Each one of us has inside us an image of the child that directs us as we begin to relate to a child. This theory within us pushes us to behave in certain ways; it orients us as we talk to the child, listen to the child, observe the child. It is very difficult for us to act contrary to this internal image.

For years now young children have been thought of with a predetermined thought as empty vessels and believed that as educators and parents, we pour in the knowledge. Hence, we interact as Instructors rather than Facilitators in the early years of a child. The theory of the 'Image of the Child' applies greatly to Preschool Education in India today.
There is a great need for Educators today to change their 'Image of the Child' and see them as individuals full of potential, competence and capable of building their own theories and constructing knowledge. Young children must be recognized as individuals, who learn from their own experience, and thus active participants in the organization of their identities, abilities, through relationships and interaction with their peers, with adults, with ideas, with objects, and with real and imaginary events of the world.Each individual child has an extraordinary wealth of inborn abilities and potential, strength and creativity.

Early childhood Education

Young children have an innate desire to learn. That desire can be supported or undermined by early experiences.
Playschools or preschools should ideally be holistic, responsive, and developmentally appropriate and focus on the healthy development of the whole child – social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual development. Collaborative efforts from children, family members and early childhood educators help in enriching children's learning and growth.
The learning experiences of the preschool years can influence the rest of a child's life. This early period in development provides a foundation that guides children academically, socially, and emotionally. The exposures, opportunities, and guidance a preschooler is given, contributes greatly to the person he or she will grow up to be as an adult. Importance of good quality of early childhood education needs to be emphasized.