Education

Master of Science in Early Childhood Assessment and Intervention

The Master of Science in Early Childhood Assessment and Intervention provides advanced training in early childhood development, developmental assessment, intervention strategies, and support for children with developmental needs. Students learn child development theory, developmental assessment tools, early intervention techniques, and family support. The programme is designed for education, psychology, and health graduates seeking advanced early childhood qualifications.

Students develop advanced competencies in early childhood development, developmental assessment, intervention design, special needs support, and family-centred practice. The curriculum covers child development theory, assessment methods, intervention strategies, research methods, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through supervised practicum and case studies.

Early childhood assessment expertise is critical for Kenya's education and health sectors. Schools, hospitals, NGOs, and child development organisations require trained early childhood specialists. Kenya's focus on early childhood development and inclusive education creates demand for assessment and intervention expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced early childhood training.

The programme combines classroom lectures with supervised practicum, case studies, and research. Students study child development, conduct developmental assessments, design interventions, and perform research. Teaching methods include lectures, practicum, case discussions, and research supervision. The programme prepares professionals for assessment and intervention roles.

Graduates find employment as early childhood specialists, developmental assessors, intervention specialists, or child development consultants in schools, hospitals, NGOs, and child development organisations. The master's degree supports careers in early childhood development, special needs education, and child assessment.

This programme is ideal for education, psychology, and health graduates seeking advanced early childhood assessment qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for developmental assessment, early intervention, and family support.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 246,000
Private, up to: Ksh 142,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Master

What you study

10 subjects

Child Development Theory
Developmental Assessment Methods
Early Intervention Strategies
Special Needs in Early Childhood
Family-Centred Practice
Play-Based Assessment and Therapy
Language and Communication Assessment
Research Methods
Child Psychology
Thesis Research

Modules

8 in the programme

Child Development Theory and Research
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Child development theory covering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development from birth to 6 years, and current research in early childhood development.
Developmental Assessment Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Developmental assessment covering screening tools, standardised assessments, observational assessment, play-based assessment, and assessment of developmental delays.
Early Intervention Strategies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Early intervention covering intervention design, evidence-based interventions, individualised family service plans, and intervention monitoring and evaluation.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, statistical analysis, child development research, and research ethics.
Special Needs in Early Childhood
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Special needs in early childhood covering developmental disorders, autism spectrum, learning difficulties, and inclusive early childhood practices.
Family-Centred Practice and Support
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Family-centred practice covering family assessment, parent guidance, family support interventions, and working with families of children with developmental needs.
Language and Communication Assessment
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Language and communication assessment covering speech and language development, communication disorders, and assessment of language and communication skills.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on an early childhood assessment or intervention topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to early childhood knowledge.

Specialisations

Developmental Assessment
Focus on developmental screening, standardised assessment tools, and comprehensive developmental evaluation.
Early Intervention
Focus on evidence-based intervention strategies for children with developmental delays and disabilities.
Special Needs Support
Focus on supporting children with special needs including autism, learning difficulties, and communication disorders.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on child development or assessment methods with afternoon practicum sessions and case study discussions. Students study child development concepts, conduct developmental assessments, design intervention plans, and perform research. Practicum provides hands-on experience with young children in educational and clinical settings. Case discussions develop analytical and intervention planning skills. Research projects connect students with real early childhood challenges. The programme emphasises assessment competence, intervention skills, and research capabilities.

The trade offs

In its favour

Early childhood development is a growing priority in Kenya with increasing demand for assessment professionals.
Combines assessment skills with intervention strategies, providing practical professional capabilities.
Relevant for professionals across education, health, psychology, and social work sectors.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university (private), limiting accessibility.
Specific fee data is not publicly available; estimate based on comparable programmes.
Career opportunities may be concentrated in urban areas with established child development services.

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

Public187k to 246k

187k at Moi University246k at Kenyatta University

Private116k to 142k

116k at Tangaza University142k at Mount Kenya 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 MEd 246K/yr (ku.ac.ke). Moi ~187K/yr (worldscholarshipforum). MKU 142K/yr, Tangaza 116K/yr (official sites).

HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. Tangaza University may offer institutional scholarships for qualifying students. Child development organisations may offer research grants.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities

Getting in

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

What you need

Alternative entry: Bachelor's degree with at least Upper Second Class Honours or its equivalent in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Health Sciences, or related field from a recognised university.

How you are assessed

3 components

Coursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of early childhood assessment and intervention concepts.
Practicum and Case Studies
Practical30% of the mark
Practicum assessments, case study evaluations, and practical assignments evaluating assessment and intervention skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in early childhood assessment or intervention, defended before an examination panel.

Accreditation

Tangaza University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MSc programme is accredited by CUE.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Tangaza University is chartered by CUE. MSc programme accredited by CUE.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Early Childhood Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Provides specialist early childhood assessment and intervention services in schools, hospitals, or child development centres.
Developmental Assessor
Moderate demand
Conducts developmental assessments for young children in hospitals, clinics, or assessment centres, identifying developmental needs and recommending interventions.
Intervention Specialist
Moderate demand
Designs and implements early intervention programmes for children with developmental delays in schools, NGOs, or private practice.
Child Development Consultant
Low demand
Provides consulting on child development, early intervention, and inclusive practices for schools, NGOs, and government agencies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as early childhood specialists, developmental assessors, and intervention specialists in schools, hospitals, NGOs, and child development organisations, with opportunities for child assessment and family support.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Early childhood assessment is just about testing children.
Early childhood assessment involves developmental screening, observational assessment, play-based assessment, and family-centred evaluation, not just standardised testing.
Intervention is only for children with severe disabilities.
Early intervention benefits children with a wide range of developmental needs, including mild delays, language difficulties, and social-emotional challenges.
Early childhood assessment has limited career opportunities.
Growing awareness of early childhood development in Kenya creates demand for assessment professionals in schools, hospitals, NGOs, and government.
This programme is only for teachers.
The programme is relevant for psychologists, social workers, health professionals, and anyone working with young children.