The Department of Psychology, Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, organized a field visit to the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD), Mohali, recently renamed as Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development on February 26, 2026. A total of 55 students participated in the visit under the guidance of Dr. Aditi Satija and Ms. Rhythm Arora.
The visit commenced with an institutional tour where students were introduced to various functional units of the institute. They visited the Child Guidance Room, where interdisciplinary services are provided through collaboration among Special Educator, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physiotherapist, and Clinical Psychologist. This exposure enabled them to understand the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention planning.
The students were then taken to the Screening Room, where they were familiarized with various psychological and developmental assessment tools used at the centre. These included the Vineland Social Maturity Scale, Alexander Pass Along Test, Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Binet-Kamat Test, and Developmental Screening Test and many more. The purpose, administration, and application of these tools were briefly explained, helping students connect theoretical knowledge with practical assessment procedures.
The institute library was also shown to the students, which houses extensive resources related to child development, disability rehabilitation, special education, and inclusive practices.
In addition to clinical and training services, the institute actively engages in research activities focusing on child development, disability studies, early intervention, and policy implementation. The students were informed about the institute’s role in conducting research projects, contributing to evidence-based practices, and supporting government initiatives through data-driven insights.
In addition to clinical, training, and research services, the institute also conducts various structured training programs for professionals, educators, caregivers, and community workers. These programs focus on areas such as early identification, intervention strategies, inclusive education, disability rehabilitation, and capacity building. The students were informed about how these training initiatives strengthen professional competencies and promote evidence-based practices at the community and institutional levels.
After the tour, an informative lecture session was conducted by Smt. Sonali Kumari, Assistant Director and Dr. Ravi Kumar, Special Educator. They elaborated on the various government schemes implemented through the institute and explained how they collaborate with different governmental and allied bodies to provide integrated services for children with special needs. The session was highly interactive and broadened the students’ understanding of professional roles within rehabilitation, research, and community outreach.
The visit proved to be an enriching academic experience, offering practical exposure to multidisciplinary intervention, standardized assessment tools, research orientation, and institutional functioning.
The Principal, Dr. Kamaljit Grewal, appreciated the efforts of the Department of Psychology for organizing such a meaningful and informative field visit. She emphasized that such experiential learning opportunities help students develop professional competence, sensitivity, and a deeper commitment toward inclusive and research-driven practices in psychology.