The Balwadi class in Prateeksha Nagar School began in July 2008. CHIP is using this platform to develop a unique model of education and learning. Currently the Balwadi is being conducted in the school’s covered shed a space which has been developed by us as a safe and fun learning environment.

Construction:
Within the next year a Balwadi room will be constructed at Prateeksha Nagar School. The structure will also house an equal sized activity room for study groups and after school programs to use.

Teacher:
The Balwadi teacher and assistant are community women who are trained by CHIP in early childhood education and will be undergoing on the job training.

CHIP is also facilitating exposure visits to different learning environments, including the Godrej school in Vikhroli, which has had a large influence on the education model CHIP is developing.

The Class:
Currently there are 35 children attending the three hour class each morning.

Future Plans:

English Balwadi- Within the next 1 year to 1 ½ years the Balwadi will switch from Urdu and Hindi medium to English medium.

Curriculum Planning- Setting planned classroom curriculum along key development indicators for each age group of child. Within this context the child’s progress can be tracked and developmental delays can be detected early and interventions provided.

Comprehensive Teacher Training- Our Balwadi teacher and assistant will be going through the Muktangan teaching school which will instruct them in high quality education and make them able to teach classes in English. The Balwadi teacher will also receive on the job coaching by skilled educationists.

Classroom Resources- Adapting from the Godrej school model CHIP and the CHIP Balwadi teacher will be developing teaching aids, toys and activities for the children out of pre-used goods. This will limit the expenses and give the teacher more ownership over the classroom and knowledge of how each toy item can be used.

Health and Development Tracking – Through regular health checkups, and provision of nutritional meals, vitamins and workshops with parents CHIP will work at improving the overall health of the children. CHIP will also be tracking this progress over the long run and ensuring improvements in development.