ECCE course in Colombo
Yes. You can study an Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) course online from Colombo with London College of Teachers and start any day. The 120-hour ECCE Certificate costs US$170, and higher levels run up to the 580-hour Integrated Master Level. Colombo's preschools and international schools' early years sections hire trained teachers.
Colombo: the local picture
Sri Lanka's preschools are largely private and community-run, and Colombo's international schools have early years sections, often following EYFS.
ECCE helps teachers move into international school early years roles and nanny positions.
Colombo at a glance
| Region | Western Province, Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Languages | Sinhala, Tamil, English |
| Schools and curricula | National, private and international schools |
| Education authorities | Sri Lanka Ministry of Education |
| Usual school year | Check the current Ministry of Education calendar; international schools vary |
| Nearest LCT office | Kolkata, India (call or WhatsApp +91 96747 42489) |
General guidance, checked October 2026. Calendars and rules change, so confirm with the school or authority.
ECCE in Colombo
Colombo teachers use ECCE to move into international school early years roles.
Where ECCE graduates in Colombo work
- International school early years
- Preschools
- Montessori centres
- Nanny roles
- Daycares
Practical tips for Colombo
- International schools value a degree plus training.
- Learn EYFS terms.
- Montessori is common.
Which ECCE course should you choose in Colombo?
- Kindergarten and preschool assistants: the 120-hour Certificate
- Kindergarten teachers: the 200-hour Diploma
- Montessori or bilingual preschools: Montessori Teacher Training
- Senior and coordinator roles: the PG Diploma
Compare every level on the ECCE courses page.
What employers in Sri Lanka look for
Private preschools, nurseries and daycares set their own hiring rules and often accept a certificate or diploma in early childhood education, especially with experience.
Requirements change. Treat this as general guidance (October 2026) and confirm with your employer or the relevant authority.
Course fees for learners in Colombo
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour ECCE Certificate is US$170, and your bank converts from your local currency.
| Course | Hours | Study time | USD | GBP | INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in ECCE | 120 | up to 6 months | US$170 | £140 | ₹11,800 incl. GST |
| Diploma in ECCE | 200 | up to 10 months | US$250 | £210 | ₹17,700 incl. GST |
| PG Diploma in ECCE | 240 | up to 12 months | US$399 | £340 | ₹29,500 incl. GST |
| Montessori Teacher Training Certificate | 120 | up to 6 months | US$170 | £140 | ₹11,800 incl. GST |
| Nursery Teacher Training Certificate | 120 | up to 6 months | US$170 | £140 | ₹11,800 incl. GST |
What you will study
ECCE training covers how children aged 0 to 6 grow and learn: physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development; health, nutrition, hygiene and safety; play-based and activity-based learning; early literacy and numeracy; observing and recording children's progress; inclusion; and working with parents. Diploma levels and above add case studies, lesson planning and a project, and the Master levels add specialist certificates such as child psychology and learning disability. See the course details.
Why learners in Colombo choose London College of Teachers
- UK-registered provider: London College of Teachers Limited, UKPRN 10096558
- Fully online and self-paced: start any day from Colombo
- Clear pathway from a 120-hour Certificate to a 580-hour Integrated Master Level
- Certificate verifiable online that employers can check
- Support by WhatsApp, phone and email
How studying online from Colombo works
- Apply online or send a quick enquiry.
- An adviser confirms your level and sends payment details.
- Get your login and study each module at your own pace.
- Complete quizzes and assignments, then receive your verifiable certificate.
Support is by email, phone and WhatsApp; your local time is SLST (UTC+5:30).
Frequently asked questions
Is there an ECCE course in Colombo?
Yes. You can take London College of Teachers' ECCE courses fully online from Colombo, from the 120-hour Certificate to the 580-hour Integrated Master Level. There is no need to travel to a centre.
How much does an ECCE course cost in Colombo?
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour ECCE Certificate is US$170, and your bank converts from your local currency. The 200-hour Diploma is US$250 and the PG Diploma US$399.
Can I get a preschool or nursery job in Colombo with an ECCE certificate?
Colombo teachers use ECCE to move into international school early years roles. Private preschools, nurseries and daycares set their own hiring rules and often accept a certificate or diploma in early childhood education, especially with experience.
How long does the ECCE course take from Colombo?
The 120-hour ECCE Certificate is designed for up to 6 months of self-paced study, and many learners in Colombo finish sooner. The Diploma takes up to 10 months, the PG Diploma 12 months and the Master levels 18 to 24 months.
Is the London College of Teachers certificate accepted in Sri Lanka?
The certificate is issued by London College of Teachers Limited, a UK-registered learning provider (UKPRN 10096558), and can be verified online. Private preschools, nurseries and daycares set their own hiring rules, while government posts and licensed lead-teacher roles often need a national qualification, so confirm with your target employer.
Is ECCE useful in Colombo?
Yes, for preschool and early years roles.
Do Colombo international schools hire ECCE-trained staff?
Often, especially with a degree.