Postgraduate Diploma in Child Development
The Postgraduate Diploma in Child Development (PGDCD) is a programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in child development, child psychology and child welfare. Offered at Daystar University through the Institute of Child Development, the programme prepares professionals to understand and support the holistic development of children.
The curriculum covers child development theories, child psychology, early childhood development, child welfare and protection, child rights, child assessment and intervention, family studies, parenting and caregiving, child nutrition and health, children at risk, research methods and practicum. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in child development and child welfare.
The programme responds to the growing need for trained child development professionals who can work with children in diverse settings, including schools, children's homes, community organisations and government agencies. It provides a comprehensive foundation for those serving children, especially vulnerable and at-risk children.
The programme is delivered through evening classes at the Nairobi Campus, making it accessible to working professionals. Students gain practical experience through a supervised practicum in a child development setting.
Graduates pursue careers as child development officers, child protection officers, programme coordinators for children's organisations, child welfare consultants and early childhood development specialists in NGOs, children's homes, schools and government agencies. They can also progress to a Master of Arts in Child Development at Daystar University.
Prospective students should have a background in a relevant field and interest in child development and child welfare. The programme is suitable for teachers, social workers, counsellors and professionals working with children.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Private, up to
- Ksh 338,700
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Part-time, Evening
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 20 students
- Award
- Postgraduate Diploma
What you study
6 subjects- Child Development Theories and Child Psychology
- Early Childhood Development and Child Assessment
- Child Welfare, Protection and Child Rights
- Family Studies and Parenting and Caregiving
- Child Nutrition and Health and Children at Risk
- Research Methods and Practicum in Child Development
Modules
6 in the programmeChild Development Theories and Child Psychology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers child development theories, developmental psychology, cognitive development, social and emotional development, attachment theory and developmental milestones.
Early Childhood Development and Child Assessment
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers early childhood development, early learning, child assessment methods, developmental screening, observation techniques and intervention planning.
Child Welfare, Protection and Child Rights
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers child welfare, child protection, child abuse and neglect, child rights, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Kenyan Children's Act and child protection systems.
Family Studies and Parenting and Caregiving
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers family systems, family dynamics, parenting styles, caregiving practices, family support interventions and working with families of at-risk children.
Child Nutrition and Health and Children at Risk
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers child nutrition, child health, growth monitoring, children at risk, vulnerable children, street children, orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Research Methods and Practicum in Child Development
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods in child development, research design, data collection with children and a supervised practicum in a child development setting.
Specialisations
Child Protection
Focuses on child protection and safeguarding for careers as child protection officers.
Early Childhood Development
Specialises in early childhood development and assessment for careers in early childhood programmes.
Children at Risk
Focuses on vulnerable and at-risk children for careers in children's homes and rescue centres.
Family Support
Specialises in family studies and parenting support for careers in family support services.
A day as a student
A typical day involves evening classes at the Nairobi Campus, covering topics such as child development theories, child assessment or child protection. Sessions include case discussions, child observation exercises, research seminars and group presentations on contemporary issues in child development and welfare.
The trade offs
In its favour
- The programme is offered through the specialised Institute of Child Development at Daystar University.
- Graduates can progress to a Master of Arts in Child Development at Daystar University.
- Child development expertise is in demand across NGOs, schools and government agencies.
Against it
- The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.
- Evening-only delivery at Nairobi Campus may not suit all students.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 188 arts & humanities coursesAnnual 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
AIU 95.5K/sem=191K/yr, Daystar 112.9K/tri=338.7K/yr (thekenyatimes, daystar.ac.ke).
Students can access HELB loans for postgraduate study. Daystar University may offer internal bursaries. Child-focused NGOs may sponsor professionals pursuing child development training.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited postgraduate programmes at recognised institutions
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C+
- Alternative entry
- Bachelor's degree with minimum GPA 2.75 on 4.00 scale, or First Class/Upper Second Honours, or GPA 2.5 with Higher Diploma and relevant experience.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering child development theories, child psychology, child welfare and child protection.
Case Studies and Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of child development case studies, child observation reports, intervention plans and group presentations.
Research Project
Project40% of the mark
A child development research project, assessed through a written report and presentation.
Practicum Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during supervised practicum in a child development setting.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Daystar University, Institute of Child Development.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Daystar University, Institute of Child Development.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesChild Development Officer
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 200,000
Assesses child development needs, designs and implements child development programmes, supports children's holistic development and works with families in NGOs and community organisations.
Child Protection Officer
Moderate demandKsh 48,000 to Ksh 210,000
Investigates child protection cases, supports child abuse prevention, coordinates child protection services and advocates for child rights in government and NGO settings.
Programme Coordinator (Children)
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 220,000
Coordinates children's programmes, manages project implementation, monitors outcomes and supports programme design in children's organisations and NGOs.
Child Welfare Consultant
Low demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 230,000
Provides consultancy on child welfare issues, supports organisational child safeguarding policies, conducts child welfare assessments and advises on best practices.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as child development officers, child protection officers and programme coordinators in NGOs, children's homes, schools and government agencies.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Child development is just about teaching young children.
Child development covers child psychology, child welfare, child protection, child rights, family studies and intervention, addressing the holistic needs of children from birth through adolescence.
A postgraduate diploma in child development is only for teachers.
The programme is designed for social workers, counsellors, child protection officers and anyone working with children, not just teachers.
Child development is only about early childhood.
Child development spans the entire period from birth through adolescence, covering physical, cognitive, social and emotional development at every stage.
Working with children is easy and doesn't require specialised training.
Professional child development work requires understanding of developmental psychology, assessment techniques, intervention strategies, child protection protocols and ethical practice.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Postgraduate Diploma in Child Development are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.