Programme Aims

This programme aims to respond to the increasing demand for suitably qualified leaders and managers within preschools who can support the learning needs of children with special needs. It also assists qualified early childhood educators to become highly competent, innovative and ethical professionals who are able to contribute to the development of quality programmes for young children and their families in Hong Kong.

The teaching methods of this programme aim to encourage students to challenge and extend their understanding of early childhood education in general, and their own practice in particular. Approaches to teaching are generally interactive and non-didactic. Students will be encouraged to reflect and build on their practical experience through participation in workshops, seminars and tutorials in a stimulating teaching and learning environment.

Programme Features

1. Professional Upgrading: The programme meets the policy requirements set by the Education Bureau for principals to possess a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree in early childhood education^*.

2. Interactive Learning Mode: The teaching methods encourage students to reflect and build upon their practical experience.

3. Diverse Needs Specialization: The programme provides courses recognized by the Education Bureau on catering for students with developmental needs.

4. The programme provides training recognized by the Social Welfare Department for those teaching in special child care service units^**.

* 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.

Education Studies

In this domain, students employ the principles and theories on early childhood education, which develop students’ global awareness of early childhood care and education of the current trends on child studies and development.

The ES courses are:

• Current Curriculum Issues in Early Childhood Education
• Comparative Early Childhood Education
• Current Trends in Child Development and Assessment
• Theoretical Perspectives on Early Childhood Practice

Field Experience

The Field Experience that composed of Integrated Field Experience I (2cps) and Integrated Field Experience II (4cps) aims to assist students to innovate and reflect on their practice that builds on the students' foundation of situated knowledge. It help students critically reflect on their practice and enrich their theoretical knowledge of early childhood practice. Students are expected to develop and implement theory-based teaching ^{Note 1} in an early childhood education setting in Hong Kong ^{Note 2} for enhancing teaching and learning.

Note 1: Students specializing in Diverse Needs area are required to develop their Field Experience study in Diverse Needs.
Note 2: Supervisory visits will be arranged in students’ serving school with children at 3-6 years old.

Final Year Project

The Final Year Project comprises of two 3-cp courses:

• Honours Project I / Capstone Project I: Introduction of research methods and proposal in Semester 2 of Year 3; and
• Honours Project II / Capstone Project II: A one-year project to be conducted in the final year. Students can choose their topic from either their Major or Education Studies, and will complete an individual project under the supervision by an academic staff. ^{Note 3}

Note 3: Students specializing in Diverse Needs area are required to develop their Honours ProjectII/Capstone Project II study in Diverse Needs.

General Education

Students are required to take one 3-cp course selected from a list of General Education (GE) courses which cover a variety of areas, including positive thinking, stress management, healthy living or teachers’ personal and professional interest.

English Enhancement Course

The compulsory 3-cp English Enhancement Course aims to help students acquire linguistics skills in both academic and social contexts. It prepares students to write coherent and organized academic texts by developing essential skills in critical thinking, reading and writing. In addition, the course will enhance student’s ability to make appropriate correspondence in the workplace.

Class Time and Venue

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.

Medium of Instruction

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

Career Prospects / Professional Qualifications

Graduates of the programme will:

• Meet the academic qualification required by the Education Bureau for kindergarten principals ^{Note 4};
• Possess a professional qualification at a degree level that meets the high demands of the early childhood education field ^{Note 5};
• Be able to work as a special child care worker and teach in special child care service units ^{Note 6};
• 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 4: Graduates' individual registration on professional qualifications as kindergarten principal is subject to the approval of the Education Bureau.
Note 5: 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 6: 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.

General Admission Requirement

• 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.

Early Admission

Early admission offers will be given to highly qualified applicants. These applicants will be informed of the admission result individually by email. Applicants who are not offered early admission shall not assume that they are not being considered for admission. Please check your personal email and your online application account regularly for the progress of your application.

Disclaimers
Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in this website is correct. Changes to any aspects of the programmes may be made from time to time due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control and the University reserves the right to make amendments to any information contained in this website without prior notice. The University accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from any use or misuse of or reliance on any information contained in this website.

Any aspect of the course and course offerings (including, without limitation, the content of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University. Without limiting the right of the University to amend the course and its course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors such as staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by unforeseeable circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.

EdUHK is one of the teacher education providers in Hong Kong. Graduates of the University’s teacher education programmes are eligible to apply to become fully qualified Registered Teachers. For registration as a teacher, graduates should approach the Teacher Registration Team of the Education Bureau (EDB) to submit applications directly. All applications will be independently assessed by the EDB which will consider, among other things, whether an applicant has been convicted of any criminal offence (including sex-related offences) in Hong Kong or elsewhere, or is involved in any ongoing criminal proceedings or investigations. For details, please browse the EDB’s official website.

In the event of inconsistency between information in English and Chinese version or where an interpretation of the programme content is required, the decision of the University shall be final.