Holistic Child Development Programmes
Training the next generation of children's ministers, teachers, and child-care leaders to serve Sri Lanka's children — mind, body, heart, and spirit.
A child is more than a mind to fill
A child has a body that grows, emotions that wrestle, relationships that shape them, and a spirit reaching for something greater than they can name.
Too often, training for those who work with children focuses on just one of these. Bible knowledge but no psychology. Classroom skills but no theology. Counselling theory disconnected from the Sri Lankan world children actually live in.
The Holistic Child Development Programmes at Lanka Bible College & Seminary are different. Grounded in Scripture, informed by current child development research, and shaped by the realities of Sri Lankan culture, our HCD pathway prepares you to walk alongside children intellectually, physically, socio-emotionally, and spiritually.
We don't graduate Bible teachers or child-development specialists. We graduate both, in the same person — and we send them back to serve in churches, schools, NGOs, and homes across Sri Lanka.
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
— Matthew 19:14Head, Heart, Hands & Spirit
Holistic Child Development means addressing every dimension of a child's growth. Our programmes train you to do exactly that.
Head
Cognitive development, learning theory, curriculum design, and educational psychology — built on a Christian foundation.
Heart
Social and emotional development, counselling foundations, pastoral care, and trauma-informed approaches.
Hands
Teaching skills, classroom management, practicums, and supervised field ministry — knowledge that becomes practice.
Spirit
Spiritual formation, biblical foundations for children's ministry, mentoring, and integrative theology.
Choose the programme that fits your calling
Whether you're a practitioner ready to deepen your craft or an emerging leader called to teach and advocate — we have a pathway for you.
Diploma in HCD
For practitioners and ministry workers
Entry Requirements
- O/L pass (11 years of schooling)
- Age 18 or above
- Pastor's recommendation
- 50% in admission test
You'll Graduate With
- 5,000-word field project
- 6-month ministry placement
- Ministry recommendation report
BA in HCD
For future leaders, educators, and advocates
Entry Requirements
- GCE A/L pass or equivalent
- Minimum GPA as specified
- Prerequisite courses in relevant subjects
- Interview with admissions committee
You'll Graduate With
- Capstone research project
- Multiple supervised practicums & internship
- Minimum GPA of 3.00
If you see yourself here — we'd love to meet you
The Faithful Sunday School Teacher
You've been doing this for years, with love. Now you want tools to serve the children others overlook.
The Christian School Teacher
You want continuing education that's theologically grounded and built for the realities you teach in.
The Children's Ministry Coordinator
You're leading a team, designing programmes, and shaping a generation — and you want training that matches.
The NGO Worker
You serve children at risk, in orphanages, or with faith-based organisations. You want depth, not just technique.
The A/L Graduate Called to Children
You're young, you sense a calling, and you want a four-year foundation that prepares you to lead.
The Parent or Caregiver
You're raising children — your own or others — and want a serious framework for the work you're already doing.
Five integrated learning areas
Every HCD student studies across all five fields — because a child cannot be served by specialists who only know one.
Child Development
Psychological, sociological, and anthropological foundations. Cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual development of children.
Foundation StudiesEducational Philosophy
Teaching methodology, learning skills, curriculum development, assessment, and educational research methods.
Pedagogy & PracticeBible & Theology
Bible survey, integrative theology, biblical interpretation, and a biblical foundation for ministry among children.
Theological GroundingCounselling & Care
Christian parenting, counselling foundations, working with children with special needs, trauma-informed approaches.
Pastoral SkillsLaw & Advocacy
Children at risk, child rights, Sri Lankan child-care law, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, advocacy and networking.
Justice & ProtectionTrained to serve. Sent to lead.
HCD graduates step into a wide range of vocations across Sri Lanka.
Local Church Ministry
Children's and family ministry directors, Sunday school coordinators, youth pastors specialising in early years.
Christian Education
Teachers in Christian schools, preschool operators, curriculum developers, teacher trainers.
NGO & Faith-Based Work
Child-focused NGOs, orphanages, Compassion International, World Vision Sri Lanka, Child Action Lanka.
Counselling & Mentorship
Child counsellors, family support workers, mentors for at-risk youth, special-needs care providers.
Advocacy & Leadership
Child rights advocates, programme directors, policy contributors, denominational children's ministry leaders.
Further Study
Pathway to LBCS Master's programmes, postgraduate research, theological education vocations.
How to apply
Applications for the September 2026 intake open on 2 June 2026. We'll walk with you through every step.
Key Dates
Five Steps to Enrol
Could this be your next step?
Sri Lanka's children need trained, faithful, equipped people walking alongside them. We'd love to talk with you about whether HCD at LBCS is part of that calling for you.