Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)

ECCE focuses on early childhood education from age 0 to 6 years. Primary education focuses on children from 6 to 12 years. It is more structured and academic. 
ECCE lays the foundation for lifelong learning, making it an essential stage in a child's education.

Yes, you can pursue Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) courses after graduation. The basic eligibility criteria to take admission into ECCE Course is 10+2 level qualification. For post-graduation courses, the eligibility is 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 levels of education.

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After completing ECCE course, candidates can start working in play schools or other elementary schools across the country and start taking care of children as their own. They can also run their own private nurseries or play schools or can also look after children especially working parents. Many ECCE certificate holders are also recruited by the Aganwadi centres and other health centres that are responsible for taking care of young children. 

ECCE courses can be pursued by those who have the ability to deal with children and have the empathy to take care of them as their own children. They must be hardworking and agile and must pay attention to the specific demands of the children. They must be young, dynamic personalities who are ready to go beyond their means and provide support and care to young children and take care of their health, education and nutrition.

ECCE full form is Early childhood care and education (ECCE), as defined by UNESCO, is the “holistic development of a child's social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in order to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing.” ECCE promotes brain development and has positive long-term economic benefits.

ECCE Courses are an important intervention to make a strong foundation for the education of young children
National Policy on ECCE was released in the year 2013. Learners are prepared to give focus and special attention to young kids and take care of their health, nutrition and education.

Yes, most ECCE programs include practical training through internships or fieldwork to provide hands-on experience in real-world settings.

The syllabus of ECCE usually includes following core components:

• Child Development: Understanding physical, cognitive, emotional and social development.
• Learning Theories: Exploring various theories of child learning.
• Curriculum Planning: Designing age-appropriate activities and experiences.
• Health and Nutrition: Importance of health and nutrition in early childhood.
• Family and Community Engagement: Involving families and communities in child development.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Methods to assess children’s progress.

Some of the top colleges offering PG Diploma in ECCE are as follows:

• IGNOU
• MSU Baroda
• Panjabi University
• TISS Mumbai
• Children's University