Child Care Teachers and Early Intervention Teachers

Child Care Teachers

Child Care Teachers are in charge of teaching and caring for a particular age group of children in a child care centre. They are engaged in giving our young ones a valuable headstart by nurturing their social skills and values and at the same time instilling in them a lifelong love of learning.

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Early Intervention Teachers

Early Intervention (EI) Teachers work very closely with a team of professionals and the parents of the special needs children aged six and below, with disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy, autism, dyslexia and others. The teachers help and track the developmental milestones of the child.

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Personal Qualities

A passion to work with young children and their families, coupled with a desire to shape and nurture young minds and hearts. In addition, the ability to work with young children, one needs to have patience, commitment and resilience.

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Minimum Requirements
(i) Child Care Teachers
For individuals with less than 3 'O' level credits:

Individuals without the requisite 'O' levels may be considered for a position as child care assistant, providing a supporting role for teachers. They assist in preparing teaching aids, caring for the children’s physical needs and interacting with them.

For individuals with less than 5 GCE 'O' level credits:

Child Care Teachers must possess at least 3 GCE 'O' level credits including English Language as a First Language. In addition, Mother Tongue Teachers are required to have a credit in Mother Tongue. A Certificate in Pre-school Teaching (CPT) accredited by MCYS is a must in order to be recognised as a Trained Teacher.

For individuals with 5 GCE 'O' level credits and above:

Individuals may proceed to the Diploma in Pre-School Education-Teaching (DPE-T) without having to acquire a Certificate in Pre-School Training (CPT).

(ii) Early Intervention Teachers

The minimum requirement is a Diploma in Early Childhood Education or  Diploma in Special Education (DISE). Those with diploma, GCE 'A' levels or degree in non-related discipline will be considered for a position of Early Intervention Teaching. Upon recruitment, these teachers working in EIPIC centres will be sent for an Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Intervention (Special Needs).

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Salary Range

Starting salaries range from about $1,000 to $2,100, depending on qualifications.

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Professional Development Opportunities

Child Care Teachers or EI Teachers can choose to specialise in specific areas such as working with infants, toddlers or children with special needs.

There are prospects for promotion to Senior Teacher or  Head of Programme. In these positions, you will assist the Centre Supervisor in the daily operations of the centre, including supervising other teachers and planning and designing the centre’s curriculum.

Teachers who possess leadership qualifications such as Diploma in Pre-School Education-Leadership (DPE-L) and with at least two years of experience can function as supervisors and curriculum leaders.

Teachers who have an interest to work with preschool children with special needs may pursue the Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Intervention (Special Needs) at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

For more information on Child Care Teachers, log on to www.aeces.org

For more information on Early Intervention Teachers, log on to www.disability.org.sg

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Training Pathway

Specialist Diploma in Pre-School Education (DPE-T and DPE-L)

Diploma in Pre-School Education (DPE-T and DPE-L)

Child Care Supervisor

Diploma in Pre-School Education - Leadership (DPE-L)

Child Care Teacher

Diploma in Pre-School Education

Infant Care Teacher

Certificate in Pre-School Teaching (CPT)

Child Care Assistant

Infant Toddler (ITC)

Basic Course

Minimum Secondary 3

3-4 GCE "O" Levels

5 GCE "O" Levels

"A" Level Polytechnic Diploma or Degree

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