Course Aims This course is designed to arouse the interest of senior secondary students in early childhood education. Students are equipped with a basic understanding of the developmental characteristics of children, the basic skills in taking care of children and designing play activities for children as well as the core values and services of early childhood education in Hong Kong. Through experiential learning in authentic early childhood education settings, students are given opportunities to develop creativity, communication skills and team spirit, cultivate proper values and attitudes, and explore interests and potentials in early childhood education.
Diversified Learning and Teaching Activities There will be lectures with demonstrations, role play, group discussions, presentation, workshops, outdoor learning, visits to early childhood settings and workplace experience, etc.
Professional Recognition Students will obtain a Qualifications Framework (QF) Level 3 certificate in addition to HKDSE qualification upon successful completion of the course.
Child education plays a crucial role in children’s whole-person development. Well-trained and qualified early childhood educators are great assets in the child education field.
- Child Development (30 hours)
- Basic understanding of child development
- Factors affecting children’s development
- Stages and characteristics of children’s development
- Children with diverse learning needs
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education (24 hours)
- Importance, nature and functions of early childhood education and services
- Features of a quality early childhood curriculum
- Current issues of early childhood education in Hong Kong
- Community-based family services in Hong Kong
- Health Care for Young Children (15 hours)
- Personal hygiene and nutrition for young children
- Prevention of common communicable diseases and accidents
- Learning through Play (54 hours)
- Play and children’s development
- Key elements of play
- Basic principles in planning and implementing play activities
- Elective Parts (choose one of the topics)
- Creative arts
- Storytelling and nursery rhymes
- Physical activities and music
- Experiential Learning Programme (30 hours)
- Core values and missions of early childhood education and services
- Design of early childhood institutions
- Interacting with children
- Designing, implementing and evaluating play activities
- Life and Career Planning for Being an Early Childhood Educator (27 hours)
- Understanding of personal qualities
- Generic attributes expected in workplace
- Attitudes, values and work ethics of an early childhood educator
- Career development in early childhood education
Further Studies Courses related to early childhood education, special child care and inclusive education, kindergarten education, child care services, special child care services and social services, etc. For example, the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) offers:
Higher Diploma in Child Care and Education*
Higher Diploma in Special Child Care and Inclusive Education*
Higher Diploma in Integrated Social and Health Services
Higher Diploma in Community Service Planning and Navigation
Higher Diploma in Social Work
Higher Diploma in Play-based Learning
Graduates of the Higher Diploma programmes may apply for admission to top-up degree programmes offered by local and overseas universities.
*Students who have successfully completed this ApL course and meet the exemption criteria of the related VTC programme are eligible for a 26-hour module exemption.
Employment Upon completion of applied learning course (Child Care and Education), graduates can work as teaching assistants and playgroup assistants, or careers related to early childhood education.
Upon completion of higher diploma programmes (early childhood education related), graduates can work as child care centre supervisors, kindergarten teachers, child care workers, special child care workers, or careers related to early childhood education.
Every Saturday
09:00 – 12:00 OR
13:30 – 16:30
Subject to mutual agreement between the school and the VTC.
- IVE (Sha Tin)
21 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin, N.T.
Students are required to attend a group interview or an online interview/ assessment. Selection is based on student’s interest in child care, learning attitude, communication and presentation skills.
$16,230 (Course fee is fully subsidised by the EDB.)
Remarks:- Lessons may also be scheduled during summer holidays.
- Final class venue/ time may be subject to change with respect to the confirmed number of enrolment and other special circumstances.
