Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Development

Duration:
3 Years

Mode of Study:
Part-Time

Programme Coordinator:
Ms Chimi Dema

Programme Overview

The Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) at Paro College of Education develops the knowledge, practical skills and professional attitudes needed to provide quality care and education for young children. It supports ECCD practitioners in creating nurturing, inclusive and culturally relevant environments that promote children’s holistic development.

The curriculum covers child development, learning through play, programme planning, assessment, language and literacy, mathematical and scientific thinking, creative arts, motor development, health and nutrition, and social and emotional learning. It also addresses family and community partnerships, Bhutanese heritage, inclusion and the appropriate use of technology in early childhood settings. Academic skills and information technology literacy strengthen participants’ capacity for continued professional learning.

Learning combines facilitated sessions, practical activities, independent study, online discussions and embedded practice in ECCD centres. Participants apply concepts in their workplaces, reflect on their experiences and develop resources and activities suited to young children.

The programme is relevant to strengthening the professional capacity of Bhutan’s ECCD workforce. Its emphasis on play, inclusion, local culture and family engagement supports responsive practice and meaningful learning experiences for children from diverse backgrounds.

Learning Outcomes & Skills

Upon completion of the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Development, students will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of child development to support children’s physical, cognitive, language and social–emotional growth.
  2. Design culturally relevant learning environments that integrate play, local resources and Bhutanese heritage.
  3. Plan and facilitate learning activities that develop literacy, numeracy, scientific thinking, creativity and motor skills.
  4. Observe and assess children’s learning using appropriate tools to guide planning and support individual needs.
  5. Implement inclusive practices that respect diversity and enable meaningful participation for all children.
  6. Promote children’s health, nutrition, safety and emotional well-being through appropriate care and daily routines.
  7. Collaborate with families and communities to strengthen children’s learning and development.
  8. Use technology and reflective practice to develop learning resources and improve professional practice.

Who the Programme Is For

The programme is intended for practising ECCD facilitators who wish to strengthen their professional knowledge and skills while continuing to work. It supports participants in developing play-based, inclusive and culturally relevant approaches to early childhood care and education. Through residential learning, independent study, online engagement and activities in their own ECCD centres, participants connect theory with everyday practice to better support young children and collaborate effectively with families and communities.

Curriculum Structure

Year I ( Semester I )

Modules
  • ACS101 Academic Skills
  • EPR101 Children, family and the community
  • EPD101 Learning Environment

Year I ( Semester II )

Modules
  • APC101 Information Technology Literacy
  • EAS101 Child Development
  • EPD102 Learning Through Play

Year II ( Semester I )

Modules
  • EPD203 Assessing Young Children’s Learning
  • EAS202 Young Children’s Mathematical Thinking
  • EPR 202 Programming and Planning in Early Childhood Settings
  • EAS204 Young Children’s Scientific Thinking

Year II ( Semester II )

Modules
  • EAS203 Young Children’s Language and Literacy Development
  • EPD204 Creative Arts for Young Children
  • DZG101 -Dzongkha for Communication

Year III ( Semester I )

Modules
  • EPD305 Project Approach in Early Childhood Education
  • EPD306 Motor Development
  • EAS305 Inclusion in Early Childhood Education
  • EPD307 Technology in Early Childhood

Year III ( Semester II )

Modules
  • EPR304 Understanding Bhutanese Heritage
  • EAS306 Health and Nutrition
  • EAS307 Social and Emotional Learning in Early Childhood
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