| 1. |
Can I be a primary school teacher with my Early Childhood Education diploma? |
|
To be a qualified primary school teacher in Singapore, one has to undergo training at the National Institute of Education (NIE). Currently, NIE does not give advance standing to Early Childhood Education graduates. |
|
| 2. |
Can I apply to study psychology with my Early Childhood Education diploma? |
|
Psychology is a subject offered in universities. Please check with the universities for admission criteria. |
|
| 3. |
What about academic advancement? |
|
Graduates may apply for admission to degree courses in Early Childhood Education at overseas universities with possible advanced standing given or transfer of credits. The department is currently working on advanced standing with more universities. |
|
| 4. |
Please tell me more about the ECH degree that is offered in Ngee Ann Polytechnic. |
|
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Educational Studies and Leadership is offered by Wheelock College at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. This is the first full-time degree to be offered at a local polytechnic. Early Childhood Education graduates from NP are eligible for a 2-year exemption for the 4-year degree programme. Courses for this two-year program will be taught by experienced Wheelock College faculty and faculty from Ngee Ann Polytechnic and RTRC Asia Pte. Ltd., who are adjunct faculty members at Wheelock College.
For more information, please go to website [http://www.wheelock.edu/sing-np/about.asp]. |
|
| 5. |
Does my diploma qualify me to teach children with special needs? |
|
ECH students are trained to teach young children in mainstream settings. Though they have an awareness of special education, more training is necessary to teach children with special needs. Ngee Ann Polytechnic will launch a new Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Intervention (Special Needs) by mid 2007. Currently, the National Institute of Education offers the Diploma in Special Education (DISE). |
|
| 6. |
What about career prospects? |
|
Graduates are well-positioned to take advantage of the numerous teaching and management opportunities in childcare centres, kindergartens as well as Before & After School Care services in Singapore. Other opportunities include working in enrichment centres that cater to the educational and recreational needs of young children. Also they can work in any child-related industries. |
|
| 7. |
What is the training route for child care/infant care personnel? |
|
Please refer to the Ministry of Community Service, Youth and Sports (MCYS) for more info: [http://www.mcys.gov.sg/MCDSFiles/download/a_training%20route.doc] |
|
| 8. |
Does my diploma qualify me to be a principal / supervisor at pre-schools? |
|
The Diploma in Early Childhood Education offered by NP covers both teaching and leadership components. The leadership modules is equivalent to the Dip Pre-Sch (Leadership) required by the Ministry of Community Service, Youth and Sports (MCYS) for principals/ supervisors. [http://www.mcys.gov.sg/MCDSFiles/download/a_training%20route.doc] |
|