Pune: Early Childhood Association (ECA), Pune chapter, will be hosting a one-day conference called Pune International Early Childhood Edufest (PIECE) on September 2. This platform is to promote dialogue and sharing important early childhood education issues amongst its stakeholders.

Research shows that early years are most critical years of learning and development for a child. Early childhood education lays the foundation for life-long learning and development.

Everything around us is changing rapidly and so must education, so as to cope with the current and future times and needs.

Leslie Falconer from Mother Goose Time, (USA), said that even in this day and age, many schools and parents are trapped in mass education where child’s individual needs and interests have no room for consideration leave alone effort.

“While music, art, nature and fun should be central to a child’s preschool life, many are still crammed in small spaces and made to write ABC and 123 on ruled sheets much before they are mentally and physiologically ready. Hence, teachers are indeed very pleased and glad for this opportunity where they can share their knowledge on the importance of new learning techniques for children,” said Falconer.

Society needs new kinds of education that addresses the needs of our planet, where education fosters overall development, promotes care and compassion in children, to help them grow, to be responsible citizens and contribute to a more purposeful tomorrow.

The conference promises to support and empower school teachers and leaders and spread awareness about the importance of quality education in early years. It is time to recognise and raise awareness about the vital role of early years' education.