The ECD at the KIU was primarily established with the rationale to provide quality care and education for the children of KIU employees and to motivate the female students of Gilgit-Baltistan to pursue higher education. The center addresses the needs of its clients in two ways:
- It offers educational and daycare services to the children of the students and employees
- It offers a research laboratory to students to conduct their academic practicum.
Since its inception, the university has made tremendous efforts to facilitate its female students to pursue higher education through different measures. The establishment of the ECDC within the premises of the university is one of the strategies to motivate the female students to continue their education until the tertiary level. The center aims to provide quality care to those children whose mothers are either students or employees of KIU.
The center has its own building with three large rooms in addition to one room for napping, one kitchen a small playground and three restrooms for the kids. The human resources of the center comprises of a Coordinator, one ECD teacher and two ayas/nannies. The day care offers services to infants and toddlers aging five months to two and a half years. In addition, the center admits children aging two and a half to five years in preschool. Currently, a total of 44 students are enrolled out of which 22 are in daycare and 22 in preschool.
The Early Childhood Program is a model center promoting student success through parent involvement, professional development and a collaborative environment committed to the wellbeing of students. We excel at providing opportunities for all children to learn together. We are a welcoming and supportive resource for families. Our success is realized in the growth and development of children and families.