Specialist Diploma in Early Childhood
Learning Support (SDELS)

About Course

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.

Skills-Based Modular Courses (SBMC) and Professional Development Programme (PDP)

Modules in this course are offered as Skills-Based Modular Courses (SBMC). Applicants under the Professional Development Programme for Teachers [PDP(T)] may also apply for these modular courses. Learn more here. 

What You Will Learn

Click here for a complete list of modules that will be covered in the course.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for SDELS [PDC 1 only], candidates need to meet the following criteria:

• 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.

In addition to the above requirements, candidates for SDELS (both PDC 1 & PDC 2) are required to:

• Be hired as a Learning Support Educator (LSEd) by either an Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) or Therapy Hubs that provide the Development Support (DS) and Learning Support (LS); and

• Have at least 1 year of working experience with children.

Please note:

• Completion of PDC 1 is a pre-requisite for PDC 2.
• Candidates must qualify as L2 teachers and hired as LSEd before taking up 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 ECDC or Therapy Hubs for the role of an LSEd can embark on 120 hours of Child Development modules from the DECCE-T offered as Skills-based Modular Courses (SBMC).

Upon Graduation

Upon successful completion of the 2 PDCs, graduates will be conferred the SDELS by NIEC and will be fully trained to provide learning support in the Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) programme & Inclusive Support Programme (InSP).

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 SDELS 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.

Fill out your details to find out your estimated course fee!

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.