Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Early Childhood Education) in Leadership and Special Needs

This programme is suitable for aspiring or current early childhood educators who are keen to develop as middle management professionals, such as head teachers responsible for curriculum planning or administration, or as principals in kindergartens. The programme aims to help participants advance their academic and professional qualifications, and teach in special child care service units.

This is a four-year part-time programme that consists of 81 credit points. It comprises domains such as Major (Core, Interdisciplinary Course, Electives, Education Studies) Field Experience, Final Year Project, General Education, and English Enhancement Course.

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.

Mainly in Cantonese. English or Putonghua will be used as the language of instruction for relevant courses as appropriate.

• 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);
• Be able to work as a special child care worker and teach in special child care service units (Note 3);
• Have the opportunity to organize and implement supportive duties related to special child education;
• 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; and
• Be 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: 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.

• Entrance Scholarship – Professional Excellence Scholarship for Graduates of Higher Diploma Programmes in the field of Early Childhood Education
• Final-year Project Award – Project/Capstone Course Excellence Award for Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) Programmes
• Outstanding Field Experience Award for Early Childhood Education Students

• 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.

The tuition fee for the programme is HK$29,700 per annum. This fee is provisional and subject to adjustment.

* 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.