Jamia to offer new courses in childhood development

Jamia Millia Islamia, in partnership with an NGO, will house a first-of-its kind Centre for Early Childhood Development and Research.

Jamia Millia Islamia, in partnership with an NGO, will house a first-of-its kind Centre for Early Childhood Development and Research.

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For the past one year, the varsity has been working closely with the non-governmental organisation, Save the Children, to develop the curriculum and eligibility criteria for the programmes on offer from coming academic year that starts in July.

Through diploma, masters, MPhil and PhD programmes, the centre aims to address the absence of early childhood development (ECD) professionals in the country.

“Through its courses, the centre hopes to focus on developing human resource, cutting-edge technology and policy formulation in ECD,” said Zubair Meenai, director of the centre.

To begin with, the centre will offer 15 seats for a two-year masters programme in Early Childhood Development. Students who have graduated in psychology, sociology, home science, social work are required to have a minimum of 50% marks to try for the ECD masters, while those from any other discipline will need at least 55% marks.

The masters programme will be followed by a six-month internship programme in child-care centres and hospitals.

The centre also aims to offer one-year diploma courses, apart from short sessions of 10-15 days.

“As we work closely with children, we found that we do not have enough research or champions in ECD. The course will especially focus on marginalised children and those who have suffered from some sort of trauma,” said Renu Singh, director of Save the Children.