DECE – Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (IGNOU Admission 2026)

🔎 Quick Overview

• Programme Name: Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE)
• Programme Type: Diploma
• University: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
• School: School of Continuing Education
• Mode of Study: Open Distance Learning (ODL)
• Duration: Minimum 1 Year (maximum 2–4 years)
• Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent
• Medium of Instruction: English, Hindi, Odia, Tamil
• Total Credits: 32
• Programme Fee: ₹3,500 + Registration & Development Fee (as applicable)
• Admission Session: January 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 31 January 2026
• Official Portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in

📘 About the DECE Programme

The Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) is a professionally designed programme by IGNOU aimed at developing knowledge, skills, and practical understanding related to the care and education of children from birth to 6 years of age.

Early childhood is the most critical phase of human development. Through this diploma, learners are trained to support children’s physical, emotional, social, language, and cognitive development in a structured and age-appropriate manner.

The programme follows IGNOU’s Open Distance Learning (ODL) model, making it suitable for working professionals, caregivers, and learners who cannot attend regular classroom courses.

👉 Candidates can also check for Live & Upcoming Government Examinations here

👥 Who Should Apply for DECE?

This course is especially suitable for:

• Preschool / Nursery school teachers
• Anganwadi and Balwadi workers
• Creा Childcare centre staff
• Creche and daycare workers
• Managers or supervisors of ECCE centres
• Parents interested in understanding child development
• Freshers planning a career in early childhood education

No prior teaching experience is mandatory.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board
• No age limit for admission
• No minimum marks requirement specified

This makes DECE accessible to a wide range of learners.

📅 Important Dates – January 2026 Cycle (Official)

• Admission Session: January 2026
• Last Date for Online Application: 31 January 2026
• Application Mode: Online only

Dates are as per the official IGNOU Admission Portal for ODL Programmes.

⏳ Duration & Flexibility

• Minimum Duration: 1 Year
• Maximum Duration: Up to 2–4 Years

IGNOU allows learners to complete the programme flexibly, which is helpful for working professionals.

💰 DECE Fee Structure

• Programme Fee: ₹3,500 (for the full diploma)
• Additional Charges: Registration Fee & Development Fee (as per IGNOU rules)
• Exam Fee: Paid separately while filling the Term-End Examination form

All payments are made online through the official portal.

📚 Programme Structure & Subjects

The DECE diploma consists of 32 credits, divided into four compulsory courses:

1. Organising Child Care Services
   – Basics of child development and childcare organisation
2. Child Health and Nutrition
   – Health care practices, nutrition, and child safety
3. Services and Programmes for Children
   – Understanding government and community-based child programmes
4. Project Work
   – Practical exposure and application of learning

Each course carries 8 credits.

🧠 Skills & Learning Outcomes

After completing DECE, learners will be able to:

• Understand stages of early childhood development
• Plan age-appropriate activities for young children
• Address basic health, nutrition, and safety needs
• Support emotional and social development
• Work effectively in childcare and preschool environments

💼 Career Scope After DECE

After successful completion, candidates may work as:

• Preschool / Nursery Teacher
• Early Childhood Care Assistant
• Anganwadi / Balwadi Worker
• Childcare Centre Staff or Supervisor
• Programme Assistant in NGOs and child welfare organisations

Important:
DECE is meant for early childhood care roles and does not replace formal teacher training qualifications required for primary school teaching under NCTE norms.

📝 How to Apply (Official IGNOU Process)

1. Visit ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
2. Click on New Registration
3. Complete registration and login
4. Fill in personal & academic details
5. Upload required documents
6. Pay the fee online
7. Submit the application and download confirmation

📌 Final Note

The IGNOU DECE Diploma is a government-recognised, affordable, and flexible programme for anyone interested in early childhood care and education. With official January 2026 admissions open and a confirmed last date of 31 January 2026, eligible candidates should apply early to secure admission.

🔗 Official Links

• Official Admission Link : DECE Admission
• Official Site : Ignou.ac.in

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