Ngee Ann, Temasek polytechnics offer 77% more places for early childhood education diploma students
At a kindergarten in Singapore. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) and Temasek Polytechnic will be offering a combined total of 675 intake places for their full-time early childhood education diploma courses starting this academic year, 77 per cent more than what had been offered in the past.
At NP, there will be 220 places for the Diploma in Early Childhood Education, 260 places for the Diploma in Child Psychology & Early Education, and 20 places for the Chinese Early Childhood Teaching Track under the Diploma in Chinese Studies.
TP will offer 175 places for its Diploma in Early Childhood Studies.
A statement from both polytechnics today (Jan 13) said the increased spots will help to meet the rapid expansion of the early childhood education sector and increased demand for trained preschool teachers in Singapore.
Students accepted into the early childhood education courses can apply for an Early Childhood Development Agency training award of up to $40,000. It includes full course sponsorship of fees payable and a monthly study allowance of S$800.
Fresh ‘O’ levels graduates can start applying for these courses via the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE), which is open until this Friday (Jan 15).
The polytechnics also advised interested applicants to concurrently apply for the courses via the Joint Polytechnic Special Admissions exercise (JPSAE).
NP is also introducing two specialisation tracks for new enrollees under its Diploma in Early Childhood Education: The Early Literacy track and the Early Childhood Teaching track. The polytechnic will also be offering a two-week overseas Global Education Trip programme for second- and third-year students.
TP is expanding and enhancing its laboratory preschool — a site for students to have hands-on experience with providing both childcare and kindergarten services.
