If you’re passionate about working with children and want to build a career in early childhood education, the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) offered by IGNOU is the right path for you. This one-year diploma programme equips you with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to work effectively with children in various settings like pre-schools, anganwadis, and day-care centres.
The DECE programme by IGNOU’s School of Continuing Education is designed to train individuals to take up roles in early childhood care, education, and development. It focuses on understanding child behavior, nutrition, learning needs, and organizing child-care services with a holistic approach. It is ideal for teachers, caregivers, and individuals aspiring to enter the pre-primary education sector.
Subjects of the DECE Programme
Here is a detailed table of the subjects included in the DECE programme:
|
Course Code |
Title of the Course |
Type of Course |
No. of Credits |
|
DECE-1 |
Organizing Child Care Services |
Core |
8 Credits |
|
DECE-2 |
Child Health and Nutrition |
Core |
8 Credits |
|
DECE-3 |
Services and Programmes for Children |
Core |
8 Credits |
|
DECE-4 |
Project Work: Working with Young Children in a Child Care Setting |
Practical |
8 Credits |
|
Total Credits |
32 Credits |
Programme Type: Diploma Programme
Mode of Learning: Open and Distance Learning (ODL)
Duration
- Minimum Duration: 1 Year
- Maximum Duration: 3 Years
Medium of Instruction
- English
- Hindi
- Tamil
Specialization: Early Childhood Care and Education
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have:
- 10+2 qualification or its equivalent from a recognized board.
No prior experience or entrance test is required, making it accessible for freshers interested in working with children.
Fee Structure of DECE
- Programme Fee: ₹3,500/- (for the entire course)
- Additional Charges: Registration Fee + Development Fee (as per IGNOU norms)
Programme Coordinator Information
- Name: Prof. Rekha Sharma Sen
- Email: rekhasharmasen@ignou.ac.in
- Phone: 011-29572958
Study Material of DECE
Students enrolled in DECE receive self-instructional printed study materials as well as access to digital content via:
- eGyankosh (IGNOU’s digital library)
- IGNOU e-content mobile app
The materials include real-life case studies, practice assignments, and support for practical work through study centres.
Admission Process of DECE
You can apply for the DECE programme online through IGNOU’s official portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
- Register with your mobile number and email ID
- Fill out the online application and upload required documents
- Pay the course fee online
- Submit the form and save/print the confirmation page
Admission is offered in two cycles: January and July.
The Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) is a skill-focused, affordable, and flexible IGNOU programme aimed at empowering individuals who wish to contribute to child development and pre-primary education. Whether you’re a fresh 10+2 pass-out, an aspiring preschool teacher, or already working in child-care services, DECE provides the right blend of theory and practical knowledge to build a meaningful career in this field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What is IGNOU DECE?
Answer: DECE stands for Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education, a 1-year programme that prepares learners to work with children aged 0–6 years in care and educational settings.
Question: What are the career options after DECE?
Answer: Graduates can work as:
- Preschool teachers
- Anganwadi workers
- Child care coordinators
- Child development assistants
- NGO workers in child welfare projects
Question: Is DECE recognized by the government?
Answer: Yes, IGNOU is a UGC-recognized national open university. DECE is accepted in both public and private institutions across India.
Question: Can I do DECE without any prior experience?
Answer: Absolutely! Anyone who has passed 10+2 or equivalent is eligible to apply for the programme.
Question: Is there any practical component in DECE?
Answer: Yes, DECE-4 involves project work with children in a real-world child care setting.
Question: In which languages is DECE available?
Answer: The programme is available in English, Hindi, and Tamil mediums.