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ECCE: Top Colleges, Career Scope, Syllabus, & Other Details

Updated on 15 March, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

Are you considering pursuing an Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) program to help shape children's cognitive, socio-emotional, physical, and motor development in their early development years? 

Here's your guide on which institutions offer the course, how to carve out a career after pursuing it, and much more.

What is ECCE

ECCE full form is Early Childhood Care and Education, is a program developed for individuals interested in imparting social skills and knowledge to children in their early development phase (from birth to 6 years). This course prepares an individual to know about a child's physical, emotional, and social needs for firm development and the special care and attention needed for their nutrition, health, and education. The course is offered at bachelor's, master's, diploma, or PGD levels for one to three years. 

ECCE Highlights 

Particulars 

Details

Program nameEarly Childhood Care and Education
Degree offeredBA, MA, Diploma, PGD
Duration of the course1-3 years
Eligibility criteria
  • Must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board to apply for bachelor’s
  • Must have a  three or four-year bachelor’s degree to apply for master’s
Admission procedureOn the basis of merit or entrance examination
Top entrance exams

AUEE: Ambedkar University Entrance Examination

JMI EE: Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Examination 

Top collegesAll India Institute of Early Childhood Care and Education, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, SIES Institute of Comprehensive Education, Jamia Millia Islamia, Gitarattan Institute of Advanced Studies and Training
Career optionsChildcare Administrator, Teacher, Anganwadi Worker
Average salary₹1,50,000 - ₹4,80,000/year
Top recruitersEuro Kids, Kidzee, Kangaroo Kids, Little Elly, Kids Campus, Hello Kids, Smart Kidz, Little Einsteins 

ECCE Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for an ECCE course can vary depending on the institution offering the program. However, here are some standard eligibility criteria that are often required to pursue the program

  • Generally, candidates should have completed at least a high school education (10+2) or its equivalent. Some particular institutions can have some percentage requirements for selecting students.
  • Some institutions may have specific subject requirements or prefer candidates with a background in education, psychology, or related fields.
  • Should have a genuine interest in working with young children and fostering their development.
  • Some institutions may conduct interviews or require candidates to take an entrance exam to assess their suitability for the program.

ECCE Top Entrance Exams

There are a few ECCE entrance exams conducted by both government and private institutions, and they are as follows. 

  • Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Examination
  • Ambedkar University Entrance Examination
  • Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)
  • The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) conducts the National Institute of Open Schooling Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
  • Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) conducts the Maharashtra Nursery Teacher Eligibility Test (MNTET)

ECCE Syllabus 

Though the syllabus for ECCE differs across institutions, here is an overview of the syllabus that is generally followed for the program.

Course titleCourse curriculum
Understanding the child
  • Understanding our Childhood
  • Basic Concepts in Child Development
  • Needs and Rights of Children 
  • The Child: Development During Infancy and Toddlerhood 
  • The Child: Development During Preschool Years 
  • Special Needs of Children
Organizing ECCE institutions
  • Understanding Existing ECCE Institutions
  • Setting up ECCE Institutions
  • Running Effective ECCE Institutions
ECCE programme and activities
  • Importance of Play in Development 
  • Fostering Development Through Play (0-3 years) 
  • Fostering Development Through Play (3-6 years) 
  • Cautions and Precautions/Evaluating Young Children
  • Documenting Children's Progress 
Project work
  • Compulsory activities - Classroom Transaction & Classroom Management
  • Optional activities - Setting up a Child Care Centre, Observing Children, Developing Resource Material, Health & Nutrition, Inclusion of students with special needs 

ECCE Top Colleges 

There are many government and private colleges that offer the ECCE program for full-time or correspondence at bachelor’s, master’s, or diploma. Please note that the availability of specific ECCE programs may vary, and it's advisable to check the latest course offerings, faculty, and infrastructure of these institutions. Additionally, new colleges may have emerged, and existing ones may have undergone changes. 

Top Private Colleges

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)Trishna College of Paramedical and Polytechnic
Azim Premji UniversityCMJ University
SIES Institute of Comprehensive EducationBMN College, Muumbai

Top Government Colleges

Jamia Millia IslamiaIGNOU
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open UniversityDeen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University
All India Institute of Early Childhood Care and EducationYashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University

ECCE Career Scope

Career opportunities in ECCE have grown in importance and scope due to a better understanding of the crucial role early childhood experiences play in shaping a person's future. Here are some areas in which an individual can make their career. 

  • Schools and various academic institutions
  • Day care centres
  • Community centres
  • Children hospitals

How Much ECCE Professionals Earn in India

Job profiles

Average salary per year

Pre primary teacher₹2,30,000
Childcare provider₹1,50,000
Home tutor₹2,90,000
School counselor₹3,80,000
Education Consultant₹4,80,000

*as per ambitionbox.com 

How Much ECCE Professionals Earn Abroad

Job profiles

Average salary per year

Teacher’s aide$29,360
Childcare provider$35,084
Preschool teacher$46,355
Special education teacher$54,270
School counselor$57,888
Education Consultant$64,303

*as per Payscale

Pursuing and making a career in ECCE isn't just about preparing tomorrow's workforce, it's about nurturing the seeds of a brighter future today. By fostering healthy development and laying a foundation for lifelong learning, we empower children to thrive, not just survive. 

FAQs

What is the full form of ECCE?

The full form of ECCE in education is Early Childhood Care and Education. It prepares individuals to work with children from 0-8 years of age, help them learn essential life skills, and assess their progress. 

What are the top entrance exams for ECCE?

The top entrance exams for ECCE are AUEE: Ambedkar University Entrance Examination and JMI EE: Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Examination.

Who are the top recruiters for ECCE graduates?

Kidzee, Euro Kids, Kangaroo Kids, Little Elly, Kids Campus, Hello Kids, Smart Kidz, Little Einsteins are some of the top recruiters for ECCE graduates. 

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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