AFFILIATED TO UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in childcare and related fields. Program graduates receive an Early Childhood Care and Education diploma and have the necessary qualification of early childhood care and education provider. The present program attempts to prepare the ECCE teachers to interact meaningfully with young children in contemporary India.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE:

• Understand the theoretical bases and principles of Early Childhood and Care Education, based on child development.
• Understand the rights and developmental needs of children from conception to the age of 8 years.
• Be sensitive and reflect on the perspectives, priorities and problems of early childhood and early primary education.
• Plan and implement such tasks as shall meet children's need for health, protection, nutrition, education and development.
• Implement the methodology of ECCE for transacting different curricular areas in Classes I and II.
• Organize, plan and administer the Day Care Centre, Pre School, First and Second Standard programme.
• Network with parents, community and other organizations to generate awareness and seek their involvement in ECCE programmes.
• Provide appropriate interventions to meet requirements of an inclusive classroom.
• To use local talents and skills along with contemporary use of computers in the classroom.

DURATION OF THE COURSE:

Two years

ELIGIBILITY:

XIIth pass with minimum 45% and above

SYLLABUS:

The syllabus is a thorough blend of theory and practicum. The programme is divided into 4 semesters spread over the period of two year.

Each semester consists of two theory papers.

PART A - THEORY

PAPER I - EVOLUTION AND PROGRESS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION

Paper I explains the need of ECCE in recent times. The paper elaborates on different philosophies (national and international) in ECCE.
It also traces the evolution of early years education from pre independence era to the current times.

PAPER II - DEVELOPMENT IN FIRST SIX YEARS

Paper II gives an overview of Child Development with emphasis on growth and development across various stages of the child's development.
Aspects of Child Development such as physical, motor, language, socio-emotional, cognitive and personality are emphasized. The paper also throws light on the common behavioural concerns in Early Childhood.

PAPER III - PROGRAMME PLANNING AND PEDAGOGY (PRE SCHOOL)

This paper helps a teacher trainee to understand the essential aspects and different methodologies that can be used in preschool education. Engagement and strategies for development in different domains and teaching and learning resources help the students to plan/design day to day activities and understand how to evaluate the children.

PAPER IV - HEALTH, HYGIENE AND NUTRITION

Health and nutrition of preschool children is a very important knowledge that an ECCED teacher needs to acquire. Paper IV teaches Child Health, Hygiene & Nutrition and its importance, Principles of Nutrition and gives an understanding of Health Programme and Hygiene in the School.

PAPER V - ORGANIZATION OF PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE CENTERS

Paper V gives insight about Concept of Administration, Authorities and Organization, Materials and Human Resource Management. It also talks about the NGOs working for providing preschool education and daycare facilities.

PAPER VI - DEVELOPMENT FROM SIX YEARS TO EIGHT YEARS

Paper VI deals with the different aspects of Child Development, Personality and Learner Diversity from six to eight years.

PAPER VII - PROGRAMME PLANNING AND PEDAGOGY (PRIMARY I & II)

Paper VII explains the importance of innovative practices that can be used in Grade I & II. It focusses on development of language and communication, environmental studies, science, social studies and mathematical concepts. It also helps in planning language and math activities.

PAPER VIII - ESTABLISHING RELATIONS WITH PARENTS AND SOCIETY

This paper gives insight on maintaining effective relations with parents and society and the strategies to enhance it. It also helps the students to understand Programme Planning for working in the society.

Part B - Practicum:

Students enrolling for the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma program undergo practical training in various areas like conducting case study, planning activities to teach various subjects, activities related to health and nutrition, visits to various schools and related institutions. Practical training to plan school events, development of an activity using technology supported learning resources and community outreach programmes help the students to prepare themselves for the primary level teaching.

Students are required to complete their course within the prescribed one/two years of the course duration.  In specific cases, approved by the Director of the institute the student can complete the course within a period of 3 years as prescribed under the rules and regulations of the institute. Completion of the course includes appearing for and passing the written examinations, passing the viva voce, all practical components and such other tests, exams, and assignments as may be prescribed by the institute. There shall be no extension of time granted for completing the course.  The only exception will be in case of long illnesses due to cancer, TB, chronic kidney disease, paralysis, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and duly certified by a medical practitioner approved by the institute.