.

Attempts to contact the Minister of Education and the State Minister of Women and Child Affairs on the details of the new program and the anticipated timeline for the roll out, failed.