Programme Code: JA8404  


Programme Aims

This programme aims to nurture outstanding early childhood educators who:
  • are competent and creative professionals;
  • demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and disposition required to design, implement and assess quality programmes for children from 0 to 8 years of age;
  • can work collaboratively with pupils, parents, colleagues, school administrators and other professionals;
  • are committed to lifelong learning; and
  • have a passion for excellence and are committed to the creative improvement of early childhood care and education in Hong Kong.


 
Programme Features

  • Emphasis on integration of subject knowledge, professional knowledge and practical abilities.
  • Partnership with early childhood education institutions to strengthen the theory-practice connection through field experience.
  • Strong English, Chinese and Putonghua language enhancement components incorporated into the programme.
  • Ample opportunities for students to engage in educational exchanges and visits:
    - Enhance the knowledge and skills in visual arts, music, dance and the like through participation in on-campus workshops and educational visits to universities in Mainland China.
    - Participate in student exchange programmes.
  • Graduates of this programme who have successfully completed the Special Needs concentration in Complementary Studies will be considered as having acquired training on the One-year In-service Course in Special Child Care Work, recognised by the Social Welfare Department.
 


 
Programme Structure
 


 
Discipline Studies

In this domain, students focus on early childhood studies, which encompass the foundations of child and family studies and knowledge of the care, nurturing, and education of children from birth to eight years of age.
 


 
Education Studies

In this domain, students learn about the theoretical foundations of education and professional skills for working with small children and their families. In addition, students gain a broad understanding of how children learn and develop.
 


 
Complementary Studies

In this domain, students gain expertise in an area relevant to their chosen profession as an early childhood educator.
 


 
General Education

Students can choose from a wide selection of General Education courses in the following areas to enhance their whole person development:

  • Philosophical and Spiritual
  • Literary and Artistic
  • Social and Historical
  • Scientific and Technological
 


 
Field Experience

Students practise teaching in kindergartens and nursery schools to try out what they have learnt:

  • Year 1 - 2
  Start by observing classes and assisting teachers
  • Year 3 - 4
  Begin with collaborative teaching and graduate to independent class teaching in a kindergarten or nursery school

Upon graduation, students will be able to assume the role of an independent beginning early childhood educator.
 


 
Medium of Instruction

The medium of Instruction is mainly Chinese. English or Putonghua is adopted as the language of Instruction for relevant courses, as appropriate.
 


 
Career Prospects/Professional Qualifications

Graduates of the programme will possess the following skills and qualifications:

  1. Qualified Kindergarten Teacher and Registered Child Care Worker status;
  2. Professional qualifications as kindergarten principal and child care supervisor;
  3. Ability to work competently in a broad range of positions that involve working with children and families; and
  4. Degree-level professional qualifications that are in great demand in the early childhood education sector.
 


 
Admission Enquiries
Tel: (852) 2948 6886
E-mail: admission@ied.edu.hk		 Programme Enquiries
Tel: (852) 2948 7573/(852) 2948 6792
E-mail:  laiching@ied.edu.hk/
ochan@ied.edu.hk
Programme Coordinator
Dr. Wong Kit Mei, Betty
Tel: (852) 2948 7597
E-mail: bwong@ied.edu.hk