Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Duration:3 years and 7 months (Open Distance Learning - ODL)

Intakes:Jan, May & Sept

Campus:Wawasan Open University, Penang

Level of Study:Diploma

Faculty:School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences

Course Code:R-DL/143/4/0119(MQA/FA7916)09/28

About this course

Programme Outline

The Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme aims to provide professional upgrading opportunities for existing preschool teachers who do not possess diploma qualifications. This is in line with the government’s policy to equip preschool teachers with a minimum diploma qualification. Specifically, it equips students with knowledge, skills and competencies for them to be employed in childcare settings and preschools. Upon completion of the programme, graduates should be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the core knowledge areas;

  • apply knowledge and understanding to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children’s development from birth to the age of 6 years old in Malaysia;

  • create, provide and maintain a safe, healthy and nurturing environment where children from birth to the age of 6 years old in Malaysia learn and develop;

  • demonstrate commitment to professionalism in values, attitudes and ethics;

  • communicate effectively with children, colleagues, family and the community;

  • apply problem solving, self-reflection, scientific skills and creative thinking in the care and education of young children from birth to the age of 6 years old in Malaysia;

  • resource, select and apply information to enhance early learning and self development; and

  • exhibit basic managerial and entrepreneurial skills in early childhood settings.

 Career Prospects

Upon successful completion of the Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme, graduates will find employment in childcare settings and preschools as teachers and administrators. Also, graduates who are teachers in preschool centres without formal qualifications will then be suitably equipped and qualified to teach. Graduates may also be able to start up their own pre-school centres.

Total Course Fees

Estimated RM12,250- RM13,500

For more information on scholarship, please e-mail enquiry@wou.edu.my for more details or call Toll Free Careline at 1300-888-968.

Subject Listing

  • Study Skills for Open Distance Learning
  • Introduction to Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education
  • Principles of Child Guidance
  • Development and Play in Early Childhood Education
  • Theories and Practice of Early Childhood Education
  • Technology in Early Childhood Education
  • Psychology of Child Development
  • Health, Safety, Hygiene and Nutrition
  • Nature and Environment Awareness
  • Partnering with Families and Community in Early Childhood Education
  • Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Education
  • Numeracy Skills for Young Children
  • Physical Education for Young Children
  • Art and Craft for Young Children
  • Creative Expression through Music, Movement and Drama
  • English Language Pedagogy
  • Management and Administration in Early Childhood Education
  • Curriculum Planning for Early Childhood Education
  • Young Children with Special Needs
  • Law and Social Policies for Early Childhood Education
  • Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
  • Project Paper for Early Childhood Education I
  • Project Paper for Early Childhood Education II
  • Social Studies in Early Childhood Education
  • Malay Language Pedagogy
  • Mandarin Language Pedagogy
  • Tamil Language Pedagogy
  • Language Pedagogy for Early Childhood Education (for Foreign Students only)

** Choose any 1 course

  • Teaching Practicum OR
  • Action Research in Early Childhood Education
  • Bahasa Kenangsaan A (Candidates without SPM Credit), OR
  • Interpersonal Communication (Candidates with SPM Credit, OR
  • Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 1 ( Foreign Students only)
  • Malaysian Studies 2
  • Family and Society
  • Co-curriculum

Entry RequirementsApplicants must have one of the following Entry requirements:

Candidates with the following criteria will be eligible to be considered for admission into the undergraduate programme:

(1) Regular Entry Candidates must possess a minimum of:

 A pass in SPM or its equivalent, with a minimum of 3 credits in any subjects; or

 A pass in Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) or its equivalent, with a minimum of Grade C (GP 2.0) in any subject or its equivalent; or

 A pass in Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) with a minimum grade of Maqbul; or

 A pass in SKM level 3 in Early Child Care / Preschool and pass SPM with a minimum of 1 credit in any subject; or

 A Certificate in Early Childhood Education or its equivalent; or

 A Certificate in any field or its equivalent

(2) Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) provides an opportunity for individuals with working experience but lack of formal academic qualifications to pursue their tertiary studies. APEL involves the identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes, for access to a programme of study.

Applicants should comply with the following admission criteria stipulated by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA):

 The candidate should be at least 20 years of age in the year of application and possess relevant work experience.

International Student Only

Please contact Wawasan Open University  for more information

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