Specialist Diploma in Early Childhood Intervention (Special Needs) (SDESN)
Specialist Diploma in Early Childhood Intervention (Special Needs) (SDESN)
About Course
Discover ways to support children’s developmental needs and learn how to plan and manage individualised educational plans for each child.
Note: This course will be conducted via online learning, except for selected modules that will be more effective conducted face-to-face. This is subject to prevailing COVID-19 measures implemented by the government. Students will be notified at least 2 weeks prior to the commencement of modules that are conducted face-to-face.
Enhance your capabilities
- SDESN provides upgrading opportunities for teachers from the Early Intervention Programme for Infant and Children (EIPIC) Centres and other early childhood settings, such as integrated childcare programmes that wish to enhance their capabilities to support young children with special needs.
Deepen your knowledge
- Learn all about the stages of typical and atypical development in young children. Understand how to screen and assess children by using the appropriate tools and functional assessments, plan individualised educational plans for each child, and implement appropriate intervention strategies.
Industry recognition
- This is the only course recognised by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) as the professional qualification for Early Intervention teachers to work in the Early Intervention Programmes for Infants and Children (EIPIC).
Find out more about the modules covered in this course here.
SDESN comprises Post-Diploma Certificates (PDC) 1 & 2.
Upon completion of PDCs 1 & 2, you will be conferred the SDESN by NIEC and will be fully trained as early intervention teachers, as certified by the National Council of Social Services (NCSS).
This course is eligible under Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP), click here to find out more.
Other funding support and financial schemes may be available. Find out more here.
Administration Fee for Module Exemption Requests
Applicants are strongly encouraged to take up the full SDESN qualification. Those who wish to apply for module exemptions may do so at the point of course application. Please note that there will be a one-time administration fee of $128.40 (inclusive of GST) per student. The fee is non-refundable and will apply regardless of the module exemption outcome.
Entry Requirements
SDESN PDC 1 only
Candidates for SDESN PDC 1 are required to:
- Have completed one of the following qualifications:
- Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education-Teaching (DECCE-T) or acceptable equivalent; OR
- NIE Diploma in Special Needs (DISE); OR
- NIE Certificate in Special Needs (CISE) and 2 ‘A’ levels; OR
- Diploma or Degree in a related field* (Psychology, Social Work, Human Services) from a recognised Tertiary Institution; AND
- Have relevant work experience in teaching children (0 – 6 years) in an early childhood or early intervention setting.
SDESN Full Qualification (PDC 1 & 2)
In addition to the above requirements, candidates for SDESN (both PDC 1 & PDC 2) are required to:
- Be employed as Beginning/Early Intervention Educators at an ECDA funded Early Intervention Programmes for Infants and Children (EIPIC) centres; OR
- Be employed as Educators in an Inclusive Support Programme (InSP), OR
- Be employed as Learning Support Educators (LSEds) in a Development Support (DS) and Learning Support (LS) Programme (DS-LS) for preschool.
Note: Completion of PDC 1 is a pre-requisite for PDC 2.
*Candidates who do not have early childhood training but found to be suitable by Early Intervention Programmes for Infants and Children (EIPIC) centre for the role of an early intervention educator are encouraged to embark on a 120 hours of Child Development modules from the DECCE-T offered as SBMC.
Please note:
- Priority will be given to applicants sponsored by EIPIC Centres, other EC Intervention Programmes, and Early Childhood Development Centres with DS Plus programmes.
- Completion of PDC 1 is a pre-requisite for PDC 2.
- Candidates who do not have early childhood training but have at least an equivalence of a Polytechnic Diploma and found to be suitable by Early Intervention Programmes for Infants and Children (EIPIC) centre for the role of an early intervention teacher can embark on 120 hours of Child Development modules from the DECCE-T offered as Skills-based Modular Courses (SBMC).
Fees Payable
Download the 2024 course fee table below.
Note: The course fee shown is an estimate only. Course fees payable are subject to revision, funding eligibility and approval. Please contact us for details on course fees.
Registration Fee
$87.20 (inclusive of GST).
Note: The registration fee is non-refundable.
Course Schedule
Please note:
- Course schedule and venue are subject to changes. NIEC reserves the right to reschedule/cancel any programme and amend information without prior notice.
- Classes will only commence if the minimum class size is met. A confirmation email will be sent to you at least 3 weeks before course commencement.
- Priority will be given to applicants sponsored by EIPIC Centres, other EC Intervention Programmes, and Early Childhood Development Centres with DS Plus programmes.
Before You Apply
Here is a checklist for you to download to prepare your application.
Have questions? Connect with us!
Ms Gina Lee
Email: Gina_LEE@niec.edu.sg
Phone: 6887 9501 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm)
