Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
The Open and Distance Learning Council (ODLC) offers a certified program in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and relevant child development frameworks. This course is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge required to work as early childhood educators in preschools, Anganwadis, or private childcare settings
Consistent with its foundational mandate, ODLC has prioritized the integration of Skill Education within the framework of open and distance learning, as reflected in its commitment to offering a broad spectrum of vocational programs. This approach ensures that education becomes more inclusive, accessible, and aligned with the evolving demands of the workforce.
Key Highlights:
- Structured curriculum aligned with national norms
- Suitable for aspiring preschool teachers and childcare professionals
- Delivered through flexible open and distance learning
- Legally compliant and academically recognized
Eligibility:
Pass in Class 10 or Class 12 from a recognized board
Certification:
Certificate/Diploma awarded by ODLC upon successful completion, subject to internal evaluation and compliance with guidelines.
ECCE Subject List (with Codes)
|
Subject Code
|
Subject Name
|
Focus Area / Description
|
|---|---|---|
|
501
|
Foundations of ECCE
|
Covers the history, philosophy, scope, and significance of early childhood education.
|
|
502
|
Child Growth and Development
|
Studies stages of physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in young children.
|
|
503
|
Early Learning Theories & Pedagogical Practices
|
Introduces key theorists (Piaget, Montessori, etc.) and teaching approaches for preschoolers.
|
|
504
|
Preschool Curriculum Planning
|
Teaches activity design, theme-based planning, and age-appropriate lesson development
|
|
505
|
Language and Literacy in Early Years
|
Focuses on communication, storytelling, pre-reading, and writing readiness
|
|
506
|
Numeracy and Logical Thinking
|
Covers pre-math concepts like counting, patterns, and shapes through games and activities.
|
|
507
|
Art, Music, and Movement
|
Encourages creativity through drawing, dance, songs, and physical movement.
|
|
508
|
Health, Hygiene and Nutrition
|
Teaches child nutrition, daily care, sanitation, and managing common illnesses.
|
|
509
|
Child Psychology and Behavior Management
|
Covers observation, temperament, behavior patterns, and positive discipline strategies.
|
|
510
|
Working with Parents and Community
|
Builds skills for parent engagement, communication, and community partnerships.
|
|
511
|
Inclusive Education in ECCE
|
Introduces special needs awareness and strategies for inclusive classroom environments.
|
|
512
|
Observation and Assessment Techniques
|
Covers child progress tracking, developmental checklists, and portfolio creation.
|
|
513
|
ICT in Early Childhood Education
|
Teaches how to use digital tools and age-safe media in preschool teaching.
|
|
514
|
Designing Early Learning Environments
|
Focuses on setting up safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom spaces.
|
|
515
|
ECCE Policy and Legal Frameworks
|
Explains NEP 2020, RTE Act, and national guidelines for pre-school education.
|
|
516
|
Internship / Practicum in Preschool
|
Supervised fieldwork with lesson planning, activity delivery, and assessment practice.
|
Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)
Empowering Educators for the Foundational Years (0–6 Years) For Indian & International Students
About the Programme
The programme focuses on the holistic development of the child—physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and ethical—and trains educators to design play-based, inclusive, child-centred learning experiences rooted in developmentally appropriate practice.
The curriculum is designed with reference to:
National Education Policy (NEP 2020)
National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage / ECCE (2022)
Foundational Stage (0–6 / 3–8 years) principles including play-based, multilingual, inclusive learning
NSQF level descriptors (Levels 4–5) for early childhood educator roles
UNESCO, ILO-ISCO (2342: Early Childhood Educators), OECD competency frameworks for ECCE professionals
This ensures that the programme content is academically robust and mapped to recognised national and international benchmarks for ECCE educators.
The Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) offered by the Open and Distance Learning Council (ODLC) prepares learners for professional roles in:
Preschools and kindergartens
Early learning centres
Day-care centres
Foundational years’ learning environments (0–6 years)
Programme Duration & Study Hours
Duration: 6 months (minimum) to 1 year (maximum) – flexible mode
Total Learning Hours: approx. 400–500 hours, including:
- Conceptual & theoretical study
- Self-learning & assignments
- Practicum / internship & reflective work
Mode: Online / Distance / Blended
Learning is delivered through ODLC’s digital platform with:
E-content, recorded lectures & reading material
Assignments, projects & case studies
Guided practicum in recognised ECCE settings
Eligibility
Who can Apply
For Indian Students
10+2 or equivalent from any recognised education board
For International Students
Senior Secondary / High School Diploma (Grade 12 equivalent) from an accredited institution.
Applicants should:
Have a genuine interest in working with young children.
Be willing to engage in both theory and practical / practicum components.
