More early childhood teachers to be hired

School Education and Literacy Department (SLED has decided to appoint women on 1,500 vacant positions of Early Childhood Teachers (ECT).

Sindh Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah has instructed SLED to initiate the process of merit-based appointments through third-party testing methodology for filling the vacant positions of Early Childhood Teachers (ECT).

During a meeting with the officials, Sardar Ali was informed that in 2018, an announcement was made for around 1100 vacancies of ECT, out of which 660 candidates passed the IBT (Intermediate Board of Teaching) test and secured jobs, while more than 400 positions remained vacant.

It was also briefed to the minister that SLED has further added 1,100 positions for ECT. In total, the sanctioned posts for ECT are approximately 1500. In light of this, the Provincial Minister, Syed Sardar Shah, has given instructions to initiate the hiring process and emphasized that the recruitment of Early Childhood Teachers (ECT) is for the deserving candidates based on merit.

To address the need for early schooling for children, the department has already initiated early childhood classes, specifically designed for women.

This initiative will not only strengthen the pre-school section but also provide better employment opportunities for women. The Department of Education aims to attract competent teachers through this decision.

Furthermore, the minister has also given instructions to formulate service structure and promotion rules for ECT. This step will ensure the professional growth and career progression of ECT teachers.

Meanwhile, teachers hired in 2018 were still fighting lefgal battle to get regularized.

An official report titles Early Childhood Care and Education Standards (ECCES) states that the government of Sindh was motivated to formulate policy and standards specific to early childhood to comprehensively engage with a vital sub-sector of education that is foundational to child survival, protection and development and subsequent tiers of learning, socialisation and economic growth and productivity.

As per policy it was decided that the building or classroom should be structurally child friendly strong, safe and easily accessible. Each school must have at least one classroom, one staff or head teacher, a room, storeroom and play area for early childhood pupils.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2023.