Lucknow, August 12: Every child has a unique pace and need for learning. Timely identification, early support, and a conducive educational environment can significantly strengthen the educational foundation for children with special needs. In line with this goal, the Uttar Pradesh government is reinforcing Anganwadi centers as a crucial starting point for inclusive education. Special training will be provided to Anganwadi workers and pre-primary nodal teachers across the state’s 75 districts.
The training will emphasize the early identification of children with special needs, initial interventions, inclusive Anganwadi centers, and disability inclusion. The State Project Director’s office for Samagra Shiksha has allocated approximately ₹2.98 crore for this training initiative. This includes ₹17.70 lakh for training master trainers and ₹2.80 crore for training Anganwadi workers.
The aim of the training is to enhance the capacity of grassroots personnel to identify the needs of children with special needs at an early stage, ensuring they receive appropriate support and are prepared for further education. Training will commence at the district level. From August 3 to August 30, district-level ARPs will be trained as master trainers. These master trainers will subsequently lead training sessions at the block level. To ensure effective training, necessary materials and technical resources will be made available.
Activity-based and practical methods will be prioritized during training, enabling trained master trainers to convey topics to participants in a clear and effective manner. Training for Anganwadi workers and pre-primary nodal teachers at the block level will take place from September 1 to September 30. This training will foster better coordination between personnel at both levels, enhancing the identification of children with special needs, providing necessary early support, and creating an inclusive learning environment in co-located Anganwadi centers.
Training materials developed with the support of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, and UNICEF will be utilized. These materials will cover topics such as early identification and intervention for children with special needs, inclusive Anganwadi centers, and disability inclusion. This will assist Anganwadi workers and pre-primary nodal teachers in understanding the diverse learning needs of children and providing appropriate support.
Monika Rani, Director General of School Education and State Project Director, has emphasized the importance of training quality, 100% participation, and timely completion of the program. Regular monitoring will be conducted at the district level, ensuring the participation of Anganwadi workers and pre-primary nodal teachers in block-level training. Progress and reports post-training will be submitted to the State Project Office.
To make inclusive education effective, special emphasis will be placed on coordination between the Basic Education Department and the Department of Child Development Services and Nutrition. Joint training for Anganwadi workers and pre-primary nodal teachers will enhance the process of identifying children’s needs and providing educational support. This initiative will benefit not only children with special needs but also all children by fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Basic Education Minister (Independent Charge) Sandeep Singh stated that the government’s goal is to provide every child with learning opportunities tailored to their needs and abilities. Timely identification and early support for children with special needs are crucial for laying a strong educational foundation. This training for Anganwadi workers and pre-primary nodal teachers will strengthen inclusive education at the grassroots level, helping create a safe, supportive, and conducive learning environment for every child.
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