Brief History of the Department
Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFE) at IPCW was established in year 1995 as one of the discipline to BA Program students. HDFE is one of the branches of Home Science which focusses primarily on how humans develop and change over the period of time, with ‘family’ as the most important ecosystem.
The undergraduate program in B.A with Human Development and Family Empowerment (HDFE) has been contextualized and embedded in the broader perspective of Life Span Development. Gender Studies, child rights, early childhood development and Disability Studies are some of the prominent pillars of HDFE. The course also emphasizes the integration and application of knowledge on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) to provide practical experiences of working with children which will enable students to develop necessary skills in field work. Students are encouraged and reinforced to endeavor beyond the classroom to help understand theoretical concepts.
Notable Alumni
Ms. Parul Chaudhary (2016-2019) is a Child Psychologist, Special Educator, Teacher Trainer, and Inclusion Advocate with experience since 2021. She has worked with Mom's Belief, Manav Rachna International School, DPS International School, and currently serves at Vega School, Gurugram. Passionate about supporting children with autism, learning disabilities, and diverse learning needs, she works closely with students, families, and educators to promote inclusive and empowering learning environments.
Ms. Aditi Anand (2017-2020) Working as Special Educator in Vidyashilp Academy in Bangalore, Karnataka. I completed my M.Sc. in Human Development from Mount Carmel College, Autonomous, Bengaluru with during 2021-2023. To specialize further, I pursued a Certificate in Learning Disabilities from The Spastics Society of Karnataka, Bengaluru from July 2023 to April 2024. Currently, I am completing my Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from St. Benedict’s College, Bengaluru in 2023-2025.
Ms. Sumedha Mehta (2017-2020) have 1.9 years of full-time experience as a Social Communication Therapist at Potentials Therapy Centre, providing intervention for children with developmental and communication needs. My background includes a 6-month role as Research Assistant with Impact Dash on a CSR impact assessment for Mobile Creches, and internships at Umeed India Foundation, where I received a medal for performance, and Palak Child Development Centre, focusing on child assessment and early intervention. I also served as Youth Ambassador for Good Living Eco, Participated in fundraising initiatives and successfully raised ₹30,000 to support organizational programs and community activities. Currently, I am pursuing a PG Diploma in Music Therapy at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University.
Ms. Cheshta Dabra (2020-2023) Choosing HDFE and Psychology at IPCW was foundational to my journey. The curriculum built vital life skills and interpersonal strengths that guide me today. I started with HDFC Life’s Central Marketing Team as an informative content creator for their Instagram page and now serve as Media Lead at Varahe Analytics, a leading political consulting firm. IPCW’s empowering ecosystem shaped me as a leader through three years on the Students’ Council, serving as General Secretary, Vice President, and President. I was honored as ‘All-Rounder Student of the Department’ during IPCW’s Centennial Celebration. IPCW truly transforms young minds into confident women of substance, ready to excel in the world.
Ms. Shubhangi Mishra (2022-2024) After completing my BA Program with English and Human Development and Family Empowerment (HDFE), I went on to pursue a fellowship that allowed me to apply classroom learning to real-world social impact. The experience strengthened my understanding of education, community engagement, and working with diverse groups while building leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. This journey helped shape my professional interests and deepened my commitment to creating meaningful change through the social and development sector.
Thrust Areas / Expertise / Research Areas
Thrust Area
Child Development: It covers 0-18 years: cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical growth
Current research focus: Early childhood stimulation, screen time impact, NEP 2020 & ECCE, learning disabilities, nutrition & cognition
Adolescent Development: It covers Puberty, identity, risk behavior, peer relations, mental health
Current research focus:Brain development, social media effects, life skills education, substance abuse prevention, sexuality education
Adulthood & Aging: It covers young, middle, late adulthood.
Current research focus: GerontologyCognitive plasticity in old age, elder care models, intergenerational programs, dementia, active aging, retirement adjustment
Family Studies: It covers Family dynamics, marriage, parenting, family stress
Current research focus: Work-life balance, single parenting, domestic violence, family resilience, impact of migration on families
Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE): It covers preschool curriculum, teacher training, play-based learning
Current research focus: Anganwadi quality assessment, NEP implementation, indigenous play materials, school readiness
Guidance & Counseling: It covers Child, marital, family, geriatric counseling
Current research focus: Tele-counseling, school mental health programs, caregiver burnout, crisis intervention
Women & Gender Studies: It covers Women’s development, empowerment, gender roles
Current research focus:SHG impact, gender socialization, women’s mental health, policy analysis
Special Needs / Inclusion: Children & adults with disabilities, gifted children
Current research focus: Inclusive education practices, assistive tech, early intervention models, parent training
Important Milestones
MOU between Indraprastha College for Women (IPCW) and the Cosmic Integrated Institute of Psychology & Security (CIIPS).
NEP 2020 Initiatives and Implementation
Activities like visits, field trips, workshops, seminars, surveys and outreach programs are organized. It help students to elucidate ideas that are often new and challenging. In academic session 2025-26 department has conducted various engaging activity namely workshop on “ECCE and preparation of TLM”, Lecture series: Research methodology on Home Science, Lecture series: Children with disability in India and celebrated “National Nutrition Week 2025” where different activities like poster presentation, inter-college Pitch competition on healthy plate, Nutrition stalls. Additionally, participation in the National Well-being Conclave at IIT Bombay broadened students’ perspectives on mental health, resilience, and institutional well-being frameworks in higher education.
List of Faculty Members
- Dr. Krushnapriya Sahoo, Assistant Professor
- Ms. Preeti Kumari, Assistant Professor