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Diploma in Early Childhood Care
& Education - Teaching (Conversion)
[DECCE-T (Conversion)]
About Course
Thinking about making that career switch into early childhood? If you already have a degree* or local polytechnic diploma*, embark on the Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education - Teaching (Conversion) course to learn all you need to know to be the best teacher for our little ones aged from 18 months to 6 years old.
*For the full list of entry requirements, please see Entry Requirements below.
Learn from Experts
Learn all you need to know to progress to be an early childhood educator, with guidance from our experienced lecturers.
Acquire Knowledge and Skills
Acquire knowledge and skills and understand in-depth principles and practices of early childhood education for children aged up to 6 years old.
Put Theory into Practice
Experience 300 hours of practicums at an ECDA-registered preschool to apply what you have learnt from the course.
Please note:
- This course will be conducted online until further notice.
- This course is available in Chinese here.
What You Will Learn
Click here for a complete list of modules that will be covered in the course.
Entry Requirements
- Local Polytechnic Diploma and obtained a GCE O-level credit in English (EL1) or other English Language Acceptable Alternatives (ELAA), e.g. a minimum band 5.5 in IELTS (Academic); OR
- Obtained a Degree with English as the medium of instruction from a state-recognised university
Upon Graduation
Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be conferred the DECCE-T (Conversion) by NIEC. Graduates will be eligible for L2 certification* by ECDA. They will be qualified to teach Playgroup, Nursery, K1 and K2 children from 18 months to 6 years old.
*To be granted certification to teach up to Kindergarten levels by ECDA, new teachers must have a minimum B4 grade for English Language (EL1). Applicants who do not possess a B4 or above in GCE O-level EL1 are given 2 years from the point of teacher registration to obtain a minimum band of 6.5 in IELTS (General) or other ELAA.
Be fully sponsored by your employer for your training under Place-and-Train!
The day intakes of this course are eligible for the Place-and-Train programme*, where your employer may sponsor your training at NIEC and provide a monthly salary during your course. Here's how:
- Secure employment and sponsorship by an early childhood development centre licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). Click here for a list of job portals and contact the centres directly for place-and-train opportunities.
- Apply for our course after securing your employment. Upon successful enrolment, you may start your training at NIEC while working at the preschool.
- Enjoy full course sponsorship and a monthly work salary, provided by your employer!
*The Place-and-Train programme is open to all company-sponsored applicants who:
-
Are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents aged 21 years and above;
-
Graduated or completed National Service, whichever is later, at least two years prior at the point of application;
-
Are newly-hired by participating ECDA-licensed preschools;
-
Are not in the same job role prior to joining the Place-and-Train programme.
To be eligible, you must be employed by an ECDA-licensed early childhood development centre as a trainee teacher for no longer than 6 months from the course application date. Other terms and conditions apply. Learn more here.
Registration Fee
S$64.20 (inclusive of 7% GST)
Note: The registration fee is non-refundable.
Course Fees
Fill out your details to find out your estimated course fee!
Citizenship
Estimated nett course fee payable, including additional funding and GST
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.
Course Schedule
Open For Application Soon
Duration |
Day & Time |
Campus |
Upcoming Intakes |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
13 months/ |
Mon - Fri: |
NIEC (City) |
Mar, Jun, Sep 2022 |
|
13 months/ |
3 weekdays: |
NIEC (City) |
Feb, May, Aug, Nov 2022 |
|
13 months/ |
Mon – Fri: |
NIEC (TP) |
Jul 2022 |
|
13 months/ 900 hours |
Mon - Fri: 2pm - 6pm |
NIEC (NP) |
Apr, Oct 2022 |
|
9 months/ 900 hours |
Mon- Fri: 10am – 5pm |
NIEC (NP) |
Mar 2022 |
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 enrolling under the Place-and-Train programme.
Before You Apply
1. Securing a practicum centre
The practicum module is an important and crucial component of your practice-oriented learning for course completion. Applicants must have successfully secured a practicum centre at an early childhood development centre at the point of application.
- Company-sponsored applicants: Your practicum centre can be the preschool you are currently working at.
- Self-sponsored applicants: Click here for a list of early childhood development centres. Please contact the centres directly to apply.
Please note that practicum for this course will begin approximately 2 months from the course commencement date.
2. Prepare the following documents:
- Image of your NRIC (front and back)
- Highest formal qualification (Certificate and transcripts)
- Recent digital photo with a white background
- If you are currently working in a preschool:
- Employment Letter
- If you are under company sponsorship by a preschool employer:
- Company Sponsorship Declaration Form (to be completed by you and your employer, and submitted as part of your admission documents)
Early childhood educators have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of professionalism in their work while acting in the best interests and well-being of children and their families. You will play a key role in caring for the little ones, inspiring their learning and helping them grow.
Have questions? Talk to us!
(Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm)
Ms Gina Lee
Email: gina_lee@niec.edu.sg
Phone: 6904 2621
Mr Lim Jenq Jye
Email: LIM_Jenq_Jye@niec.edu.sg
Phone: 6904 1861