Programme

The Rajkumari Amrit Kaur Child Study Centre (Formerly known as Saraswati Puri Nursery School) was established in 1955 as a laboratory for the Department of Human Development & Childhood Studies, Lady Irwin College. With its guiding philosophy of providing a stimulating environment for children with varying learning potentials, facilities were added to extend the services to children with special needs in 1980. Since its modest beginning with 10 children in 1955, the programme has grown manifold to accommodate 200 children, including 50 children with various disabilities.

Strengths and Beliefs
The Child Study Centre has the following salient features to nurture children –

• Stimulating, cheerful and child-friendly environment
• Inclusive philosophy with respect for diverse needs & potentials of children
• Multifaceted approach to foster all-round development of children
• Individualised and developmentally-appropriate activities including music, dance, art and clay modelling
• Medium of communication: Child’s first language
• Qualified and experienced teachers and special educators
• Use of modern technology
• Speech and Occupational therapy
• Orientation to computer learning
• Freshly prepared snacks and hot meals
• Active involvement of parents – Meetings, workshops and parent library
• Empowerment of the family through guidance and counselling
• No interviews or admission tests since Centre’s inception
• Varied services customized according to the contemporary needs of the society
• Research and academic inputs from College faculty and students
• Community outreach to sensitize public about importance of appropriate inputs in early childhood

The Centre completed its 50th year in 2005 and formally launched an early intervention programme called ‘SETU’, the Systematic Early Training Unit, to mark the Golden Jubilee. SETU aims to provide services to children at risk as early as possible. Early identification and remediation of developmental difficulties is vital for allowing children to develop to their full potential with minimum effort, and for providing timely support and guidance to families.
    ‘Samvad’, the school magazine is published twice a year. Articles published focus on various aspects of pre-primary education, special education and any other current issues related to the growth, development and education of young children.