NEW DELHI – Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has launched a new two-semester advanced diploma course in child guidance and counselling. The program, offered by the Department of Psychology, received accreditation from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). An orientation program recently welcomed the first batch of students to the course.
The diploma aims to train professionals in child counselling, addressing a growing demand for specialized guidance in the field. This course positions JMI among a limited number of central universities offering similar RCI-accredited programs.
RCI Accreditation and Program Structure
The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) accreditation ensures the diploma meets national standards for training rehabilitation professionals. RCI is a statutory body in India responsible for regulating training policies and programs for persons with disabilities and rehabilitation services. This accreditation signifies the course curriculum and faculty expertise align with established professional guidelines.
The advanced diploma is structured over two semesters, focusing on practical skills for child guidance and counselling. It covers essential areas necessary for professionals working with children, including developmental stages, psychological well-being, and support systems.
Course Curriculum Focus
The orientation program provided an overview of the curriculum’s breadth, with sessions led by experts in various fields. Key areas of study within the diploma include:
- Child development: Understanding the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth of children.
- Child protection: Learning policies and interventions to safeguard children from harm and abuse.
- Support for children with special needs: Strategies for assisting children with diverse abilities and challenges.
- Mental health conditions in children: Identification, assessment, and intervention for common psychological disorders in young populations.
- Substance abuse: Addressing prevention and intervention strategies related to substance use among children and adolescents.
Speakers at the orientation included Vandana Thapar, Rekha Sharma Sen, Zubair Meenai, Jagriti Singh, Rahul Chandok, and Bilal Ahmed. Their sessions introduced students to critical topics foundational to child guidance and counselling practice.
Departmental Efforts and University Support
The launch of the RCI-accredited diploma followed a thorough accreditation process and multiple internal reviews. Registrar Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi noted the significant effort by the Department of Psychology in securing RCI approval. He confirmed the university administration will provide ongoing support for the program.
Vice Chancellor Mazhar Asif and Registrar Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi supported the Department of Psychology throughout each stage of the program’s development. Faculty of Social Sciences Dean Mohd. Muslim Khan extended best wishes to the newly admitted students and outlined Jamia’s academic contributions.
Head of the Department Samina Bano welcomed the first batch of participants. Diploma Coordinator Sheema Aleem acknowledged the contributions of P Bharti Sharma, Faizullah Khan, and Prateek Kumar during the accreditation process. Aleem stated the course structure aims to help maintain standardized practices within the child guidance and counselling field.
Career Impact and Professional Standards
The advanced diploma prepares students for careers as trained child counsellors. Graduates will be equipped to work in schools, child development centers, NGOs, and healthcare settings. The RCI accreditation ensures that professionals trained through this program meet recognized standards, which is crucial for ethical and effective practice in child guidance.
The program’s focus on diverse aspects of child welfare, from development to protection and mental health, provides a comprehensive foundation. This curriculum is designed to meet the growing need for specialized support services for children across various challenging situations.