Diploma in Early Childhood Care
& Education - Teaching (DECCE-T)

About Course

Please note:

• This course will be conducted via online learning 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 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 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:

1. 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.
2. Apply for our course after securing your employment. Upon successful enrolment, you may start your training at NIEC while working at the preschool. 
3. 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.

Fill out your details to find out your estimated course fee!

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.