Volume 15

TRANSFORMING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION THROUGH INTEGRATION OF SECURITY EDUCATION

SORETIRE,Olufunmilayo O. Ph.D & SANYA, Adebola F.

Abstract

The quality of a nation's educational system is a key determinant of its development, and no nation can rise above the educational capacity of its citizens. Early childhood education (ECE), as the foundational stage of the educational field, plays a critical role in shaping children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. It is at this stage that lifelong habits, values, and learning patterns are formed. As societal threats and security challenges increasingly affect even the youngest populations, there is a pressing need to incorporate security education into early learning environments. Introducing children to age-appropriate concepts of personal safety, environmental awareness, and emergency response can significantly enhance their ability to recognize and respond to potential dangers. This paper explores the imperative of integrating security education into ECE programs as a way of transforming early childhood education, outlines key safety themes suitable for preschool learners, and recommends strategies for embedding security education into the early childhood curriculum. The paper concludes that prioritising security education at the preschool level is essential for fostering a generation of safety-conscious and resilient individuals.

Keywords

Security Education, Preschool, Early Childhood, Safety, Child-centred

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