Early Childhood Care and Education in Rural Odisha: A Case Study of Nuapadhi Village, Balasore District

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n6.017

Keywords:

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), rural ECCE, Anganwadi, Odisha, inclusive education, child development, teacher training

Abstract

Evidence has shown that over 85% of a child’s cumulative brain development occurs prior to the age of 6, indicating the critical importance of appropriate care and stimulation of the brain in the early years in order to ensure healthy brain development and growth. The objectives of the study are, 1. To evaluate the accessibility and availability of Early Childhood Care and Education ECCE facilities in Nuapadhi Village. 2. To assess the quality of ECCE services with focus on infrastructure, teaching methodologies and qualification of teacher. 3. To analyses the impact of ECCE programs on children’s holistic development including physical, cognitive and socio-emotional growth. The research uses a case study methodology, uses information gathered from structured questionnaires, observations and stakeholder input from parents and teachers. The findings of the study shows that the Anganwadi centres in Nuapadhi village possess basic infrastructural facilities; however, poor road connectivity and limited staffing pose significant challenges to effective functioning. Although the Anganwadi workers employ play-based and activity-oriented teaching methods, the lack of formal training in early childhood education affects the overall quality of ECCE services. The ECCE programmes have positively impacted children's physical health, cognitive development and school readiness, although improvement in problem-solving skills remains limited.

Author Biographies

Bishnupriya Kar, Ph.D. Research Scholar, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore

Bishnupriya Kar is currently pursuing Ph.D. in Education as a Junior Research Fellow at the P.G. Department of Education, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha, India. She holds an M.Sc. in Physics and an M.Ed. She qualified UGC-NET (for JRF & Assistant Professor). Her areas of academic interest include Contemporary Trends and Issues in Education, Educational Psychology, Teacher Education, School Education. She has published five research articles in reputed national and international journals and has presented more than 10 papers in several state, national and international sponsored Seminars and conferences.

Prof. (Dr.) Amulya Kumar Acharya, Professor and Head P.G Department of Education, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore

Prof. (Dr.) Amulya Kumar Acharya is currently serving as Professor and Head of the P.G. Department of Education at Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore, Odisha, India. He holds M.A. degrees in Education and English Literature, along with B.Ed., UGC-NET (Education), and Ph.D. in Education. With over 25 years of teaching and research experience in Higher Education across various parts of India, Prof. Acharya’s areas of academic interest include Educational Psychology, Teacher Education, Guidance and Counselling, and Contemporary Trends and Issues in Education. He has contributed extensively to academic literature, having published more than 37 research articles in reputed national and international journals, seven book chapters, and five authored books. Prof. Acharya has been invited as Resource Person in over 150 national and international seminars, conferences, workshops, webinars, and faculty development programmes. He serves as a member of several professional and academic bodies, including Boards of Studies (BOS), Research Advisory Committees (RAC), and School Research Committees (SRC) across various institutions and universities. He is also on the editorial boards of several esteemed journals. In addition to his academic roles, Prof. Acharya has been actively engaged in university administration, holding various responsibilities and contributing to numerous institutional and inter-university committees.

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Published

16-06-2025

How to Cite

Kar, B., & Acharya, A. K. (2025). Early Childhood Care and Education in Rural Odisha: A Case Study of Nuapadhi Village, Balasore District. RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 10(6), 167–175. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n6.017

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Vol. 10 No. 6 (2025): RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

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