The Diploma in Early Childhood Education attempts to train teacher trainees to utilize their capacity to the fullest and engage them in understanding the best child practices. The programme aims at providing quality training to the preschool teacher trainees.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE:

1. To provide theoretical knowledge and understanding of the principles of early childhood based on child development.
2. To enable trainees to acquire the attitudes, skills, insights and techniques necessary to carry out the following:
   1. To work with the children in the classroom.
   2. To organize, plan and administer the school programme.
   3. To work with parents and the community.
3. To provide the basic knowledge and understanding for teaching and working within the framework of Indian conditions, local situations, resources and needs.

DURATION OF THE COURSE:

One year consisting of two semesters.

ELIGIBILITY:

Class XII completion and above

SYLLABUS:

The programme is divided into two semesters which includes theory as well as practicum

PART A - THEORY

PAPER I - PRINCIPLES OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Paper I consists of the needs and principles of ECCE, the different philosophers and their methodology of education. It also gives insight on the policies related to early years and the role of different agencies commissioned to work in the field of ECCE.

PAPER II - CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Paper II describes the Importance of study of Developmental Psychology with reference to early childhood, Principles of growth and development, Stages of Child Development, Different aspects of child development, Emotional Disturbance in children and their manifestation, Parental Counselling and Methods of Child-study.

PAPER III - METHODS AND MATERIALS

Paper III highlights the use of different and innovative methodologies in a preschool. It elaborates on the uses of various activities and how to plan those activities, evaluate a child and a classroom.

PAPER IV - HEALTH AND NUTRITION

This paper focusses on the importance of health for total development. It talks about the conditions influencing health, importance of health programmes & hygiene in school, maintenance of health records, enlightens on topics like identification, prevention and treatment of common ailments and infectious diseases.

PAPER V - ASSIGNMENTS (on theory papers for 100 marks)

Various assignments related to theory help the teacher trainees to reinforce their theoretical knowledge.

PART B - PRACTICUM

Internship - Practicum includes an internship which aims to make the trainee teacher understand the nuances of managing and conducting lessons in a preschool class.

Workshops and Presentations - Numerous workshops are conducted to build skills needed for a 21st century teacher. Students are engaged and encouraged to participate in various presentations like festival presentations, project presentations, puppet shows to name a few.

Field Visits - Field visits are an important part of our teacher training programs. They help trainee teachers to understand how lessons are conducted in different schools, how teaching aids are effectively used and how engaging activities are planned by the teachers.

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.