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Integrated Kindergarten Education -
Some Observations from the perspective of an Indian Child Psychologist.
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EXCERPT FROM THE INTERVIEW OF DR. REETA SONAWAT TAKEN AT WORLD SOCIAL FORUM IN 2005
Dr. Reeta Sonawat is Consultant at Kidzee
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What are you doing now and how did you get there? |
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Currently I am a Reader in the Dept. of Human Development, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai, India, engaged in teaching Master's students courses such as Issues in Early Childhood Education, Counseling for HIV/AIDS, Advanced Human Development ( Child Development) etc. In addition, doing research work on Quality in ECE, Exemplary Teachers in ECE, Whole Language Approach, Innovations in Teachers Training etc. In addition, I am involved with extension activity with NGO's working with Children, Women, Persons, Families with HIV/AIDS and children and women with substance abuse. Furthermore, training Teachers, Parents, Supervisors and teachers' working with special children in current issues in ECCE.
I did my Master and PhD in Child Development and was involved in teaching at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate level at University of Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, and National Institute of Social Sciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
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Predict the future for early childhood education in the next 10 years. What is the most significant change coming? |
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| "Love yourself and love the profession." |
The importance of Quality ECE is being felt by the Central and State Govt. in relation to preventing dropouts and improving attendance in schools. The Govt. has initiated several policies and innovative programs to address some of these issues. The next ten years would see more of these programs being initiated and implemented. A greater involvement of NGO's and Private sector in ECE is expected. Fortunately / Unfortunately greater commercialization of ECE would occur since no licensing or control/regulation exist. |
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What would you say to a student who was considering choosing ECE or advocacy as a field of study and a career?
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Assured job in the ECE sector and improved skills for rearing own children
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What specifically would you say to someone who is interested in becoming an early childhood administrator? |
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To acquire the right qualifications and be up-to-date in the recent developments in the area of ECE by attending seminars, conferences and workshops. |
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What has been the most satisfying part of your career? The most frustrating? |
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Classroom teaching has been very exciting and is a constant learning experience for me. Majority of my students are well placed and are good professionals and good wives & mothers. |
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Are there more threats to children than there used to be when you started your career? |
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Yes, the cognitive and academic pressures have increased as the age of school going children is decreasing. |
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Are there more opportunities?
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Yes, the choices are more.
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What is your favorite color? (I know but readers will love it) |
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Blue |
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If you were an animal, what would it be? |
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Human being |
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How did you select your professional career? |
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I was always interested in People and this is people related career.
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What has been the hardest professional decision you ever made? Why?
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Integrate special children in a normal classroom. It took time, consistent effort to convince authorities and parents |
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What has been the most gratifying moment in your career? |
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Still waiting for that moment |
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What do you do differently if you were starting out now? |
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Start an institute in ECCE with links to Govt., NGO's, University and Pre School. This Institute would have a free exchange of academic ideas and academicians in both directions and would, in fact, serve as a resource-bank of ECE experts for these organizations. |
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What keep you going through difficult patches? |
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Support from family and friends |
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What brief message would you like to provide to EOE readers? |
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Love yourself and love the profession. |
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Tell us a little about your reaction to the recent tsunami. |
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Looking at the calm waters of the sea on the 8th of January 2005- it was difficult to imagine the havoc caused by it just a few days ago. But the presence of the houses-tornapart, the ships smashed together and worst of all-the people in a state of numb shock bear testimony to the Tsunami of 26th December 2004.The district administration in collaboration with local, national and international organizations had acted promptly and efficiently, thus managing to control the after effects of the devastation. The primary needs of the people have been-alternative housing, renewing their means of livelihood, daily rations, and resettlement of dislocated and orphaned people and children. Yet a lot remains to be done for rehabilitating the affected communities and for disaster management in India as a whole. |
