PHDECE Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Part-time)
幼兒教育高級文憑 (兼讀制)

• This is the 15^th year for LiPACE to offer a recognized “Early Childhood Education” teacher training programme in English. HKMU LiPACE (Formally known as OUHK LiPACE) launched the first English MOI training programme “Diploma in Enlightened Early Childhood” in 2008.

• This programme meets the framework requirements of the Education Bureau for the Certificate in Early Childhood Education (CE(ECE)) training programme

• Graduates of this programme can gain professional recognition as a Qualified Kindergarten Teacher (QKT), Child Care Worker (CCW) and Child Care Supervisor (CCS)

• The programme regularly invites guest speakers from a range of early childhood education related businesses, NGOs and organizations, including but not limited to the following:

K's Kids is a developmental toy brand serving aged 0-3. Its award winning products are highly recommended by baby experts and marketers

Training 2's is an educational product line with specially developed resources that helps children improve their sensory integration and fine motor skills

International Association of Baby Massage (IABM) is a provider of training courses for parents about trusted methods in baby massage

Kiddy Imagination is a specialized provider of training services for children in various school settings

Hong Kong Unison was established in 2001 to serve as an advocate for ethnic minority community in Hong Kong

Our guest speakers engage student teachers through interactive means, such as demonstrations, hands-on experience, and mock teaching. Some highlights of past seminars and workshops are shown below:

Using LEGO in Kindergarten
Guest Workshop: EVI Services Limited

 

 

 

 

Gamification in Kindergarten Education
Guest Demonstration: Capstones Boardgame (Registered Social Workers & Kindergarten Teachers)

 

 

 

 

Enhance physical and attachment through Infant Massageon
Guest Talk: International Association of Baby Massage (Registered Physiologists)

 

 

 

Play Development & Using Toys as Teaching Aids
Guest Seminar: K's Kids and Training 2's (Ms. Karen Wong, Chief Designer of Infant Toys and SEN Tools)

 

 

 

 

Teaching children about self-protection
Guest Talk: Family Planning Association of Hong Kong

 

 

 

Programme Features

• Introduces student teachers to various teaching methodologies and approaches of different pre-school philosophies – Froebel (Father of Kindergarten), Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Story teaching approach (Taiwan), etc.

• Put emphasis on development of teaching skills and techniques, such as preparing lesson plans based on developmental milestones and the HK Kindergarten Curriculum Guide (2017). Student teachers are trained to deliver an effective lesson that can achieve its learning objectives.

• Encourage team-based collaborations during the teacher training journey.

• Help student teachers develop school management skills (e.g. by teaching the 7P Marketing Strategy for promoting kindergarten or by visiting various ECE sectors)

• Welcome student of different nationalities. The international character of our university adds diversity and enriches exchanges among teachers and students.

Why Do Students Choose Us?

Changing Career

Our programme appeals to those who would like to chart a different career path after working in other areas. This programme allows them to become qualified to work in pre-school contexts (playgroups, nursery schools, kindergartens).

FOK, Wai Ling Ivy

• Teaching Assistant in Primary School

Studying in LiPACE marks a new beginning in my life. I am learning both professional knowledge and practical skills. My daily schedule is full but my time is filled with enjoyment and a sense of achievement. I am looking forward to becoming a qualified kindergarten teacher two years from now. By then I can tell everyone that my dream to be a qualified kindergarten teacher has become true.

WAN, Mei Ling Peonie

• Packaging Technician

I am glad to be a student of ECE in HKMU LiPACE. The teachers are very responsible and enthusiastic about their teaching. They give us lectures with strong practical knowledge that are referenced to kindergarten practices both locally and outside Hong Kong.

CHEUNG, Wai Wan Linda

• Programme Officer in NGO

LiPACE provides a fantastic learning environment and good lectures taught by professional lecturers. It is great for me to be a student of the Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I love learning and I feel much strengthened knowledge- and skills-wise after each lecture.

YAN, Tsz Wa Bobo

• Assistant to Councillor

This programme provides a comprehensive curriculum. The rich content helps me to add value and to get well prepared on my way to becoming an early childhood educator in the near future. The lecturers are very nice and are always ready to give us support and advice, such as providing information about further studies and the latest news and updates about local kindergartens.

Becoming a Reflective Practitioner

Our programme also provides an ideal setting for those already employed in ECE sectors to advance their professional knowledge and enhance their teaching skills in pre-school education. Joining the programme enables them to engage in professional enquiry and reflection of their own classroom teaching practice.

OSAMUSALI, Patrick

• Teacher in Kindergarten

It has been an overwhelming and nostalgic experience to be a part-time student in HKMU LiPACE while working full-time simultaneously. Being one of the few universities that offer part-time studies in English, it has given me the opportunity to further my education and enrich myself with knowledge and experience that are relevant to my career. I have also met wonderful instructors who truly care for the students and some amazing course mates.

WOODWARD, Katie Ann

• Teacher in Kindergarten

During my time studying in LiPACE, I have had the chance to build upon some prior knowledge I had on child development, gained new knowledge and to focus on what I really want to continue to do after I have finished the programme. I have gained some amazing new friends that will be friends for a long time.

Building a Professional Network

Our programme's strength is in cultivating a sense of belonging among participants which will benefit them in the long run.

JAMIL, Shabana

• Kindergarten Teacher

I love the atmosphere of HKMU LiPACE which is quite open and inviting. It is very comfortable with ample spaces for students to study and meet to work together. I met people from all walks of life coming to continue their education. I highly recommend everyone to come and join the programme.

