AMRITSAR:Department Of Education, Guru Nanak Dev University is the first institute in North India to start 4 years Bachelor’s of Science (Hons) Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) under the scheme of School of Education, PMMMNMTT, Govt of India w.e.f session 2022-23. The course has been conceptualized keeping in view the huge future employment requirements of ECCE professionals for primary schools of the country because NEP 2020 changed the structure of school education (5+3+3+4) where in formal schooling in schools will start from 3 years of age (foundational stage from 3-8 years, preparatory stage from 8-11 years, middle stage from 11 -14 years and secondary stage from 14-18 years of age). Hence this course has been initiated to provide ECCE teachers/ professionals for Anganwadi’s, pre-primary schools and primary schools in India.
Prof (Dr) Deepa Sikand Kauts, Dean, Faculty of Education said that this course is available in Bombay University only and is the most popular and job-oriented course in developed nations, especially Australia, Canada, New Zealand and US(IVY LEAGUE Universities).To handle 3-6 years of age of learners, there is a need to understand, development at intellectual, mental, social stages. This course aims to develop professionally competent teachers to understand cognitive development of young learners, joyful and activity-based learning environment and strategies, nutrition and care requirement of the child learner.
She said that 60% of the course will be dealt through field internships, field tours, seminars, focus group discussions and research dissertation. The basic eligibility to join the course is 10+2 in any stream with 50% for general category and 45% for reserved categories. The desirous applicants can apply through GNDU portal i.e www.gnduadmissions.org. Keeping in view the futuristic requirement of ECCE professionals for developing a sound base for quality education, the course will have far reaching implications and would prove to be a turning point in providing employment opportunities and entrepreneurship establishment.