The HDECE Programme is designed to educate and train students who will pursue a professional career to serve in the early childhood education sector with professional competence and Christian love. It equips graduates with the qualifications for working as kindergarten teachers, child care workers, child care supervisors, and special child care workers.

Programme Objectives

The objectives of the HDECE Programme are as follows:

1. Students are equipped with the most updated theories, knowledge and skills to be competent professionals in the ECE settings.
2. They are inspired to develop academically and spiritually, discover complementation between knowledge and faith, think critically with clarity, act professionally with integrity, and work in teams effectively with humility.
3. They are nurtured to be servant leaders to exemplify the C.H.R.I.S.T. (Commitment, Humility, Resilience, Integrity, Service and Teamwork) values in various early childhood education services and the NGO sector.

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOs)

General PILOs:

Upon completion of the Programme, students should be able to:

G1: Demonstrate a foundation of general and specialised knowledge and skills in early childhood education, including language skills, appropriate for progressing to further study in relevant degree programmes;

G2: Develop Christian character and commit with the spirit of servant leaders to the well-being of others and the betterment of the organisations they serve;

G3: Gain a deeper understanding of his/her strengths, weaknesses, interests and aspirations and a sense of confidence, responsibility to others and commitment to life-long learning, and his/her life and career pursuit;

G4: Develop an understanding of contemporary issues in both local and international contexts and discuss the possible connections amongst them and the implications on his/her living;

G5: Develop basic ICT skills to access, collect, handle and present information in a range of multi-media formats.

Specialised PILOs:

Upon completion of the Specialised Areas in ECE, students should be able to:

S1: Demonstrate an understanding of the global and local issues in ECE and the context of the Hong Kong SAR education system, and be able to examine the factors affecting the development of children, their families, teachers and the education settings;

S2: Evaluate the characteristics and development of young children (including those with special needs) and their families, understand their individual and group needs, and be able to empower families to support their children’s development and learning;

S3: Examine, abide by and appreciate the ethical guidelines and professional standards related to early childhood practice, and actively seek out opportunities to grow professionally as reflective practitioners;

S4: Identify the essence of quality ECE by examining various curriculum approaches, methods of inquiry, formal and informal assessment strategies, and the learning areas of young children;

S5: Explain how young children (including those with special needs) learn and create learning experiences so as to help them develop their moral and spiritual character, creativity, critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation, problem-solving ability and social skills;

S6: Plan curriculum based on subject knowledge, curriculum goals and development needs of young children, and apply verbal, non-verbal, and media communication techniques to foster active learning, inquiry, cooperation, and supportive interactions in the classroom.

Entrance Requirements

The Year 1 entry requirements of the HDECE Programme are as follows:

• Level 2 in five subjects including Chinese Language and English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination. Up to two Applied Learning subjects may be counted for admission purposes. Non-Chinese speaking students may use alternative qualifications in Chinese Language; OR
• Secondary school graduates from other education systems with results comparable to the above (for non-native speakers of Chinese, academic results in Chinese may not be required); OR
• Students having successfully completed a foundation diploma, pre-associate degree or Diploma Yi Jin; OR
• Mature applicants over the age of 21 when admission is sought; AND
• Pass an admission interview.

Practicum Opportunities

Practicum is essential for students to acquire the skills of teaching and working with young children.

Students will be able to gain first hand experience during practicum at Gratia’s network of kindergartens and child care centres across Hong Kong.

Programme Requirements

1. completed and been assessed on all courses;
2. obtained an overall GPA of 2.0 or above across all courses (not including Practicum I and Practicum II);
3. obtained a Grade D or above in all courses (not including Practicum I and Practicum II);
4. obtained a pass grade in Practicum I and Grade C or above in Practicum II;
5. completed 20 hours of community service; and
6. fulfilled an attendance requirement of not less than 80% in all courses and College Assembly.

Professional Recognition

Graduates will be recognised by:

• the Education Bureau as having the Certificate in Early Childhood Education qualification and eligible for registration as qualified kindergarten teachers;
• the Social Welfare Department as qualified Child Care Workers and Child Care Supervisors; and
• the Social Welfare Department as qualified Special Child Care Workers.