Programme Introduction
The University Grants Committee-funded Bachelor of Arts Programme in Early Childhood Education is a two-year, full-time degree programme, designed for local Higher Diploma holders. Building on the foundation the students acquired in their higher diploma programmes, the Programme aims to provide additional academic and professional training for higher diploma holders who are already recognized as “qualified kindergarten teachers” to become effective and competent early childhood educators.
The Programme equips students with a strong theoretical background in child development and pedagogical skills to foster the holistic development (physical, cognitive and language, affective and social, and aesthetic) of children, and the competence and sensitivity to design a responsive curriculum to facilitate the physical and psychological development of children with various learning, emotional and behavioural needs. Evidence-based practices are emphasized. There is also an internship component to widen students’ perspectives in working with young children. In view of the increased awareness of learner diversity and the use of eLearning, the Programme also focuses on academic knowledge and professional competence to address special educational needs in children and to capitalise on eLearning potential in the kindergarten setting.
The Programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing upon expertise from different departments in the Faculty of Education, including the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the Department of Educational Administration and Policy, the Department of Educational Psychology, and the Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, to provide the students with solid disciplinary knowledge from diverse academic and practical perspectives.
Ranking
The CUHK Faculty of Education is ranked 19th in the world and 5th in Asia in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (Education) 2024.
Craft Your Path
Upon completion of the Programme, graduates of the B.A. Programme in Early Childhood Education will:
- understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry and structure of early childhood education;
- understand children’s differences in learning, and design curriculum and instructional plans suitable for diverse learners;
- understand of a variety of instructional strategies, and use various strategies to encourage the development of curiosity, creativity, problem-solving and performance skills in children;
- understand a variety of formal and informal assessment strategies, and use various assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous all-round development of young learners;
- understand the basic organizational and managerial theories, and how to adopt appropriate strategies to contribute independently and collegially to the quality of their schools to the benefit of the children, parents, community and colleagues;
- understand the complex characteristics of young children, their families and communities, and appreciate respectful, reciprocal relationships that support the children’s development and learning; and
- become reflective practitioners who continually evaluate the effects of their choices and who actively seek opportunities to grow professionally.
Career Prospects
Graduates may take up teaching positions in kindergartens, become specialists in working with children with diverse needs, or work as administrators in centres serving young children and families.
If you are interested in this programme, please review the application requirements and deadlines specific to the respective admission scheme to increase your chances of getting accepted.