WOO, Pui Ching Priscilla

• Clerk

I enjoy the learning opportunity provided by HKMU LiPACE. I have gained great and valuable learning experiences here. After studying in this programme for almost one year, I have noticed that my critical thinking and creative abilities have been enhanced. Doing group work and joining group discussions allowed me to put what I have learned into practice.

LEUNG, Tsz Lung Kristy

• Assistant Teacher in Kindergarten

Studying in HKMU LiPACE gives me a wonderful opportunity to make friends who share similar goals. We understand and support each other. Our group spirit is kept high when we do group projects and revisions. LiPACE provides a good platform for us not only to learn from professional lecturers but also for making good friends with fellow classmates.

Our programme provides a supportive environment for student teachers to prepare their teaching practice. During Year 1 and 2, student teachers are required to prepare teaching props and deliver teaching demonstrations in front of their classmates. This is a safe approach to enable student teachers to hone their skills and build confidence in delivering lessons.

In Year 3, all student teachers are required to complete a 320-hour practicum in a registered kindergarten or nursery school in Hong Kong.

Applicants are normally required to have either one of the following qualifications:  

• Level 2 in 5 HKDSE subjects (including English Language and Chinese Language)^; or

• Satisfactory completion of LiPACE's “Diploma in Early Childhood Studies (Educational Kit Design)”; or

• Satisfactory completion of Diploma Yi Jin; or

• Satisfactory completion of a QF Level 3 Diploma or an equivalent programme, e.g. Diploma of Foundation Studies awarded by Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) or by a post-secondary institution in Hong Kong; or

• Other acceptable equivalent qualifications (including non-local qualifications obtained in or outside HK, or other qualifications/experience deemed to be equivalent); or

• Mature applicants aged 21 or above, preferably with relevant working experience.

^ Applicants possessing “Attained”, “Attained with Distinction (I)" and “Attained with Distinction (II)” results in an Applied Learning (ApL) subject are deemed to have attained “Level 2”, “Level 3” and “Level 4” respectively in one HKDSE subject, with a maximum of two ApL subjects can be counted for admission purpose.

Year 1 (early Sep to mid- May)

• Introduction to Early Childhood Education 幼兒教育導論

• Early Childhood Development 幼兒發展

• English for Communication I 英語溝通技巧(一)

• English for Communication II 英語溝通技巧(二)

Year 1 Summer (late- May to Aug/ Dec)

• Self Understanding and Personal Efficacy 自我認識及自我效能

• Curriculum in Early Childhood Education 幼兒教育課程

Year 2 (early Sep to mid- May)

• Introduction to Sociology 社會學概論

• Diverse Needs Education 個別差異的教育

• Putonghua in Use 普通話運用 (for Chinese students)

• Fundamental Putonghua 基礎普通話 (for non- Chinese students)

Year 2 Summer (late- May to Aug)

• English for Communication III 英語溝通技巧(三)

• IT and Digital Literacy in Early Childhood Education 幼兒教育的電腦及數位素養

Year 3 (early Sep to May)

• Management and Administration in ECE 幼兒教育的管理及行政

• Parental Involvement and Home School Collaboration 家長參與及家校協作

• Issues in ECE 幼兒教育的議題

• Field Practice 教學實踐^

^ The course includes not less than 320 practicum hours 

LiPACE reserves the right to make alternations without prior notice

• The programme meets the framework requirements of the Education Bureau for the Certificate in Early Childhood Education (CE(ECE)) training programme

• Graduates of this programme can gain professional recognition as a Qualified Kindergarten Teacher (QKT), Child Care Worker (CCW) and Child Care Supervisor (CCS) 

Graduates may articulate to :

Students who have achieved academic excellence in their studies are awarded the Dean's List. Recent awardees are shown here:

Adrian Cheng (Class of 2017) LiPACE Director's List (2016)

Ray Fong (Class of 2017) LiPACE Director's List (2016)

The following students have provided first-hand account of their experience studying with us, come and join them to become a part of our community.

RAMCHANDANI, Nisha Manoj

• Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Year 1 student)
• Teacher in Kindergarten

“The University making itself ready for students is more important than students being ready for the University”. In HKMU LiPACE, the staff, the mentors and the teachers are always ready to serve all their students with guidance and care. This virtue of respect gives us comfort and makes for a great and enjoyable learning experience. The Kwai Hing campus is very convenient as it's adjacent to the MTR. I highly recommend HKMU LiPACE to all newcomers who would like to learn and explore for themselves what this programme can bring to them. Be ambitious and turn your dreams into reality.

MAHMOOD, Rukiya

• Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Year 1 student)
• Stay-at-home mom

I must say that it is a great opportunity for me to have a chance to study in HKMU LiPACE and I feel once again at being empowered to express my feelings and to realize my dream in studying ECE. I have benefitted from the wonderful learning experience imparted by our superb lecturers. Although I'm just a part-time student, I have been given full priority and am treated as a member of the HKMU LiPACE family without discrimination. I am so grateful to HKMU LiPACE for this great opportunity.

WAI, Ching Yu Jinny

• Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Year 2 student)
• Programme worker in NGO

HKMU LiPACE provides a comfortable environment and sufficient facilities for study. We find ourselves strongly motivated to learn. We enjoy doing our assignments and revisions together, and to have discussions in such a nice campus environment! We also benefit from the rich and comprehensive curriculum contents. Our lecturers are knowledgeable and willing to share their experience in the ECE field. Other than learning, we treasure the opportunity to make friends with fellow classmates.

CAMPBELL, David JohnJohn

• Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Year 2 student)
• Teacher in Kindergarten

Going back to school at my age was a big decision and very stressful. I had to somehow work a full time job, study part-time and find time to be a husband / father to my family. It was not easy but thanks to supportive teachers and some great new friends (that I have met on the course) I have been able to manage things so far.