New Intake – Application will be opened soon.

Early childhood is a critical period that shapes a child’s future learning, behaviour, and well-being. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the developmental needs and care of young children, typically from birth to eight years old. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to foster healthy growth, development, and well-being in early childhood. The programme is intended for aspiring early childhood educators, childcare providers, preschool assistants, caregivers, parents, and individuals who wish to pursue or enhance a career in early childhood care and education.
By completing this programme, learners gain valuable opportunities to pursue roles in early childhood care and education, enhance their professional competence, and make a meaningful contribution to the healthy development of children, families, and communities.

Conducted By

  • Faculty of Education – University of Colombo
  • Centre for Open & Distance Learning – University of Colombo

Credits & Learning Hours

Credits: 03

Lecture Hours

39 hours
13 sessions of 3 hours each
Independent Learning Hours 105 hours
Assessment Hours 6 hours
Total Learning Hours 150 hours

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the Course,the students will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of child developmentto create age-appropriate learning environments that support the cognitive, emotional, and physical growth of young children.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of health, safety, and nutritional practicesthat promote the well-being of children in early childhood settings.
  3. Design and implement effective play-based learning activitiesthat foster creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction among young children.
  4. Engage with families and communitiesto support children’s learning and development, fostering inclusive practices that address diverse needs.

Entry Criteria

Applicants should have:

  • a minimum of six passes in the GCE (Ordinary Level) examination, including a Credit pass for English

OR

  • a minimum of six passes in the GCE (Ordinary Level) examination with any other English qualification accepted by the Department of Psychological Education, Faculty of Education  (i.e. 5.0 or above marks for IELTS examination etc).

The Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education reserves the right to accept or reject applications based on the number of applicants.

Lecture Panel

Prof. Manjula Vithanapathirana

manjulaV

Chair of Educational Psychology
Department of Educational Psychology
Faculty of Education

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Prof. Samudra Senarath

samudraS

Professor & Psychologist
Department of Educational Psychology
Faculty of Education

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Dr. N.M.M. Safeek

safeek

Head, Senior Lecturer
Department of Educational Psychology
Faculty of Education

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Dr. J.M. Jeevan Obesekara

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Community Medical Officer
Colombo District

Ms. R.D. Niroshini

niroshini

Senior Lecturer
Department of Educational Psychology
Faculty of Education

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Ms. S. Yogarani

yogarani

Senior Lecturer
Department of Educational Psychology
Faculty of Education

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Ms. Inoka Erandeniya

enoka

Senior Lecturer
Department of Educational Psychology
Faculty of Education

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Mr. Chinthaka Chandrakumara

chinthaka

Senior Lecturer
Department of Educational Psychology
Faculty of Education

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Ms. P.K.S.S. Thilakarathna

thilakaratne

Senior Lecturer
Department of Educational Psychology
Faculty of Education

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Ms. Udshini Perera

udeshini

Senior Lecturer
Department of Educational Psychology
Faculty of Education

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Lecturer Name

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Designation
Faculty/ Department/ Centre

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Lecturer Name

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Designation
Faculty/ Department/ Centre

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Teaching/ Learning Method(s)

The Course will be conducted via online lectures and through the Learning Management System (LMS).

  • Online sessions – Q & A and/or Lecture Sessions
  • Pre-recorded Lectures
  • Tutorial/Reading Activity

Assessment Criteria

To be eligible for the Certificate in Early Childhood Development, participants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Successfully complete six continuous assessments conducted throughout the Course AND
  2. Obtain a minimum of 50% in each continuous assessment AND
  3. Achieve an overall average of 60% or above across all continuous assessments AND
  4. Maintain a minimum attendance of 80% during the Course.

Course Fee

Application Fee Rs. 500
Registration Fee Rs. 2,000
Course Fee Rs. 30,000

Payment Procedure & Details

  • Bank Deposit.

    Payments CANNOT be made via Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) and Online Apps.

    Account Name: University of Colombo – Main collection account
    Account Number: 322090200008
    Bank Name: People’s Bank
    Branch Name: Thimbirigasyaya
    Branch Code: 086

How to Apply

Required Documents:

  • Certified true copy of NIC/ Passport
  • Certified true copy of your G.C.E. (Ordinary Level) Result
  • Certified true copies of any other English Qualifications (If any)
  • Bank Payment slip for the Application fee

Procedure:

  1. Pay the Application Fee Rs. 500/=. Find Payment Details & Procedure Here.
  2. Apply using ONLY ONE of the following methods:

Google Form:

    • Get the scanned copies of above documents.
    • Go to the Google Form.
    • Fill, attach the scanned copies and submit.

Email:

    • Get the scanned copies of above documents.
    • Download the Application Form, & edit.
    • Attach the Application Form and the scanned copies and send to: courses@codl.cmb.ac.lk
      Please mention “Certificate Course in Early Childhood Development” as the subject of the email.

Registered Post:

    • Download the Application Form, edit & print.
    • Post the application form with the above mentioned documents to:
      Senior Assistant Registrar,
      Centre for Open and Distance Learning, University of Colombo,
      Cumarathunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo 03.
      Please write “Certificate Course in Early Childhood Development” at the top left corner of the envelope

Admission Process

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Frequency of Intakes

Annual/ monthly / per six months/ around January yearly etc.

Average No. of Students per Batch

Average No. of Students per Batch

External/Internal Collaborator(s)

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Course Organizer(s)/ Coordinator(s)

Name Designation Email Phone

Course Statistics

Batch Number of Awardees

COURSE CODE | CCECD
DURATION | 3Months
MEDIUM | English
MODE | Online
FEE | Rs. 30,000

Download Student Handbook
Certificate Course in Early Childhood Development – 2nd Batch Launched Successfully

Certificate Course in Early Childhood Development – 2nd Batch Launched Successfully

The Center for Open and Distance Learning (CODL), University of Colombo is pleased to announce the successful launch of the 2nd batch of the Certificate Course in Early Childhood Development. The programme was inaugurated on 9th January 2026, with lectures commencing on 10th January 2026. The batch consists of 54 students. This certificate course, conducted…