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Diploma in Early Childhood Care
& Education - Teaching (DECCE-T)
About Course
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.
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 Qualification
- 5 GCE O-level credits including English (EL1) or other English Language Acceptable Alternatives (ELAA), e.g. a minimum band 5.5 in IELTS (Academic); OR
- GCE A-level or International Baccalaureate (IB); OR
- Local Polytechnic Diploma and obtained a GCE O-level credit in EL1 or other ELAA; OR
- Higher Nitec Certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a GCE O-level credit in EL1 or other ELAA; 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 including EL1 or other 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 and passed state exam with credits in 5 different subjects including a Grade C6 in GCE O-level EL1 or other 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
Note: In addition to the above qualifications, a minimum of 1-year work experience is preferred.
Upon Graduation
Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be conferred the DECCE-T 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 the Career Conversion Programme (CCP)!
The day intakes of this course are eligible for Workforce Singapore’s CCP, where your employer may sponsor your training at NIEC and provide a monthly salary during your course. 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, 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.
Registration Fee
S$64.20 (inclusive of 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
Apply Now
Duration |
Day & Time |
Course Start & End Date |
Campus |
Apply By |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
18 months / 1,200 hours |
Mon - Fri: 2pm - 6pm |
01-Mar-2023 |
NIEC (City) |
01-Jan-2023 |
Open For Application Soon
Duration |
Day & Time |
Campus |
Upcoming Intakes |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
30 months / 1,200 hours |
2 weekdays: |
NIEC (TP) |
Apr, Oct 2023 |
|
18 months / 1,200 hours |
Mon - Fri: |
NIEC (City) |
Aug 2023 |
|
30 months / 1,200 hours |
2 weekdays: |
NIEC (NP) |
Jul 2023 |
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
1. Securing a practicum centre:
The practicum modules are important and crucial component of your practice-oriented learning for course completion. Applicants must secure a practicum centre at an early childhood development centre by the first practicum module. In the event that you are unable to secure a practicum centre by the first practicum module or fulfil all the practicum hours that is required for graduation, you may have to defer your course. This may result in the inability to complete your course within the maximum candidature period.
- 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 start:
- About 3 months from the course commencement date for Monday - Friday classes.
- About 11 months from the course commencement date for 2-weekday classes.
2. Prepare the following documents:
- Image of your NRIC (front and back)
- Highest formal education qualifications (Certificates 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: 6887 9501
or
Ms Shena Lu
Email: Shena_LU@niec.edu.sg
Phone: 6887 9540