NIEC JAE 2026
Is Your Child Considering a Future as an Early Childhood Educator?
As a parent, you play an important role in supporting their journey. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about NIEC’s early childhood courses, the career prospects after graduation, and how you can guide them along the way.
About Us
NIEC was set up by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to uplift the quality of early childhood training. We provide a full range of courses for early childhood educators at every stage of their career. Additionally, we work closely with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to ensure our training reflects the latest early childhood practices and meet the sector evolving needs.
Why Should Your Child Choose Early Childhood?
There is a myriad of reasons why your child should join the sector — expand each section below to discover why!
Early childhood educators are in the privileged position to be one of the children’s first teachers. During the critical developmental period in their early years, a child’s brain undergoes rapid growth, making this time particularly impactful for learning. As such, early childhood educators play an immensely vital and meaningful role in nurturing young minds, imparting essential life skills and values. This helps build a strong foundation for their learning!
The government has implemented initiatives to support the growth of the sector, creating opportunities for both career and educational progression. As of August 2024, there are approximately 25,000 early childhood educators, with an expected need for an additional 1,500 by 2025. During ECDA’s Early Childhood Celebrations 2024, Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli shared that close to 40,000 new infant and childcare places will be developed from 2025 to 2029 (November 2024, ECDA).
ECDA has also announced the expansion of career pathways in the early childhood space. This includes leadership, learning support or early intervention roles. Click here to find out more about the career pathways.
Your child will be awarded a certificate by NIEC and the Polytechnic/ITE, making them eligible for teacher certification by ECDA.
Below is an indication of the expected gross monthly salary ranges for EC educators in Anchor Operator (AOP) centres by 2024. You can find more information here.
Preschool Educators: From $2,900
Infant & Early Years Educators: From $2,600
Their journey doesn’t stop at being an educator. As graduates of our diploma programmes, they can:
- Apply for full-time degree programmes at Autonomous Universities (AUs) or overseas universities. You may find the full university accreditation list here.
- Continue learning through NIEC’s post-diplomas or continuing professional development courses.
If your child is curious about NIEC, life on campus and early childhood education, have them explore our NIEC JAE 2026 Student Edition!
Our Courses and Campuses
We conduct our early childhood courses in collaboration with ITE College Central, Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) and Temasek Polytechnic (TP). Click on any of the courses below to find out more!
• NIEC (ITE) Campus: Higher Nitec in Early Childhood Education (V42)
• NIEC (NP) & NIEC (TP) campuses: Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education (N96 & T68)
• NIEC (NP) Campus: Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education (N95)
At the NIEC (NP) and NIEC (TP) campuses, your child can choose to specialise in different tracks in their 3rd year*.
• NIEC (NP) Campus: Early Intervention or Mother Tongue Language Teaching – Chinese or Tamil Track
• NIEC (TP) Campus: Visual Arts or Mother Tongue Language Teaching – Malay Track
*Subject to prevailing terms and conditions.
Discover what your child will experience as a student at both NIEC and their polytechnic/ITE college they’re in!
Did you know your child can get their training fully sponsored and receive a monthly allowance with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) Training Award?
ECDA Training Award (ITE) | ECDA Training Award (Polytechnic)
A Unique Experience for Your Child
At NIEC, we offer quality training to develop confident, competent early childhood educators who are work-ready, self-directed, and reflective practitioners. Watch to learn about the skills and knowledge your child will gain by graduation!
Discover what our students enjoyed most, and the skills they gained along the way.
At NIEC (NP), the lecturers always make classes engaging and took the time to guide us. I also had the chance to connect with both local and international early childhood educators, such as when I represented NIEC at EduTECH Asia 2024. There’s still a misconception that early childhood education isn’t important, but my 6-month internship taught me otherwise. Watching the children grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy reminded me how powerful our role as educators can be. It’s in those everyday moments—the spark in their eyes when something clicks, or the stories they share—that you truly feel how being part of a child’s growth is both a privilege and a blessing.
During my time at NIEC (TP), I’ve had the privilege of learning from supportive and dedicated lecturers who guided me in finding my footing in the early childhood sector. The theory and hands-on practicum experiences helped me understand the importance of building meaningful relationships with young children. I learnt how small gestures like listening attentively or offering encouragement can have a significant impact on a child’s confidence and willingness to learn. For males interested in the sector, I strongly encourage you to take the leap! You can also bring valuable perspectives and be inspiring role models for all children.
I’ve always appreciated how our lecturers at NIEC (ITE) design practical and hands-on lessons! These experiences prepare us to apply what we've learned in real preschool settings. I enjoyed my internship where I worked with children from diverse backgrounds and learning needs. To better support each child and create an inclusive learning environment, it pushed me to think critically about the lesson materials I create and to adapt my classroom management strategies. I’m excited to deepen my skills at NIEC (NP) where I’ll be pursuing the Diploma in Early Childhood Development and Education!
My love for the Tamil language and motivation to nurture children into leaders who embrace the Tamil culture and values inspired me to join early childhood education. The theoretical knowledge acquired at NIEC (NP) helped me greatly in implementing effective classroom management strategies. During my internship, I’ve used it as a guide to tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of every child. I believe that male preschool educators can make a profound impact on children’s lives too so don’t hesitate if you’re passionate about joining this field.
Our NIEC lecturers are here through each stage of your child’s journey, sharing experience, tips, and inspiration to help them succeed.
IMMERSING IN ROLEPLAY
I teach a Drama module that involves various drama strategies they can apply in the classroom. I give my students roleplay scenarios to help them fully immerse themselves in the strategies. For example, I give some students the role of a teacher doing a dramatic reading of a storybook to their children! This helps them better understand the process of each strategy.
ART IS FOR YOU & EVERYONE
Visual arts have always been a vital area for children’s holistic development in critical thinking, openness to new experiences and creativity. These are 21st-century competencies for a new world we face today. As we train students to be early childhood educators, it is important for NIEC students to harness the interest in the visual arts, so that they can create an encouraging and creative environment for children and be the nurturing educator alongside children.
GUIDING EVERY STEP OF THE WAY As lecturers, we play the role of mentors too! I make time to listen to my students, especially when they are struggling to cope or need a listening ear. I always assure my students that our classroom is a safe space and they are free to express their thoughts and ask questions. Reminding them that all their questions and opinions are valued also sets an example for them. When they become teachers, they should do the same in their classroom.
Support Your Child to Champion the Future, Starting Today
Learn when the application begins, how your child can apply and connect with us.
The JAE 2026 application dates haven’t been released yet — but don’t worry, we’ll update this page once they’re out. Stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled!
Additionally, visit here for more information.
The JAE 2026 application dates haven’t been released yet — but don’t worry, we’ll update this page once they’re out. Stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled!
Additionally, visit here for more information.
You can visit us during the Open Houses at Ngee Ann Polytechnic or Temasek Polytechnic! Both of you can explore the campuses together, speak with lecturers, and hear from current students. It’s a great opportunity to help your child make an informed decision about their future. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming Open Houses!
Got a question? Browse our FAQ for quick answers — and if you don’t find what you need, email us at discoverniec@niec.edu.sg
Good luck & looking forward to seeing your child soon!
