Introduction

In the rapidly growing field of Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE), the demand for qualified professionals is insatiable. The objective of this programme is to equip you with the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively assume supervisory or administrative positions in Early Childhood Education or related fields. You will be equipped with working knowledge on leadership skills, staff management and supervision, financial management, communication strategies, training and development in organizations, advocacy, and approaches to training, mentorship and professionalism in early childhood settings. You will be guided towards developing the capabilities required to cope with the daily challenges in managing staff, and working with children and parents.

This training programme is also accredited as the WSQ Specialist Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) system.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate awareness of issues pertaining to government guidelines and curriculum implementation in pre-school education;
• Demonstrate awareness of issues and research in pre-school education;
• Perform simple action research skills;
• Observe, evaluate and appraise teacher-effectiveness in providing for a creative learning environment, and thereafter mentor fellow-teachers;
• Manage and supervise early childhood centres in such a way as to promote effective learning programmes, encourage teamwork among staff and collaboration with parents; and
• Efficiently manage and administer pre-school centres.

Structure
 

Modules	Duration
CURRENT ISSUES AND RESEARCH IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION  - Current Trends, Issues and Research in Early Childhood Education - Issues in Special Education	60
DESIGNING THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE and EDUCATION CURRICULUM  - Designing Curriculum for Diversity - Planning for Learning in Cooperative and Integrated Contexts - Assessment and Evaluation in Early Childhood Contexts - Managing Educational Resources to Support Learning	180
UNDERSTANDING AND IMPLEMENTING ACTION RESEARCH IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION  - Action Research Project	90
LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION SETTINGS  - Early Childhood Leadership and Management - Staff Development and Supervision - Effective Mentoring in EC Organisations - Programme Management and Administration - Financial Planning and Management in Early Childhood Contexts	230
Professional Development - Effective Communication for Leaders	30
Partnership with Families and the Community - Partnership with Families and the Community	60
Supervised Leadership Practice - Leadership Practicum	200
Total Course Hours	850

Assessment

•     Projects / Assignments
•     Practicum

Award of Certificate

Upon successful completion of coursework and practicum, and a minimum of 80% attendance,
students will be awarded the WSQ Specialist Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education
(English) (WSQ SDECCE).


Average Teacher-Student Ratio

1:50

Lecturers & their Modules

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have:

• 5 GCE “O” Level credits including a credit in EL1 or Acceptable equivalent*; AND
• WSQ Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (English)
• For those with a C5 or C6 in EL1 are given 2 years from the point of teacher registration
• to obtain either a B4 or any acceptable alternatives.

Preschool Personnel (registered as at 31 Dec 2008)

•   3 GCE ‘O’ Level credits including a credit in English  (EL1)*  AND
•   Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education/Certificate  in Preschool Teaching AND
•   Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education - Teaching (or  its equivalent; e.g. DPE-T)

Note: Extension of concessionary admission for existing teachers  till 31 December 2013 by ECDA

*HEALTH CLEARANCE  Requirement: Please refer to the following link under childcare link for health  clearance requirement:
http://www.childcarelink.gov.sg/ccls/uploads/CCC_Guide.pdf (Refer to page 12 of  document)

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Fees & Funding