Early childhood is sometimes called "the foundation of learning" with good reason. The way children play, interact, and grow from birth to 8 years is the basis for all that follows. The School of Continuing Education, IGNOU, has developed a program that targets this important phase. It is called the PGDECFE – Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood and Foundational Stage Education.
IGNOU's Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood and Foundational Stage Education Admission offers a structured path for educators, preschool teachers, and foundation stage teachers. It also provides a pathway for coordinators and curriculum planners who want to learn more about how young children develop and how we can help them.
Unnati Education has worked with learners from classrooms to anganwadis and preschools. We also work with early primary school students. Unnati Education works with many learners who are already in classrooms, anganwadis, preschools, or early primary grades.
We'll take you through all the major aspects of the software in simple terms so that it can be compared to your goals. Yes, we'll guide you from 0 - 100.
This program is not like others. It is focused on the foundational stages of early childhood (birth to age 2) and focuses only on that. It is unique in that it focuses on early childhood and the foundational stage (birth to 8 years).
We have listed some of the main reasons educators are choosing this program.
We often hear educators say that they want their students to enjoy learning, especially in the early stages of schooling. This programme will give you practical tools to help you reach this goal.
What you need to know about the program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Code | PGDECFE |
| Post Graduate Diploma | Post Graduate Diploma |
| School | School of Continuing Education |
| Mode | Distance and Open Learning |
| Duration | Minimum One Year (with flexibility in accordance with IGNOU norms). |
| Medium | English |
| Early Childhood and Foundational stage education is a specialisation. | Early Childhood and Foundational stage education is a specialisation. |
| Total Credits | 40 |
| Components | Theory courses, supervised practical, and project work/internship in early primary settings. |
It is compact in size, but it provides a comprehensive picture of development, pedagogy, organisation, inclusion, and fieldwork.
The curriculum consists of a 40-credit program that is divided into theory, internships, and practicum. Each credit represents roughly 30 hours in the classroom and on the field, so imagine what depth can be built into a diploma that is only one year old.
| Course Code | Title of the Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MCD 001 | Development of the Child: Birth to Eight Years | 6 |
| MCD 002 | Curriculum and Pedagogy for Early Years and Foundational Stage Education – Part 1 | 6 |
| MCD 003 | Curriculum and Pedagogy for Early Years and Foundational Stage Education – Part 2 | 6 |
| MCD 004 | Organization and Management of Early Years Education Programmes | 4 |
| MCD 005 | Disability and Inclusion | 4 |
| MCDL 001 | Supervised Practicum | 6 |
| MCDP 001 | Project Work – 1 / Internship – 1 | 4 |
| MCDP 002 | Project Work – 2 / Internship – 2 | 4 |
| — | Total Credits | 40 |
Imagine the syllabus moving in a circular motion, instead of listing the subjects line-by-line. It begins with understanding the child. Then, the curriculum and pedagogy of the early years, the foundational stage, are introduced. Next, the organisation of programmes, inclusion, and then the application of all this through internships and practical experiences are discussed. Intentionally, the balance between theory is maintained so that you do not feel trapped in a classroom or just in the books.
This programme will enable you to stop doing "what others do" and start "doing things that you know are right for your children, based upon sound understanding."
As NEP 2020 places a greater emphasis on ECCE, the demand for qualified professionals in this field is increasing. This diploma allows you to move into a number of different roles.
This diploma is used by many students to advance their careers. They can either choose to continue in the same field or move into early childhood education.
Unnati Education is committed to making academic journeys complex feel clear and manageable. We are aware that the majority of learners in this program have to juggle work, family, and study at the same time. We provide support based on the realities of everyday life and not on ideal circumstances.
You can get help from our team with:
The most important thing is that we don't give information and then leave. Our goal is to be there for you throughout your entire academic cycle, from the moment that you decide to enroll in a program to when you successfully complete all credits. As we often say, we will guide you through the entire process from 0 - 100.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood and Foundational Stage Education Admission is more than just another qualification. It's a well-thought-out response to what young children need and how educators can best support them.
This program is designed for anyone who wants to get beyond the basics of teaching early childhood and foundational education. It combines theory with real-world experience. Unnati Education's role is to be by your side as you complete each credit, every practicum, and each internship. This will help you to stay organized, focused, and confident.
