Specialist Diploma in Early Childhood
Intervention (Special Needs) (SDESN)
About Course
Enhance your capabilities
SDESN provides upgrading opportunities for teachers from the Early Intervention Programme for Infant and Children (EIPIC) Centres and other early childhood settings, such as integrated childcare programmes that wish to enhance their capabilities to support young children with special needs.
Deepen your knowledge
Learn all about the stages of typical and atypical development in young children. Understand how to screen and assess children by using the appropriate tools and functional assessments, plan individualised educational plans for each child, and implement appropriate intervention strategies.
Industry recognition
This is the only course recognised by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) as the professional qualification for Early Intervention teachers to work in the Early Intervention Programmes for Infants and Children (EIPIC).
Note: This course will be conducted via online learning, except for selected modules that will be more effective conducted face-to-face. This is subject to prevailing COVID-19 measures implemented by the government. Students will be notified at least 2 weeks prior to the commencement of modules that are conducted face-to-face.
What You Will Learn
SDESN comprises Post-Diploma Certificates (PDC) 1 & 2.
Click here for a complete list of modules that will be covered in the course.
Entry Requirements
SDESN PDC 1 only
Candidates for SDESN PDC 1 are required to:
- Have completed one of the following qualifications:
- Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education-Teaching (DECCE-T) or acceptable equivalent; OR
- Diploma in Special Needs (DISE); OR
- Certificate in Special Needs (CISE) and 2 A-level credits; OR
- Diploma or Degree in a related field (Psychology, Social Work, Human Services) from a recognised Tertiary Institution; and
- Have worked in an early childhood setting.
SDESN Full Qualification (PDC 1 & 2)
In addition to the above requirements, candidates for SDESN (both PDC 1 & PDC 2) are required to:
- Be employed as beginning EIPIC teachers; OR
- Be employed by Inclusive Support Programme (InSP) centres as Early Intervention Educators; and
- Have at least ONE year of working experience with children.
Please note:
- Priority will be given to applicants sponsored by EIPIC Centres, other EC Intervention Programmes, and Early Childhood Development Centres with DS Plus programmes.
- Completion of PDC 1 is a pre-requisite for PDC 2.
- Candidates who do not have early childhood training but have at least an equivalence of a Polytechnic Diploma and found to be suitable by Early Intervention Programmes for Infants and Children (EIPIC) centre for the role of an early intervention teacher can embark on 120 hours of Child Development modules from the DECCE-T offered as Skills-based Modular Courses (SBMC).
Upon Graduation
Upon completion of PDCs 1 & 2, graduates will be conferred the SDESN by NIEC and will be fully trained as early intervention teachers, as certified by the National Council of Social Services (NCSS).
Registration Fee
S$64.20 (inclusive of 7% GST)
Note: The registration fee is non-refundable.
Administration Fee for Module Exemption Requests
Applicants are strongly encouraged to take up the full SDESN qualification. Those who wish to apply for module exemptions may do so at the point of course application. Please note that there will be a one-time administration fee of $120 (before GST) per student. The fee is non-refundable and will apply regardless of the module exemption outcome.
Course Fees
Fill out your details to find out your estimated course fee!
Citizenship
Estimated nett course fee payable, including additional funding and GST
Note: The course fee shown is an estimate only. Course fees payable are subject to revision, funding eligibility and approval. Please contact us for details on course fees.
Course Schedule
Apply Now
Duration |
Day & Time |
Course Start & End Date |
Campus |
Apply By |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 months/ 360 hours |
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 6.30pm – 9.30pm |
19-Oct-2022 |
NIEC (NP) |
19-Aug-2022 |
Open For Application Soon
Duration |
Day & Time |
Campus |
Upcoming Intakes |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
15 months/ |
3 weekdays: |
NIEC (NP) |
Apr 2023 |
Please note:
- Course schedule and venue are subject to changes. NIEC reserves the right to reschedule/cancel any programme and amend information without prior notice.
- Classes will only commence if the minimum class size is met. A confirmation email will be sent to you at least 3 weeks before course commencement.
- Priority will be given to applicants sponsored by EIPIC Centres, other EC Intervention Programmes, and Early Childhood Development Centres with DS Plus programmes.
Administration Fee for Module Exemption Requests
Applicants are strongly encouraged to take up the full SDESN qualification. Those who wish to apply for module exemptions may do so at the point of course application. Please note that there will be a one-time administration fee of $120 (before GST) per student. The fee is non-refundable and will apply regardless of the module exemption outcome.
Before You Apply
1. Securing a practicum centre:
The practicum module is an important and crucial component of your practice-oriented learning for course completion. Applicants must have successfully secured a practicum centre at an EIPIC centre at the point of application.
- Company-sponsored applicants: Your practicum centre can be the EIPIC centre you are currently working at.
- Self-sponsored applicants: Click here for a list of EIPIC centres. Please contact the centres directly to apply.
Please note that practicum for this course will begin approximately 9 months from course commencement date.
2. Prepare the following documents:
-
Certificates and transcripts of your relevant qualifications:
-
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education-Teaching (DECCE-T) or acceptable equivalent; OR
-
Diploma in Special Needs (DISE); OR
-
Certificate in Special Needs (CISE) and 2 A-level credits; OR
-
Diploma or Degree in a related field (Psychology, Social Work, Human Services) from a recognised Tertiary Institution
-
-
Employment letter (dated recent 3 months) for us to understand your current designation
- Supporting documents to prove work experience in an early childhood setting
- Image of your NRIC (front and back)
- Recent digital photo with a white background
- For those who are not employed in an EIPIC centre:
- To provide supporting documents to show that practicum placement has been successfully secured at an EIPIC centre
- If you are under company sponsorship:
- Company Sponsorship Declaration Form (to be completed by you and your employer, and submitted as part of your admission documents)
Have questions? Talk to us!
(Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm)
Ms Jolene Teo
Email: Jolene_TEO@niec.edu.sg
Phone: 6887 9529