Specialist Diploma in Early Childhood Learning Support (SDELS)
Specialist Diploma in Early Childhood Learning Support (SDELS)
About Course
Explore a variety of strategies for enhancing and supporting the different development domains of children using differentiated instructions used in classroom and behaviour management.
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.
Acquire specialised skills
- Gain proficiency in administering screening tools and learn how to support children with mild developmental needs as a Learning Support Educator.
Advance your career
- For preschool teachers who have been practising for at least 2 years and wish to be fully trained to provide learning support in the Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) programme & Inclusive Support Programme (InSP).
Early childhood sector recognition
- Be awarded with the Specialist Diploma in Early Childhood Learning Support (SDELS).
Find out more about the modules covered in this course here.
Upon successful completion of the 2 PDCs, you will be conferred the SDELS by NIEC and will be fully trained to provide learning support in the Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) programme & Inclusive Support Programme (InSP).
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 SDELS 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
To be eligible for SDELS [PDC 1 only], candidates need to meet the following criteria:
- Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education-Teaching (DECCE-T) or acceptable equivalent; or
- Diploma in Special Needs (DISE); or
- Certificate in Special Needs (CISE) and 2 A-level credits; or
- Diploma or Degree in a related field (Psychology, Social Work, Human Services) from a recognised tertiary institution; and
- Have worked in an early childhood setting.
In addition to the above requirements, candidates for SDELS (both PDC 1 & PDC 2) are required to:
- Be hired as a Learning Support Educator (LSEd) by either an Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) or Therapy Hubs that provide the Development Support (DS) and Learning Support (LS); and
- Have at least 1 year of working experience with children.
Please note:
- Completion of PDC 1 is a pre-requisite for PDC 2.
- Candidates must qualify as L2 teachers and hired as LSEd before taking up 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 ECDC or Therapy Hubs for the role of an LSEd 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 above.
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.
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)
