PGD ECE is a two-semester program (one year) of Allama Iqbal Open University. This program is designed to provide opportunities to those who want to get training as an ECE manager, ECE Teacher, ECE professional, or any other cadre to work in ECE setup. This program is not only beneficial for ECE professionals but also for the parents to get an understanding of their children's personality development and learning.  This program opens career pathways for overseas workers dealing in ECE. The program is also beneficial for in-service teachers/administrators because the ECE classes are launched in government schools.

Programme Objectives

The objectives of program are to:

1. Equip the graduate with essential professional skills and competencies for Early childhood education
2. Upgrade pedagogical skills of practicing preschool teachers
3. Provide knowledge about child cognitive/emotional and social development
4. Develop insight and understanding relating ECE philosophy/beliefs and its significance.
5. Introduce reflective practices in curriculum planning and instruction.
6. Link theory and practice in early childhood education
7. Setup knowledge of various classroom management techniques for early childhood class
8. Provide Skill of selection of appropriate teaching aid for early childhood class
9. Provide knowledge and use of different classroom observation and assessment techniques
10. Apply national standards for early childhood education
11. Enhance career prospects of the graduates.

Prospective Students

Early childhood education is a popular and well- established area of study within sub sector of teacher education. This diploma is designed for those who wished to work with early childhood education within the country or overseas. The primary focus of the program is:

• Early childhood education teachers
• Childcare workers
• Preschool teachers
• ECE planners
• Childcare managers/directors
• Family day care staff

Career Prospects

The postgraduate diploma holders will be qualified kindergartens having appropriate knowledge, skills and dispositions. This will open new venues and opportunities to get into a rewarding career in early childhood school/centers in the country. There is an also great demand for preschool and childcare workers in overseas having professional diploma in ECE.

Further Education

The postgraduate diploma in early childhood education can lead to further degree in ECE.

Note: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) reserves the right to amend the fee structure policy, course offering and assessment of courses when required. The existing course(s) will be adopted/adapted as per requirement. The department may change the sequence of the course(s) offering as per availability of course(s).

For further information related to this program, please contact Dr. Rukhsana Durrani through email rukhsana.durrani@aiou.edu.pk