Adult Learners
Make a Difference in Little Lives!
Ready for a fulfilling career that makes a real difference?
Early childhood educators play a vital role in shaping young minds. You’ll nurture their curiosity, spark a love of learning, inculcate values and equip them with essential life skills.
Here’s why a mid-career switch to early childhood education is perfect for you:
- Make a lasting impact: Witness the joy of learning firsthand and contribute to a child’s development.
- Shift your focus: Apply your skills and experience in a nurturing and rewarding environment.
- Join a supportive community: Collaborate with passionate colleagues and families who share your dedication.
Ready to embark on this meaningful journey? Explore our courses and discover how you can make a difference in the lives of young children.
Downloads
Learn all you need to know about being an EC educator!
Get your copy of the Starter Ki(d), a handy A-Z guide on EC training for mid-career switchers.
More Reasons To Join The Sector
Growing Demand for Early Childhood Educators
The 24,000-strong early childhood workforce will require over 2,500 more educators by 2025.
Great Career Progression
With the right qualifications and competencies, you can go on to be in leadership positions.
Support from the Government
The Government’s annual spending on the sector has increased from $1 billion in 2018 to $1.8 billion in 2021 and is expected to double over the next few years.
What It Takes to Be an EC Educator
Qualities for a good fit
- PASSION to give every child a good start
- LOVE of interacting with children
- ENTHUSIASM to learn and work well in teams
- CARE for others, have good values & social skills
A big heart to shape little minds
What Courses Can You Take?
For those who have completed Sec 4 education
| Course | Campus | How To Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education (N96 & T68) | NIEC (NP) / NIEC (TP) | Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) Application for entry to AY 2024: To be announced |
| Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education | NIEC (NP), NIEC (TP) | Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) Application for entry to AY 2024: To be announced |
| Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education | NIEC (NP) | Poly Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE) Application for entry to AY 2025: To be announced |
For those with 3 O-level credit
| Course | Campus | How To Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education (N96 & T68) | NIEC (NP) / NIEC (TP) | Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) Application for entry to AY 2024: To be announced |
| Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education | NIEC (NP), NIEC (TP) | Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) Application for entry to AY 2024: To be announced |
| Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education | NIEC (NP) | Poly Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE) Application for entry to AY 2025: To be announced |
For those with 5 O-level credits
| Course | Campus | How To Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education (N96 & T68) | NIEC (NP) / NIEC (TP) | Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) Application for entry to AY 2024: To be announced |
| Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education | NIEC (NP), NIEC (TP) | Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) Application for entry to AY 2024: To be announced |
| Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education | NIEC (NP) | Poly Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE) Application for entry to AY 2025: To be announced |
For those with a degree or local poly diploma
| Course | Campus | How To Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education (N96 & T68) | NIEC (NP) / NIEC (TP) | Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) Application for entry to AY 2024: To be announced |
| Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education | NIEC (NP), NIEC (TP) | Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) Application for entry to AY 2024: To be announced |
| Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education | NIEC (NP) | Poly Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE) Application for entry to AY 2025: To be announced |
Watch what our students go through in the video above!
Find out more about the NIEC student experience.
Student Testimonials
The theories behind early childhood are so interesting! It amazes me how different theories explain children’s behaviour and how it might affect their future. I want this generation to be even better than ours!
One of my favourite parts about being in NIEC is having schoolmates not just from my campus, but from NIEC (ITE) and NIEC (TP) too! We get to exchange tips and notes about what we learn from each other!
How to Apply for Our Courses
Step 1
Ensure you have met the entry requirements and possess the relevant qualifications and work experience for the course.
Step 2
Ready to apply? Click "Apply Now" on the respective course pages.
Step 3
If your application is successful, you will receive an email with instructions on how to accept the offer.
You may qualify for certain financial schemes for course fee payment, e.g. SkillsFuture Credit, MOE Bursary.
Other ways to apply
1. Enjoy full course fee sponsorship by your employer for your EC training under the Career Conversion Programme (CCP)!
The day intakes of selected courses are eligible for Workforce Singapore’s CCP, where your employer may sponsor your training at NIEC and provide a monthly salary during your course. Here’s how it works:
- Secure sponsorship by an early childhood development centre (ECDC) licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). Visit the ECDA website for job portals and contact the centres directly for CCP opportunities. You may need to fulfil a bond to work with your employer.
- Apply for our courses within 6 months of being hired. Upon successful enrolment, you will start your training at NIEC while working at the centre.
- Enjoy full course sponsorship and a monthly work salary, provided by your employer!
The CCP is open to all company-sponsored applicants who:
- Are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents aged 21 years and above;
- Graduated or completed National Service, whichever is later, at least 2 years at the point of application;
- Are newly-hired by participating ECDA-licensed ECDCs;
- Are not in the same job role prior to joining the CCP.
To be eligible, you must be employed as a trainee teacher for no longer than 6 months from the course application date. Other terms and conditions apply.
Learn more:
2. Apply via the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) for Working Adults to enjoy a holistic poly/ITE experience.
The EAE is only applicable for these full-time courses:
- Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education at NIEC (NP)/NIEC (TP)
- Diploma in Tamil Studies with Early Education at NIEC (NP)
- Higher Nitec in Early Childhood Education at NIEC (ITE)
The EAE for Working Adults is open to Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents only with at least 2 years of relevant work experience. For more information, visit the EAE website.
When to apply:
