Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECTE)

Description of the Programme
Early Childhood Development & Education (E.C.D.E) course is meant to produce teachers specialized in training children. Graduates are best suited to teach in kindergarten and nursery schools besides working in other children’s’ facilities. Students will acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to enable them understand the growth and development of the children in order to contribute towards the child’s holistic development prior to joining to joining primary school. The curriculum includes comprehensive training in languages and communication, basic mathematics, children development, human and child rights, psychology and administration.

Admission Requirements

1. A holder of Kenya Certificate of secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum aggregate performance of C, or equivalent.
2. Holders of a recognized certificate in Early childhood Education with at least two years teaching experience and KCSE minimum grade C- or its approved equivalent.

Course Duration
2 years

Career and Employment Opportunities
Graduate roles include teaching, coordination, management, administration, evaluation, etc. common job types include Pre-primary teacher, Early Childhood Education Content Developer, Academic Coordinator, Center Coordinator, Teaching Assistant, Care Taker etc.

Potential Employers
Graduates work in:

• National and County Governments
• Child-care centers
• Pre-schools
• Nursery schools
• Kindergartens
• Day-care centers
• Children’s hospitals e.g. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, AIC-CURE International Children’s Hospital, Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital
• Early Childhood Education consultancy firms such as
• Community health centers
• Children’s homes
• NGOs
• International organizations like Save the Children, UNHCR, UNICEF, UN Children’s Fund etc.

Institution offering the programme
University of Nairobi

Related/Similar Programmes

Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education
Institution: Kenyatta University

Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Primary
Institution: Karatina University

Diploma in Early Childhood Development and Education
Institutions: Chukka University and East Africa Institute of Certified Studies

Academic Progression
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary Education)