Academic Programmes

The Advanced Diploma is an in-service, multi-disciplinary, postgraduate programme. It is design ed to prepare professionals engaged in health, education and social development sectors for the development of Early Childhood Development (ECD) strategies through a critical examination of current knowledge and practices. The courses have been designed for managers in health, education and other social services in government, non-government and international development organisations. The courses would be useful also for community development workers and planners who are concerned with home-based or community-based programmes for pregnant women, young children and their families in health care and education settings.

Learning Objectives

• To apply the understanding that early experiences, determined by the social context, give shape to the brain and biological development, and set life long trajectories for learning, behaviour and health.
• To plan for sustainable, community-based integrated ECD services that can make a difference in the survival, growth and development prospects of children, create equitable opportunities for women, contribute to community mobilisation and social change and improve the human capital of the population.
• To work in a team and collaborate with professionals in several disciplines, donors and organisations in promoting effective ECD services that are grounded in community realities.
• To demonstrate how ECD programmes can promote the human rights of all children.
• To develop self-awareness of personal values, critical thinking skills and the ability to reflect on and analyse immediate environments within a larger societal context.

Course I: From Early Child Development to Human Development: Integrating Perspectives

Course II: Early Child Development Practice, Programmes and Policies

Course III: An Introduction to Research in Early Child Development: Methodology, Analysis and Reporting

Modes of Study
Each course extends over approximately five to six months and requires the following modes of study:

• Self-study (four to six weeks)
• Seminars at AKU in Karachi (two to three weeks)
• Early Child Development project (three to four months)

The Self Study component is facilitated by a Virtual Learning Environment that allows an interactive process.

Timetable 2008-09

Entry Requirements
Participants should have a four-year Bachelors degree or a two-year Bachelors degree with two years of ECD-related experience, fluency in English, familiarity with computer applications including accessing, information via the Internet and the ability to understand smile data analysis.