Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Supporting Learning and Teaching for Non-Chinese Speaking Children)

This diploma programme is a promising response to education provision for ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. It aims to nurture a new generation of teaching assistants who possess the language proficiency, pedagogical knowledge and positive attitudes required to support preschool teachers, education and community service workers in helping non-Chinese speaking (NCS) children build a solid base for learning, and to contribute proactively and meaningfully to social inclusion and early childhood education.

This is a one-year full-time programme comprised of 36 credit points. The programme curriculum is built on a theory-practice integrated framework, and comprises ten taught courses and a Practicum.

1. Understanding Child Development from an Ecological Perspective
2. Supporting Social and Emotional Development of Non-Chinese Speaking Children in Home and Schools
3. Supporting Language Development of Non-Chinese Speaking Children
4. Building Culturally Responsive Classrooms in Local Context
5. Embracing Play-based Learning and Teaching
6. Applying Technology into Learning and Teaching Resources
7. Promoting Equity and Social Inclusion in Home-School-Community Collaboration
8. 幼兒教育專用中文（一）Chinese for Specific Purpose I
9. 幼兒教育專用中文（二）Chinese for Specific Purpose II
10. English Communication Skills in ECE
11. Practicum

The Practicum course offers opportunities for participants to put what they learn into practice and hone their skills in supporting the non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students in learning. The course spans two semesters, and includes a total of 20 days for school attachment plus 6 weeks for practicum. It is expected that through taking up responsibilities in the real work settings, participants will have a better understanding of their future roles in classrooms, and how to interact and cooperate with children, teachers and parents.

Important Note

Prior to undertaking the Practicum, the University will request participants of the programme to declare whether they have been convicted of or are being prosecuted for any sex-related offence in Hong Kong or elsewhere, and to provide relevant details. Such information may be released to their placement schools/organizations. The University reserves the right not to allow any participant of the programme to undertake the Practicum. If so, these participants will not be able to meet the graduation requirements of the programme.

Based on the course nature and teaching content, individual courses will be taught in English or Chinese (Cantonese).

One-year full-time

Classes will be held at Tai Po Campus and/or Tseung Kwan O Study Centre (www.eduhk.hk/sc) as decided by the University.

Graduates of this programme are empowered with the knowledge, skills and values in culturally responsive practices. They can work as teaching assistants in kindergartens and non-formal education agencies, to facilitate and support the achievements of NCS children.

Applicants are eligible to apply through the Direct Application route if they:

1. have obtained in the HKDSE (a) Level 1 or above in Chinese Language (Note 1) and English Language; and (b) 6 points or above in the best five subjects (Notes 2 & 3); or
2. possess other equivalent qualifications; or
3. are mature applicants (aged 21 or above by 1 September 2019) who can demonstrate academic ability and commitment to study in the programme.

Applicants are also required to have achieved satisfactory performance in both written test and interview. Having knowledge of one or more ethnic minority languages (e.g. Hindi, Urdu, Nepali) will be an advantage.

Notes:

1. For non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students who have met the specified circumstances as announced by the Education Bureau (EDB), the University accepts alternative qualifications in Chinese Language (only those under GCE, GCSE, and IGCSE) for the purpose of meeting the minimum entrance requirements. From the 2017/18 onwards, the HKDSE Applied Learning Chinese will also be accepted as an alternative Chinese Language qualification with “Attained” as the minimum requirement.
2. If an applicant has attempted less than 5 subjects but can obtain 6 points or above, his/her application will also be considered. Calculation of points: Level 5** = 7 points; Level 5* = 6 points; Level 5 = 5 points; Level 4 = 4 points; Level 3 = 3 points; Level 2 = 2 points; Level 1 = 1 point.
3. Applicants are allowed to use not more than two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application. The recognition of the ApL subjects is as follows:
   “Attained with distinction” is deemed equivalent to Level 3 in the HKDSE Examinations; and “Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2 in the HKDSE Examinations.

Students of this Diploma programme are not required to pay tuition fee.

Application Deadline and Late Applications

The main round application deadline is 30 April 2019. Late applications will only be considered on a space-available basis. Applicants are therefore advised to apply as soon as possible.

Submission of Application

Applicants must submit their applications online. The University does not accept paper applications. Application fee is HK$150 which is non-refundable and non-transferable unless the programme, subject or class chosen has been cancelled by the University. Applicants are advised to visit the admission website for details before submitting their applications. Upon successful submission of application, applicant will receive an application acknowledgement by email.

Documents to be Submitted with your Application

You should upload your transcript, certificate and other supporting documents direct on www.eduhk.hk/acadprog/online. If you are a current final year student of a degree or post-secondary programme, please upload a copy of your current year results when it is available. If you are our graduate in 1995 or after, you do not need to submit any copies of academic transcript(s) and certificate(s) obtained at the EdUHK/HKIEd, but you will need to authorise us to extract and use your records of studies to process your application.

Interviews and Admission Results

Applicants may be required to attend admission interviews / tests. However, not all applicants of these programmes will be interviewed. An applicant who has not been invited to an interview / test shall not assume that he / she is not being considered for admission.

Applicants will be informed of their application status, such as application acknowledgement, interview arrangements, admission offer etc., via their personal email. No letters will be posted except in very exceptional circumstances. Applicants are advised to check their email and online application account regularly for interview schedules and admission status.

The selection process is normally completed by the end of August. Successful applicants will receive individual notifications by email. Applicants who are not offered admission by that date may assume their applications unsuccessful. No individual notifications will be sent to unsuccessful applicants and waitlisted applicants.

Caution Money

All students are required to pay HK$350 as caution money in the first semester. If there are no claims against the caution money, it will be converted to the Graduation Fee upon completion of the programme. The caution money is refundable on withdrawal from the University if no claims are outstanding.

Cancellation of Programme/Subject

The University reserves the right to cancel any programme(s)/subject(s) in which case all fees paid will be refunded.

Right of Access to and Correction of Information

In accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, you have the right of access to and correction of the information contained in your application form and the right to request a copy of such data. If you wish to do so, you may submit your request in writing to the Admissions and Registrations Section of the Registry.