post news network
Bhubaneswar, July 14: The department of women and child development has prepared draft guidelines to prevent the violation of rights of children in the age group 3-6. It will help regulate private play schools in the state.
According to the draft regulatory guidelines, no child below the age of 3 will be enrolled at a playschool and all such institutions will have to register with the W&CD department. Violators will face derecognition and action under laws.
The guidelines also provide for prevention of untimely closure of play schools. “No play school shall be closed without due recognition from the competent authority to be sought by the management by duly applying to the competent authority. The competent authority before granting recognition for closure has to ensure that the children are transferred to any other such play school thereby ensuring the continuity of the session,” the draft guidelines said.
One other guideline is that the schools should have one qualified and trained teacher for every 20 children. They must also appoint a caregiver for each 20 kids. School buildings will have to be all-weather, with rest room, security wall, proper ventilation, play area, fire safety equipment, CCTV surveillance, barrier-free access for all kids, drinking water and toilet facility, the guidelines state.
The government will also regulate fees to be charged by play schools, which would be only collected on monthly or quarterly basis. Besides, the women and child development department would also prepare a uniform course curriculum for schools.
Where a play school is established before implementation of these guidelines, it shall take steps to fulfil the norms and standards within 6 months from the issuance of the guidelines.
The state government has also prepared a four-page declaration cum application form to be submitted by the play school operator for getting recognition.
The draft guidelines have been sent to various departments for comments and suggestions. After completion of the process, the guidelines would be notified, the officials said.