Can You Pursue ECDE with a D+? Understanding the Requirements and Opportunities

If you’re considering a career in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) in Kenya but are unsure about the entry requirements and what the program entails, this article is for you.

We’ll explore the minimum grades needed, the salary expectations, the duration of the program, and more.

Minimum Grade Requirements for ECDE Courses

To pursue ECDE, an applicant is expected to have obtained the following:

Diploma: KCSE Mean Grade C (Plain) for Diploma or Certificate D+.
Certificate: KCSE Mean Grade of D+ or D- / E with an Early Childhood Education certificate from a recognized institution.
Proficiency Level: Minimum of D- in KCSE exams.

Salary of ECDE Teachers in Kenya

With the revised salary structure, ECDE teachers in Kenya can expect the following:

Lowest Cadre: Sh25,220 up from Sh13,983.
Highest Cadre (Job Group K): Sh52,833 up from Sh30,227.

Duration of ECDE Degree

Each unit constitutes 45 contact hours.
To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Education in Early Years Education, a student must complete a total of 52 units.
The program must be completed within a minimum of four years and a maximum of eight years.

Salary Scale for ECDE Teachers in Kenya

Assistant ECDE Teacher III: Ksh7,836 to Ksh8,717.
Diploma Holders (Senior ECDE Teacher I with 15 years of experience): Ksh15,224 to Ksh19,064.

Colleges Offering ECDE Certificates in Kenya

Riara University Main Campus
Migori Teachers College Suna – Migori
Lukenya University Lukenya
Lukenya University Kibwezi
And more—ask around for a college in your locality

Is ECDE a Good Course?

Committing to an early childhood education career can lead to long-term benefits, from success in elementary school to potential lifelong earnings.

ECDE Syllabus

The ECD syllabus covers a two-year program for children aged 3 to 5, including learners with special educational needs.
It focuses on the total development of the child, encompassing physical, social, moral, cognitive, creative, and emotional development.

Teaching Junior Secondary with an ECDE Diploma

Teachers with degrees in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) are not eligible to teach at the junior secondary level in Kenya.

In conclusion, pursuing ECDE with a D+ is possible, and it can lead to a rewarding career in early childhood education. Consider your options carefully and choose a path that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) in Kenya

Q: Can I pursue ECDE with a D+?

A: Yes, you can pursue ECDE with a D+. To pursue ECDE, an applicant is expected to have obtained a KCSE Mean Grade C (Plain) for Diploma, Certificate D+, or Proficiency level KCPE OR D- / E.

Q: What is the minimum grade for a diploma in ECDE?

A: The minimum requirement for a diploma in ECDE is a mean grade of C- (minus) at KCSE OR a mean grade of D+ (Plus) at KCSE with an Early Childhood Education certificate from a recognized institution.

Q: What are the requirements for proficiency in ECDE in Kenya?

A: To enroll and study in an ECDE proficiency certificate program, a student should have a minimum of D- in their KCSE exams.

Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Education proficiency certificate, students will be able to identify key theories of child development.

Q: What is the salary of ECDE teachers in Kenya?

A: With the revised salary structure, ECDE teachers in Kenya will now be paid Sh25,220 up from Sh13,983 in the lowest cadre and the highest cadre will get Sh52,833 up from Sh30,227 in Job Group K.

Q: How long does an ECDE degree take?

A: Each unit constitutes 45 contact hours. To qualify for the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Education in Early Years Education, a student MUST successfully complete a total of 52 units.

A student must complete the program within a minimum of four years and a maximum of eight years.

Q: How much is an ECDE Diploma teacher paid in Kenya?

A: The new salary scale for ECDE teachers in Kenya is as follows: Assistant ECDE Teacher III is supposed to earn Ksh7,836 on the minimum and Ksh 8,717 on the maximum.

On the other hand, diploma holders (Senior ECDE Teacher I) with 15 years of experience will earn Ksh 15, 224 at the minimum and Ksh 19,064 at the maximum.

Q: Which colleges offer certificates in ECDE in Kenya?

A: Some universities and colleges in Kenya offering certificates in ECDE include Riara University Main Campus, Migori Teachers College Suna – Migori, Lukenya University Lukenya, Lukenya University Kibwezi, and more.

You can inquire around for a college in your locality.

Q: Is ECDE a good course?

A: Committing to an early childhood education career means you could help young learners reap long-term benefits, from success in elementary school to potential lifelong earnings.