Introduction

Early childhood education is the first phase of education including play group, nursery or Montessori school education to grade 3. B.Ed. (Hons.) Early Childhood Care and Education degree program at Virtual University of Pakistan is designed to equip prospective teachers with holistic and multidimensional understanding of the child, teaching strategies and an in-depth knowledge of educational challenges for early childhood education. The core objective of this program is to raise the content knowledge and equip prospective teachers in the area of child growth and development and the best ways to foster children's cognitive, physical, emotional and social development. It will also prepare the students for managing ECCE programs in an effective way and help them establish their own ECCE schools.

Program Objectives

The program will help to prepare teachers who will:

1. Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual and help children achieve their full growth and potential in all aspects.
2. Know the fundamentals of holistic child development and to be sensitive about the significance of health care and nutrition for children.
3. Be proficient in theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding the principles of Early Childhood Care and Education.
4. Have mastery over pedagogical skills, modern teaching methodologies, and use of communication and instructional technology.
5. Recognize that children are best understood in the context of family, culture, and society and work for developing close ties between the child and society.
6. Be skillful in research, self-reflection and continuous evaluation of their experiences during the program.

Admission Eligibility Criteria

Intermediate (equivalent to 12 years of education) with at least 45% marks

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education are eligible for admission in 5th Semester. However, the candidates having deficiency in courses, as determined by the Virtual University, will have to successfully complete those courses before registration in the 5th Semester.

Note

• Candidates having ‘A’ levels are required to provide equivalence certificate from Inter Board Committee of Chairman (IBCC), Islamabad. (http://www.ibcc.edu.pk/)
• Candidates having less than 45% marks will be eligible for admission after successful completion of “Zero  Semester”.

Course Exemption

Course exemption is allowed.

Duration

It is a four-year full-time study program spread over eight semesters. Each semester has at least 18 weeks duration for teaching and examinations etc.
Degree Completion Duration

Courses of Study

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Assessment of Study Progress

The students’ study progress evaluation mechanism is based on continuous assessment throughout the semester by giving assignments, on-line quizzes, graded discussion board (GDB), mid-term and final term exams including teaching practice for B.Ed. (Hons.) The mid-term and final term exams are conducted at VU’s designated centers and usually count for 80 to 85% of the total marks for a course.

Teaching Practices

Students are required to complete the teaching practice of 15 credit hours during B Ed. Hons. Early Childhood Care and Education (4 years) program.

Note: Teaching practice can be held in public and private elementary schools, and pre-schools.

Research Project

Research Project of 6 credit hours is a compulsory requirement for the completion of the degree. Students may select research topics of their choice with the approval of the student advisor/ supervisor. Students have to submit a detailed write-up of the Project and may be required to give a presentation.

Award of Degree

From Fall 2021, to be eligible for the award of B Ed. Hons. Early Childhood Care and Education (4 years) degree, the student is required to complete at least 146 credit hours with minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.00 out of 4.00.
Whereas, for all previously enrolled batches, the students are required to complete at least 141 credit hours with minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 out of 4.00

Fee Structure

As per University policy
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Disclaimer!

• The courses may be revised time to time as a result of continuous review to bring them at par with courses being taught at top-class foreign universities. While reviewing the courses, needs of local industry and job market are also given full consideration.
• The University reserves the right to change fee structure from time to time.