Early Years Learning Association (EYLA)

INTRODUCTION

The Early Years Learning Association (EYLA) was established on the May 3rd, 2008 as a voluntary non-governmental, non-political and non-profitable organization by Early Years Practitioners from all over Pakistan at the Aga Khan University – Institute for Educational Development (IED).

WHY EARLY CHILDHOOD?

Early child development refers to the combination of physical, cognitive, social, emotional and moral development in the early years. It is the most rapid period of development in human life. Universally, early childhood is defined as the time period of human life from conception to age eight (0 – 8 years). Whereas, development is considered as the process of change in which the child comes to master more and more complex level of moving, thinking, feeling and interacting with people and objects in the environment. To foster young children learning parents, caregivers and teachers are required to use specific and appropriate techniques designed to encourage and stimulate progress to the next level of development.

GOAL of EYLA

To provide a platform for early year's practitioners, parents and other relevant stakeholders of children for an ongoing effort to focus attention on the importance of the early years for children's learning and all aspects of their development.

OBJECTIVES

• Raise awareness of supporting children's learning and development in the early years
• Provide on going support, share and disseminate information on supporting children's learning and development
• Develop leadership capacities in the area of early childhood education.
• Generate knowledge through initiating research projects according to contextual needs of early years' setting
• Facilitate a group of committed and informed stakeholders in early years education
• Engage stakeholders in developing and implementing innovative programmes for children
• Engage in policy dialogues on the status of early childhood education and development in Pakistan and Internationally.
• Establish network locally and internationally

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES

The association will undertake the following activities.

• Workshops/seminars for ECED professionals and parents
• Invited guests
• Exchange visits
• Resource development
• Policy Dialogue
• Talk-shows
• Celebrating children's learning/Activities with Children
• Conference
• Newsletter

2008 EVENTS

  MEMBERSHIP

a)- Practitioner Members: Any Early Years Practitioner from any professional set up is eligible to become a member of EYLA

b)- Associate Members: Parents and other persons not working in any early years' professional setting but are interested in understanding children learning and development processes can become associate members of EYLA.