This experience by an early childhood education aspirant shows the need to take on a course (any course) with your eyes open, and ask all questions, even silly ones, until you are satisfied that the course and the institute delivering it are exactly what you seek, in building your career. But as can be seen from the replies, all's not lost..
Mar 20, 2010
NO PRESCHOOL JOB AFTER MASTER'S
The $26,000 mistake
NO PRESCHOOL JOB AFTER MASTER'S
The $26,000 mistake
When I asked about career prospects, I was told by RTRC that graduates of this master's programme were qualified to be curriculum specialists and the programme was popular among preschools here. The cost of the programme was $26,000 without GST. With this information, and the notion of a possible career in early childhood education, I applied for the programme and was admitted.
However, after paying $26,000 and completing the two-year part-time master's programme with distinction, I was told by all preschools that I am not qualified to be a preschool teacher, let alone a curriculum specialist, or hold any management role in a preschool setting. This is because I do not have the basic teaching qualifications such as a certificate or diploma in early childhood education.
On further check, I found out from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports' (MCYS) childcare division that it would recognise the Master of Science (Early Childhood) qualification conferred by Wheelock College only at the diploma level and only after I fulfilled supervised practical modules of diploma programmes run by approved training agencies.
I also found out from MCYS that it does not recognise the Master of Science (Early Childhood) conferred by Wheelock College as a qualification to teach or supervise in preschools here. To work as a preschool teacher, I must pay additional fees and complete the diploma course.
I hope Seed Institute and MCYS can address the following:
•Why did RTRC offer a master's programme that is not even recognised at diploma level by MCYS?
•During my registration, why did RTRC lead prospective students like me - and especially those seeking a career change to early childhood education - into an expensive master's programme instead of introducing the fundamental certificate and diploma courses accredited for the preschool teaching profession?
•Why did MCYS and other government agencies not intervene to prevent such costly mistakes?
•Why are the additional requirements for graduates with a master's in early childhood education not highlighted in the training route for preschool teaching?
Madeleine Chang (Ms)
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Mar 26, 2010
Preschool teachers need practical training
I REFER to the letter by Ms Madeleine Chang last Saturday, 'The $26,000 mistake'.
Early childhood teachers require a Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education-Teaching (DECCE-T) and at least five GCE O-level credits including a B4 grade (or better) in English Language.
Tertiary-level early childhood qualifications which demonstrate that a candidate has undergone relevant practical training and acquired appropriate academic content are also acceptable. Teaching children requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This information is available at www.childcarelink.gov.sg.
The Master of Science (Early Childhood Education) conferred jointly by Wheelock College and Seed Institute provides important academic grounding for those wishing to further their career in the early childhood sector as trainers and curriculum specialists. This course, however, does not provide a 300-hour practicum module, as most candidates already have basic qualifications in early childhood education. The practicum module ensures that would-be teachers are able to translate academic knowledge into practice in an early childhood setting.
To be a qualified preschool teacher, Ms Chang need not undergo the full DECCE-T course. She would only need to pass the practicum module.
We thank Ms Chang for her feedback and wish her well in her career in early childhood education.
Eugene Leong
Director, Child Care Division
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports
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Mar 26, 2010
Seed Institute helping aspiring educator
I THANK Ms Madeleine Chang ('The $26,000 mistake'; last Saturday) for the opportunity to clarify on the value and intent of our master's programme.
The Wheelock College-Seed Institute Master of Science (Early Childhood Education) is an academic qualification that equips professionals, including those from other fields, with a strategic understanding of the industry.
To date, the course is into its sixth intake. We have seen a mix of students with prior early childhood education experience and qualifications, as well as those who do not have that but meet the academic entry requirements.
Our graduates have since been employed as curriculum specialists, trainers, business managers and franchise owners.
Our master's programme enables educators, industry professionals and mid-career professionals to better understand and develop young children and industry requirements.
Graduates who are keen to practise as a preschool teacher after the course can take an additional practicum module to be recognised as a qualified teacher. Briefing sessions are held before the start of our courses to help students understand the programme and how it can support their career aspirations in the industry.
We have contacted Ms Chang and are discussing with her how best we can support her in a career as an early childhood education professional.
Ho Yin Fong (Ms)
Academic Director
Seed Institute
Seed Institute helping aspiring educator
I THANK Ms Madeleine Chang ('The $26,000 mistake'; last Saturday) for the opportunity to clarify on the value and intent of our master's programme.
The Wheelock College-Seed Institute Master of Science (Early Childhood Education) is an academic qualification that equips professionals, including those from other fields, with a strategic understanding of the industry.
To date, the course is into its sixth intake. We have seen a mix of students with prior early childhood education experience and qualifications, as well as those who do not have that but meet the academic entry requirements.
Our graduates have since been employed as curriculum specialists, trainers, business managers and franchise owners.
Our master's programme enables educators, industry professionals and mid-career professionals to better understand and develop young children and industry requirements.
Graduates who are keen to practise as a preschool teacher after the course can take an additional practicum module to be recognised as a qualified teacher. Briefing sessions are held before the start of our courses to help students understand the programme and how it can support their career aspirations in the industry.
We have contacted Ms Chang and are discussing with her how best we can support her in a career as an early childhood education professional.
Ho Yin Fong (Ms)
Academic Director
Seed Institute
