The Department of Inclusive Education, Early Childhood Development and Professional Studies (DIEP) at Kathmandu University School of Education (KUSOED) emerged from the significant expansion of the Continuing and Professional Education Centre (CPEC), which had been actively engaging in community-based education, professional development, and inclusive practices since its establishment in August 2022. DIEP was envisioned as a cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary academic space rooted in the values of continuing education, equity, inclusion, and social justice. The primary objective of the department is to foster innovation, research, and development across three thematic pillars: Inclusive Education, Early Childhood Development, and Professional Studies.
The department functions at the intersection of disciplines, prioritizing collaboration across schools and programs within/out the University. DIEP operates with a post-disciplinary and cross-cutting approach, promoting integrated learning and research models that address real-world challenges in education and community development. As a newly formed academic unit, DIEP currently manages 8 academic programs launched in Fall 2024. DIEP’s focus areas include the professional development of educators, inclusive and special needs education, early learning, and continuing education. The department is committed to bridging the gap between academic theory and practice and beyond through programs including teacher training, diploma courses, and leadership development initiatives.
The department’s conceptual framework is grounded in equality and lifelong learning. The Inclusive Education domain fosters innovative inclusive approaches and also expands into areas such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), social inclusion, home-based therapies, and
parental education. The Professional Studies domain develops cross-sectoral skills that address not limited to teacher training, ICT-integrated pedagogy, educational leadership, policy analysis, and learner psychology.
The Early Childhood Development (ECD) component promotes integrated and context-responsive ECD approaches to holistic development including learning (e.g., socio-emotional and individualized). Meanwhile, the Continuing Education stream contributes to flexible learning options aligned with Kathmandu University’s Credit Accumulation Framework (CAF) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) frameworks. It also leverages the extensive institutional networks established by CPEC, ensuring a steady intake of students and expanding collaboration across KU and beyond. The department is strategically positioned to provide academic services, mentorship, and professional training to educators, school leaders, and stakeholders from diverse sectors. By upholding principles of inclusion, interdisciplinary practice, and community engagement, DIEP represents a vital step toward transforming education systems in Nepal and the region. The department will continue to collaborate with the CPEC on research, innovation, and development efforts while enhancing its independent capacity to design sustainable, contextually relevant educational interventions.
Core values:
1. Collaboration
2. Respect
3. Inclusion
4. Empowerment
5. Academic Excellence
6. Justice
7. Wellbeing
Pedagogical approaches
1. Inclusive
2. Participatory
3. UDL
4. Signature
5. Innovative