Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood and Education is a perfect programme for graduates from all streams who have a flair for teaching or want to deviate from other professions to enter the teaching field. This programme attempts to train the students to acquire various skills, knowledge and understanding in the field of Early Childhood Education, along with a minor research project to bring out the quality teacher in them.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE:

1. To provide theoretical knowledge and understanding of the principles of Early Childhood Education 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.
4. To learn to undertake a research project on a topic revolving around early childhood stage and education.

DURATION OF THE COURSE:

One year consisting of two semesters

ELIGIBILITY:

Graduate from any discipline

SYLLABUS:

The programme is divided into two semesters, which includes theory as well as practicum. PGDECE also includes a minor research project, which helps in building research fervor amongst the teachers.

PART A - THEORY

PAPER I - PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE & EDUCATION (ECCE)

This paper gives an in-depth understanding of importance of ECCE with special emphasis on the principles of setting up an Early years classroom. The paper also highlights the contributions of different philosophers in the field of ECCE and how ECCE has evolved in our country over the years.

PAPER II - DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Paper II comprises of study of Child Development and its implications to ECCE field. The objective of this paper is to enable the student teacher to appreciate and understand the principles of growth and development in the critical years. This paper provides insights into the expected milestones to be achieved at each stage.

PAPER III - CURRICULUM TRANSACTION (PRESCHOOL)

Paper III comprises of diverse ways in which an activity can be planned and implemented by a teacher. It gives an understanding of different methods to assess and evaluate a child.

PAPER IV - HEALTH AND NUTRITION IN EARLY YEARS

This paper throws light on the need for and importance of health and nutrition requirements in the early years of a child's life. It also provides basic knowledge of various health programmes and hygiene in school and administration of first aid.

PART B - PRACTICUM:

Minor Research Project - Our Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education students are required to submit a minor research project, which would help to bring out the research attitude in them.

Internship - PGDECE Practicum includes an internship which aims to make the trainee teacher understand the nuances of handling preschool children and management of 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.

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.