New Preschool Guides Introduce Child-Centred Learning Under Education Reforms

The Government has taken a new step towards reshaping early childhood education with the introduction of a national set of resources designed to help preschool teachers move away from traditional teaching methods and adopt more child-focused approaches.

The new resource package, titled the Early Childhood Support Resource Guide, was launched at the Ministry of Education in Isurupaya under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Developed in accordance with the Early Childhood Education Curriculum Framework, the initiative places greater emphasis on learning through play, activities and inquiry. It is intended to help young children develop their abilities by engaging directly with learning experiences rather than relying mainly on the delivery of information.

The package has been developed under the theme “Starting Right” and contains four resources: a Teacher Guide, Suggested Activity Guide, Teaching and Learning Material Manual and Master Material Training Manual.

These materials are expected to support preschool educators and trainers in planning age-appropriate activities and using practical learning tools to encourage children's participation and curiosity.

The Government plans to introduce the programme across preschools throughout the country. Training will also be provided to trainers and preschool teachers to support the implementation of the new approach.

The initiative is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, with the involvement of the National Institute of Education and UNICEF.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the Government intended to begin implementing its wider education reforms by focusing first on early childhood education.

She said the new guidelines marked an important shift in how children learn, with greater attention being given to child-centred, inquiry-based and activity-based education.

According to the Prime Minister, the objective is to develop an education system that focuses not only on what children know, but also on how effectively they can apply that knowledge.

She also highlighted the need to increase parents' awareness of early childhood development and build a wider social environment that prioritises children's wellbeing and safety.

Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savitri Paulraj said the new guidelines would provide an important foundation for the development of future generations.

She also announced the Government's expectation of creating a nationwide preschool system operating under one national policy by 2027. The aim is to give parents greater confidence in the quality and standards of preschool education available to their children.

Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Dr. Namal Sudarshana, Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa, National Institute of Education Director General Senior Professor O. G. Dayaratne Banda, senior ministry officials, provincial education authorities and UNICEF representatives attended the launch.