Jamia Millia Islamia University started its Early Childhood Devlopment (ECD) Centre for the growth of children in their early childhood age. The early years of childhood are the most formative time for growth and development. By age three, 80% of synaptic connections are already made between the brain and the body. Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a discipline, which integrates health, nutrition, cognitive and psychosocial development of children. Lately, there has been more awareness about ECD in academia and state policies.
    Jamia Millia Islamia Universitystarts this child development plan in collaboration with Save the Children, an NGO, has established an early childhood development centre, which offers a postgraduate degree programme in ECD. The Early Child Development centre works in bridging the gaps between theory, research, policy and practice through research, advocacy and capacity building.
    The field of child development was neglected in our country for long, but internationally the concept was strong. With the government recently framing policies on integrated child development, we thought of having a dedicated Master’s programme on the subject.
    The course is open to all with a Bachelor’s degree in child development, home science, psychology, with 50% marks or a Bachelor’s degree in any other stream with an aggregate of 55%. The student intake is 20.
    Unlike other child development programmes, we have research and training as two major components of the course. We offer hands-on training to students to carry out ECD activities and understand children in their sociocultural context. We are looking at the child from all perspectives including community, society and the nation-state.
    It is important to have trained professionals to develop curriculum for children below the primary level. The career opportunities after the course are varied and mostly linked to developmental organisations and research.
    “As after the launch of child development schemes, there is an urgent need for ECD-trained professionals in the government, NGOs and private sector, students can opt for research, supervision of ECD programmes, managing projects at various levels, turn entrepreneurs by setting up their own ECD programmes, and even write for child right issues or join disability and inclusive education organisations.”
    However, Sen believes there is a need for more men to join the field and as the programme is open to both men and women, it will bring a change in how people look at child development.
    “As for the future, it is still in a nascent stage and the placements have to be worked upon. Also, a lot of things depend on students’ response. We are planning to go in for distance mode and even blended learning soon. Besides, we may begin a PhD course in the next academic session as well,” concludes Sen.