Short Course on Early Childhood Development

The department of Early Childhood and Primary Education of the Faculty of Education of the Open University of Sri Lanka offers many programmes. At present there is a high concern on developing Early Childhood Education and enhancing the development of children from early years. Therefore, the department has developed short course to obtain knowledge and skills to cater to the specific needs of their children and facilitate their holistic development.

Target Group

Teachers who are working as preschool teachers, Care givers who are conducting Day Care Centers as well as Parents who want to improve knowledge on children and who are interested in field of Early Childhood Education.

Objective of the course

This short course will enable participants to:

• Identify the main aspects of total development of a child
• Enhance their knowledge and skills to maintain a safe and facilitating environment for Early Childhood Development.
• Enhance their knowledge and skills to ensure the conditions for the child care and stimulation of the Early Childhood Development.

Course outcomes

On completion of this short course the participants will acquire the knowledge and skills to Analyze total development of Early Childhood Children.
Apply effective strategies to enhance the development of children in early childhood years.

Structure of the Course

The short course consists of 10 (Ten) compulsory workshops. Workshops will be conducted only during weekends. This course will be offered in the Sinhala, Tamil and English medium.

1. The developing child: An overview

2. Physical development of children in early childhood

3. Social and emotional development in early childhood

4. Cognitive development in early childhood

5. Development of young children’s environmental awareness

6. Development of young children’s language and early literacy skills

7. Personality development

8. Facilitating learning in the preschool and the home environment

9. Development of children’s creative arts abilities and aesthetic appreciation

10. Monitoring child development and preparing children for the smooth transition to formal school