Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education – Teaching (DECCE-T)
Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education – Teaching (DECCE-T)
About Course
Play a part in shaping the lives of young children and discover all about the physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth and development of children 18 months to 6 years old through the DECCE-T courses.
This course is available in Chinese here.
Learn More
- Acquire observation techniques and skills for better understanding of young children and their learning. Learn how to choose children’s literature and play materials and the techniques of using these materials.
Apply Skills
- Acquire knowledge and skills to help young children develop perceptual, fine and gross motor skills and learn in the physical, cognitive and socio-emotional domains. Apply inquiry or process skills to explore the world around them, experience creative expressions, and create a sense of curiosity in young children.
Deeper Understanding
- This course is for existing and aspiring early childhood educators, who require an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of early childhood care and education.
Find out more about the modules covered in this course here.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be conferred the DECCE-T by NIEC. Graduates will be eligible for L2 certification* by ECDA. You 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.
Enjoy full course fee sponsorship under the Career Conversion Programme (CCP)!
Under Workforce Singapore’s CCP, your employer may sponsor your training at NIEC and provide a monthly salary during your course.
Note: Only the day intakes (18 months) are eligible for sponsorship under CCP. Night intakes (30 months) are NOT eligible.
Here’s how it works:
- Secure sponsorship by an early childhood development centre (ECDC) licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). You may need to fulfil a bond to work with your employer. Visit the ECDA website for job portals and contact the centres directly for CCP opportunities.
- Apply for our courses within 6 months of being hired. Upon successful enrolment, you will start your training at NIEC while working at the ECDC.
- Enjoy full course sponsorship and a monthly work salary, provided by your employer!
The CCP 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, for at least 2 years at the point of application;
- Are newly-hired by participating ECDA-licensed ECDCs;
- Are not in the same job role prior to joining the CCP.
To be eligible, you must be employed as a trainee teacher for no longer than 6 months from the course application date. Other terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
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.
Entry Requirements
Local Qualification
GCE ‘O’ Level Certificate
- 5 GCE ‘O’ level credits including English Language (EL1); OR
- 5 GCE O-level credits and an English Language Acceptable Alternatives (ELAA)
Other Local Qualifications
- Higher Nitec Certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.0; OR
- Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education [ACECCE] (or acceptable equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and 3 GCE O-level credits;
AND
- Minimum grade C6 in GCE ‘O’ level credit in English Language (EL1); OR an English Language Acceptable Alternatives (ELAA)
Note: In addition to the above qualifications, a minimum of 1-year work experience is preferred.
Foreign Qualification
- Completed 10 years of formal education (with English as the Medium of Instruction [MOI]) and obtain passes in at least 5 different subjects in the state exam; OR
- Degree (or above) with English as the Medium of Instruction (MOI) from a state-recognised university
Note: English Language Acceptable Alternatives (ELAA) is required if MOI is not proven to be in English.
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
18 months / 1200 hours
Monday to Friday: 2pm to 6pm
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 Career Conversion Programme.
- Your learning is important to us, and we have designed our lessons to facilitate your optimal learning experience for this course. Our courses are largely conducted online and around 20% of lessons will be conducted face-to-face for effective learning across practice-oriented sessions, such as for child safety, child development and motor skills development. You will be expected to attend the face-to-face lessons physically. A schedule of upcoming modules will be provided to you in advance before course commencement.
- A course orientation will also be conducted face-to-face where you will be provided with important information about the course, NIEC’s academic policies, the support that you can expect to receive as a student and connect with your community of learning. You are required to attend this session and will be notified of the date and venue 2 to 3 weeks prior to the orientation.
Before You Apply
Here is a checklist for you to download to prepare your application.
Have questions? Connect with us!
Ms Shena Lu
Email: Shena_LU@niec.edu.sg