Course Structure & Subjects
Total Components: 6 Theory Subjects + 1 Practicum Module
(These seven components will be reflected in the marksheet / transcript).
|
Module No.
|
Subject Code
|
Subject Title
|
Core Learning Areas
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
ECCE-101
|
Foundations of Early Childhood Care & Education
|
Concept, need & scope of ECCE; principles; roles & responsibilities of ECCE educators; ethics & professionalism; overview of NEP 2020 & NCF for Foundational Stage.
|
|
2
|
ECCE-102
|
Child Growth & Development (0–6 Years)
|
Developmental stages; physical, cognitive, language, emotional & social development; major learning theories; observation of child behaviour.
|
|
3
|
ECCE-103
|
Curriculum Planning & Pedagogical Approaches
|
Play-way method; activity-based learning; Montessori, Froebel, Reggio Emilia perspectives; lesson planning; learning centres; integration of art, music, stories & rhymes.
|
|
4
|
ECCE-104
|
Health, Safety, Nutrition & Child Well-Being
|
Hygiene & sanitation; nutrition basics for 0–6; first aid & emergency response; child protection, emotional safety, safe, inclusive classroom environment.
|
|
5
|
ECCE-105
|
Inclusive Education, Guidance & Family Involvement
|
Identifying diverse needs; supporting children with developmental delays / special needs; inclusive practices; parent–teacher communication; community partnership.
|
|
6
|
ECCE-106
|
Assessment & Classroom Management
|
Observation tools; anecdotal records; portfolios; continuous assessment; behaviour guidance; time-table planning; resource management for ECCE classrooms.
|
|
7
|
ECCE-107
|
Practicum / Internship in Early Childhood Education
|
Supervised practice in preschool/day-care; planning & conducting activities; child observation; maintaining records; reflective journal; final practicum report.
|
Note: ODLC may periodically update modules to remain aligned with NEP, NCF and global ECCE standards.
Assessment & Certification
Evaluation Components:
Continuous Internal Assessment:- Assignments, projects & activity plans
- Participation & reflection tasks
- Theory assessments (online / blended)
- Practicum / internship evaluation & viva (where applicable)
Passing Criteria:
Minimum 50% (or equivalent grade) in each module (theory + practicum).
Successful completion of practicum / internship is mandatory for award of certificate.Certificate Awarded
On successful completion, learners will be awarded:
“Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education” by the Open and Distance Learning Council, India.
The certificate / transcript will contain:
Student’s full name
Registration / enrolment number
Programme title: Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education
List of modules successfully completed
Duration and mode of study
Date of completion
QR code for online verification (digital authentication via ODLC portal)
ODLC seal and authorised signatories
Formats:
Digitally verifiable PDF (QR-enabled)
Printed certificate (for records and international document verification)Academic & Technical Alignment (Disclaimer-Safe)
The ECCE Certificate programme is designed with reference to:
NEP 2020 & NCF for Foundational Stage / ECCE (2022)
NSQF level descriptors (4–5) relevant to ECCE roles
UNESCO-UNEVOC, ILO-ISCO 2342, OECD frameworks for early childhood educators
Principles of Skill India Mission and Foundational Learning reforms
Important:ODLC is an autonomous educational organisation.
This programme is structured to align with recognised frameworks; however, statutory recognition, teacher registration, or eligibility for government recruitment / licensing is subject to the rules of the respective authorities, boards, councils, or countries.
Learners and institutions are advised to verify specific local requirements before using this qualification for regulated positions.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this programme, learners will be able to:
Understand child development (0–6 years) and apply it in classroom / care settings.
Design and implement play-based, inclusive, child-centred learning activities.
Create safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environments.
Support holistic development—cognitive, language, socio-emotional, creative & physical.
Collaborate effectively with parents, families, and communities.
Use observation and simple assessment tools to monitor child progress.
Maintain professional ethics, documentation, and classroom management standards.
Career Opportunities
Holders of the ODLC ECCE Certificate may work in roles such as:
Preschool / Kindergarten Teacher
Nursery / Play School Teacher
Day-care Facilitator / Childcare Worker
Assistant Teacher / Co-teacher in ECCE centres
ECCE Coordinator / Centre Supervisor (as per institutional norms)
Child Development / ECCE Project Assistant (NGOs / Community Centres)
Preschool Entrepreneur – set up or manage early learning centres
Employment and role designation may vary based on institutional policies, state / national regulations, and country-specific norms.
For International Students
The programme is open to learners outside India.
The curriculum is based on globally accepted ECCE competencies, which may support:
Applications for roles in early childhood settings (subject to local rules)
Progression to higher studies in Early Childhood Education or related fields
Important:
International students must check local equivalency, licensing, and immigration requirements in their respective countries. ODLC does not claim automatic statutory recognition in any specific country or jurisdiction.
Admission Process & Fees
Application Mode: Online via www.odlc.ac.in
Steps:
Fill the online application form for ECCE.
1. Upload ID proof & 10+2 / equivalent qualification.
2. Pay the programme fee through ODLC’s secure payment portal.
3.Receive:
ODLC Student ID
Learning Management System (LMS) login credentials
4. Attend online / recorded orientation.
5. Complete coursework, assignments & practicum.
6. On successful completion, download QR-verified digital certificate and receive printed certificate (if opted).
(Programme fee, batch start dates, assessment schedule, and practicum guidelines will be notified separately on the ODLC website.)
Terms & Conditions
Attendance in online / recorded sessions (as required), submission of assignments, and completion of practicum are mandatory for certification.
Fees once paid are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-adjustable.
The certificate is valid only for the enrolled learner and for the specific batch/session mentioned.
ODLC reserves the right to update syllabus, delivery mode, evaluation pattern, and academic regulations in line with national and international guidelines.
Recognition for employment, migration, or higher education is subject to verification by respective institutions, employers, and authorities.
All official communication, verification and student support are provided only through: