Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Early Childhood Education) in Leadership and Non-Chinese Speaking Children

This programme is designed to address the growing need for preschool leaders and managers who can cater to the educational needs of non-Chinese speaking children. It aims to enhance the proficiency of qualified early childhood educators, guiding them to be innovative, ethical professionals committed to advancing quality education for young children in Hong Kong. Upon concluding this programme, graduates will possess a refined and expanded understanding of early childhood education. This will enable them to critically assess and improve their own pedagogical practices.

This is a four-year part-time programme consisting of 80 credit points (cps). It is designed as an add-on to the in-service Certificate / Higher Diploma in Kindergarten Education Programme (CE(KG) / HD(KG)), or the pre-service Certificate / Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education Programme (CE(ECE) / HD(ECE)) or equivalent. This programme comprises the following domains:

Students are normally required to attend two to three 3-hour sessions per week. Classes may be scheduled in evenings and/or on weekends at the Tai Po Campus, Tseung Kwan O Study Centre, North Point Study Centre, and/or Kowloon Tong Satellite Study Centre, as decided by the University.

The medium of instruction is mainly Cantonese. English or Putonghua will be used as the language of instruction for relevant courses, (e.g. the course "Multiculturalism, Multilingualism: Developing International Mindedness in Early Childhood Education" and "Working with Families from Diverse Backgrounds" might be conducted in English) as appropriate.

• Holder of Certificate/ Higher Diploma in Kindergarten Education or Certificate/ Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education or equivalent, such as the Higher Diploma in Child Care and Education.
• Applicants may be required to attend admission interviews.
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The tuition fee for the programme is HK$29,700 per annum. This fee is provisional and subject to adjustment.

1. Professional Excellence Scholarship for Graduates of Higher Diploma Programmes in the field of Early Childhood Education

The scholarship will be awarded to students admitted to the Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Early Childhood Education) in Leadership and Non-Chinese Speaking Students (Four-year Part-time) [BEd(ECE) in L&NCS (4-yr PT)] with highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) scores as of the last semester of Higher Diploma Programmes in the field of early childhood education (with a minimum of 3.3 CGPA). Selection interview may be arranged when all other criteria being equal.

2. Project/Capstone Course Excellence Award for Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) Programmes

The award will be awarded to students in this programme with highest scores of the Honours Project II / Capstone Project II in final year of the study.

3. Outstanding Field Experience Award for Early Childhood Education Students

Graduates of the programme will:

• Meet the academic qualification required by the Education Bureau for kindergarten principals (Note 1) ;
• Possess a professional qualification at a degree level that meets the high demands of the early childhood education field (Note 2);
• Recognized by the Education Bureau, graduates from this programme will be considered as having successfully completed the Basic Course for Supporting Non-Chinese Speaking Students (Note 3);
• Will have the ability to work competently in a broad range of positions that involve working with children and families;
• Be eligible to apply for the University's Master's Programmes; andBe able to apply for overseas positions in early childhood education, in accordance with the registration requirements of relevant local institutions.

Note 1: Graduates' individual registration on professional qualifications as kindergarten principal is subject to the approval of the Education Bureau.

Note 2: According to the Kindergarten Administration Guide (2023), For appointment or promotion to senior teacher posts, Scheme-KGs should accord priority to suitable candidates with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education (BEd(ECE)) or equivalent.

Note 3: According to the Education Bureau requirement, each kindergarten that participates in the “Kindergarten Education Scheme” and enrolls non-Chinese-speaking students (regardless of the number) should have at least one teacher who has successfully completed the Education Bureau’s approved course for supporting non-Chinese-speaking students (basic course) before the end of the 2020/21 academic year.

Note 4: Students who completed the specified courses in the field “Diverse Needs” will be considered as having acquired training on the One-year In-service Course in Special Child Care Work recognized by the Social Welfare Department.

* As required by the Education Bureau (EDB), all new kindergarten principals from the 2009/10 school year should possess a degree in early childhood education. Graduates of this Course are recognized by the EDB as meeting one of the requirements for registration as kindergarten principals in Hong Kong. Registration on professional qualifications as a kindergarten principal is subject to individuals’ relevant work experience and further principalship training, and is subject to EDB’s final approval.

**Graduates of this programme who have been teaching in special child care service units and have completed the required courses in “Diverse Needs” will be considered as having acquired training on the One-year In-service Course in Special Child Care Work recognized by the Social Welfare Department. Students may be required to provide proof of service for taking the courses in “Diverse Needs”. The University reserves the right to approve students' eligibility for enrolling in specific courses under the “Diverse Needs” category.