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Diploma in Early Childhood Education

The Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) is a KNEC-examined programme that trains individuals to teach and care for children aged birth to eight years in pre-primary and early primary settings. The programme is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

Duration
2 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 93,200
Ksh 186,400 total
Private tuition
Ksh 116,100
Ksh 232,200 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 93,200 a year at a public institution, Ksh 186,400 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 116,100 a year at a private one.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C or above, plus 2 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 2 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

Trainees develop competencies in child development, early learning pedagogy, curriculum design, play-based learning, assessment, special needs support, and child protection. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with extensive practicum in early childhood development centres and pre-primary schools.

Kenya's education sector has prioritised early childhood development under the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), creating demand for qualified early childhood educators. The programme supports the Ministry of Education's universal pre-primary education goals.

The course is delivered through classroom sessions, micro-teaching, and supervised teaching practice in ECD centres and pre-primary schools. Trainees develop practical skills in classroom management, activity planning, and child assessment.

Graduates can work as ECD teachers, pre-primary teachers, ECD centre managers, or child care coordinators in schools, ECD centres, and child care organisations. The programme provides a foundation for progression to Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood).

This programme is suitable for individuals with a KCSE mean grade of C (plain) who have a passion for working with young children. It provides professional qualifications for teaching in Kenya's early childhood education sector.

What you study

8 subjects
  • Child Development
  • Early Learning Pedagogy
  • Curriculum Design
  • Play-Based Learning
  • Child Assessment
  • Special Needs Support
  • Child Protection
  • ECD Centre Management

Modules

8 in the programme

  • Child Development and Psychology

    Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore

    Covers child development theories, developmental milestones, cognitive development, and psychological principles for children birth to eight years.

  • Curriculum Design and Development

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Introduces curriculum design principles for early childhood education and the CBC curriculum designs for pre-primary.

  • Teaching and Learning Methods

    Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore

    Covers play-based learning, activity-based teaching methods, and age-appropriate pedagogical approaches for young children.

  • Assessment in Early Childhood

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Develops skills in assessing children's learning and development using observation, portfolios, and developmental checklists.

  • Special Needs and Inclusive Education

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers identification and support of children with special needs, inclusive teaching practices, and referral systems.

  • Child Health, Nutrition and Safety

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Covers child health, nutrition, safety practices, hygiene, and common childhood illnesses in ECD settings.

  • Child Protection and Rights

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsCore

    Covers child rights, child protection policies, reporting procedures, and safeguarding in ECD environments.

  • ECD Centre Management

    Year 1Semester 12 creditsElective

    Introduces ECD centre management including administration, record keeping, parent engagement, and resource management.

Specialisations

  • Pre-Primary Teaching

    Focuses on teaching PP1 and PP2 under the CBC curriculum.

  • Infant and Toddler Care

    Specialises in care and education for children birth to three years.

  • Special Needs ECD

    Covers early intervention and inclusive education for children with special needs.

  • ECD Management

    Focuses on managing and administering ECD centres and programmes.

A day as a student

A typical day includes morning theory on child development or pedagogy, followed by afternoon practicum in ECD centres where trainees plan and deliver activities, observe children, and practise classroom management under supervision.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
High demand for ECD teachers under Kenya's CBC reform.Working with young children requires patience and high energy levels.
Rewarding work shaping children's foundational learning and development.ECD teacher salaries may be lower than primary and secondary teacher salaries.
Clear progression to Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood).—

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 243 education courses
Public72k to 93k
72k at Public Teacher Training Colleges (DECTE standardised rate)93k at Kenyatta University
Private89k to 116k
89k at Mount Kenya University116k at Kabarak University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

KU 93K, TTCs 72K/yr (victormatara, educationnewshub). MKU 89K, Kabarak 116K/yr.

HELB TVET loans, KUCCPS capitation, and county bursaries are available for eligible students.

Funding options

  • HELB TVET Loan

  • KUCCPS Government Capitation

  • County Bursary

Scholarships

2 recorded

  • HELB TVET Loan

    LoanKsh 50,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students enrolled in TVET institutions

  • KUCCPS Government Capitation

    ScholarshipKsh 30,000Kenyan

    KUCCPS-placed students in public TVET institutions

Scholarships you could apply for

1 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
Cminimum entry
Alternative entry

Passed Certificate in Early Childhood Education or equivalent.

Subject requirements
EnglishC-
MathematicsD

When it next starts

Taught at 2 institutions
January 20272 institutions

Including ICS Technical College, Shanzu Teachers Technical Training College.

May 20272 institutions

Including ICS Technical College, Shanzu Teachers Technical Training College.

September 20272 institutions

Including ICS Technical College, Shanzu Teachers Technical Training College.

How you are assessed

3 components

  • KNEC Module I Examination

    Written examination70% of the mark

    Module I theory examination covering child development and pedagogy.

  • KNEC Module II Examination

    Written examination70% of the mark

    Module II theory and practical examination covering curriculum and teaching practice.

  • Teaching Practice Assessment

    Practicum30% of the mark

    Assessment of teaching practice in ECD centres and pre-primary schools.

Accreditation

  • Kenya National Examinations Council

    AcademicRequired

    KNEC examines and certifies the Diploma in Early Childhood Development Education.

  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority

    AcademicRequired

    TVETA accredits institutions offering ECD education programmes.

Examined by KNEC and accredited by TVETA. Curriculum designs developed by KICD. Graduates must register with TSC to teach in public schools.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

  • ECD Teacher

    High demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 55,000

    Teaches children in pre-primary and ECD centres using play-based and activity-based learning methods.

  • Pre-Primary Teacher

    High demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 50,000

    Teaches pre-primary classes (PP1 and PP2) under the Competency Based Curriculum in schools.

  • ECD Centre Manager

    Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 65,000

    Manages ECD centres including staff supervision, curriculum implementation, and parent liaison.

  • Child Care Coordinator

    Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 60,000

    Coordinates child care programmes and services for child care organisations and NGOs.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as ECD teachers and pre-primary teachers in schools, ECD centres, and child care organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • ECD teaching is just babysitting.

    ECD teaching involves structured pedagogy, child development knowledge, curriculum design, and professional assessment.

  • Anyone can teach young children without training.

    Professional training ensures age-appropriate pedagogy, child safety, and developmental support.

  • ECD teachers are not real teachers.

    ECD teachers are registered with TSC and play a critical role in foundational learning under CBC.

  • There is no career progression in ECD.

    Graduates can progress to Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) and advanced qualifications.

Further reading

Read next