Basic Education is universally accepted as the foundation to achieve broad-based development of children to contribute meaningfully to nation building. This means ensuring that all pupils are able to develop their cognitive, social, emotional, cultural and physical skills to the best of their abilities and preparing them to identify and pursue their preferred career. It is in this light that the Department of Basic Education is providing quality training to teachers to unearth the potentials and talents of children in order to achieve the Sustainable Goal 4 which aims at ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Background In 1992, the Department of Primary Education (DPE) now known as Department of Basic Education (DBE) was initiated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Accra with the Vice Chancellor, Dean, and the senior members of Faculty of Education.  The Department was officially established on October 12, 1993 under the Primary Education Programme (PREP) with the collaboration of USAID as one of the ways to ensure quality Primary Education in Ghana. DPE was established as a unique department, to fulfill the long-standing function of the University to train teachers in Training College acquire skills in all aspects of Primary Education.  The programmes of the DPE are planned such that the energetic and high calibre professionals produced will serve as teachers, administrators, supervisors, and circuit officers in the decentralised Education Offices that have been created as part of the policies in the improvement of the Primary Education in Ghana. The Department also prepares graduate professional educators with special competencies in Primary School pedagogy, different content areas, administration, management and supervision.  USAID supported the new-born Department by supporting staff development and providing material resources. Currently, this support had been withdrawn and the Department is virtually weaned from any kind of support and provision from USAID. In 2007, the name was changed to reflect the new concept of Basic Education in Ghana. The M.Phil. in Basic Education was introduced to train competent personnel for the basic schools and Colleges of Education so as to enhance the quality of education in Ghana. In addition to this, the introduction of Kindergarten (KG) in the primary school system necessitated the training of teachers and attendants to fill vacancies in the schools nationwide. The Department of Basic Education took up the challenge by introducing Bachelor’s degree and Certificate programmes in Early Childhood Education. Again, in response to the over whelming demand for higher and further training in Early Childhood Education, the Department introduced Diploma in Early Childhood Education in the year 2011 on sandwich basis. Rationale for the Department The programme prepares Ghanaian teachers with a global outlook in Basic Education, who have advanced knowledge and skills needed to promote effective teaching and learning in basic schools. The programme reflects the University of Cape Coast strategic vision which aims at training teachers with cutting-edge research and technological knowledge to empower children to become collaborative, independent and lifelong learners. The programme focuses on critical thinking, reflective practice and ethical behaviour that enable graduates to be pedagogical leaders in Basic Education. Graduates from this programme will develop deep conceptual and practical understanding of the Ghanaian national policy and curriculum documents as well as international practices informing Basic Education. Objectives Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will: develop deep affective, cognitive, technical and creative skills to teach effectively at the basic education level. develop advanced knowledge of teaching and learning and apply these in their professional practice. demonstrate ethical understanding and scholarly practice to extend professional practice through enquiry and research. understand the diverse range of cultural practices, safety and wellbeing, and demonstrate responsive relationship with children, families and other stakeholders. develop professional leadership, values and commitment to inclusion and social justice. develop research and problem-solving skills and be able to analyze and interpret data to inform policy, planning and practice. Academic Staff The Department currently has staff strength of eleven (11). This is made up of one   Associate Professor, six Senior Lecturers, two lecturers and two Assistant Lecturers in addition to two teaching Associates. Research Assistants The Department currently has two teaching Associates. One is in the area of basic Mathematics and Numeracy and the other in Educational Administration. Non-Academic Staff The Department currently has five non-academic staff including a driver. They perform non-academic duties such as photocopying, typing letters and posting mails among others. Linkages with other Departments/Schools The Department collaborates with the Department of English, Ghanaian Languages, Arts Education where our students also study some courses as part of their academic programme. The Department also collaborates with the Institute of Education and the Colleges of Education in Ghana. At the International level, the Department has a stronger collaboration with Auburn University, United States of America. Library The Department has a library stocked with books mainly on education particularly, Basic Education and Early Childhood Education.