Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers in Kiambu have been challenged to enrol for higher education for professional development.
Githunguri sub county ECDE Program Officer Ms Eunice Miring’u while addressing the Kiambu ECDE teachers at Kiambu Community Hall noted that the minimum level for an ECDE teacher is a certificate.
She said this will not make a teacher very competent in his/her work. She said this is the reason why they should consider moving a notch higher professionally. Miring’u pointed out that some teachers are not even aware of the thematic teaching in ECDE which is the new system for ECDE learners in the country.
She urged those who have not yet learnt the system to take personal initiative to go back to school and learn it so that they give learners the recommended content.
Miring’u said that majority of the teachers were not computer literate adding that with introduction of the digital technology to primary schools students, teachers must be in a position to handle and teach when the laptops are introduced in schools. She said this will enable Kenyans to move along with the rest of the world.
“Children have to be empowered right from the ECDE level because other levels are dependent on this level,” she noted.
The officer observed that teachers will gain confidence with advancement in education and reduce stage fright when addressing large crowds.
She cited areas like language where some teachers must improve to ensure their vernacular does not interfere with English pronunciations.
Miring’u advised ECDE teachers to regularly read magazines, newspapers and books because it could help in language improvement. She added that everyone has a chance to go back to school even with their meagre salaries.
Miring’u appealed to the teachers to visit the District Education Centre for Early Childhood Education (DECECE) for more information on education advancement for the county to be assured of quality service to ECDE learners.