YEAR IN REVIEW

STUDENT INTAKES AND COURSE OVERVIEW

 

In the Fiscal Year 2022/2023, the National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC) witnessed significant growth in intakes across various courses, with more than 5500 participants.

 

The NIEC offered a diverse range of courses to meet the demands of different learners. These included Pre-Employment Training (PET), Continuing Education Training (CET), and Continuing and Professional Development (CPD) courses. Notably, 2022 saw student intakes of more than 800 students in PET, over 1,500 in CET, and over 3,200 in CPD, reflecting the institution's commitment to catering to the diverse educational needs of early childhood educators and professionals.

 

Demand for Training in Key Focus Areas

Throughout the year, NIEC observed a sustained interest in focus areas for early childhood educators to develop and deepen their knowledge and skills. These areas remained popular and relevant, emphasising the importance of providing high-quality training in specialised fields. The key focus areas that received heightened demand were:

1. Sectoral Leadership
2. Birth to Three
3. Classroom Management
4. Inclusive Practice Series

 

High Demand for CPD Inclusive Practice, Leadership Courses and ACEY (with Exemptions)

NIEC's CPD courses, especially those focused on leadership development, garnered significant professional interest. The courses Mentoring 101 and Mentoring 201 witnessed high demand and positive feedback from participants, showcasing the relevancy of these programmes in nurturing exceptional early childhood educators.

 

In response to overwhelming interest, the Certificate in Inclusive Practice and Advanced Certificate in Early Years (ACEY) (with Exemptions) courses have opened additional intakes in FY 2022.

 

Total Graduates

More than 5,700 students graduated or completed from various NIEC programmes. The breakdown by course type is as follows:

Among the graduates, more than 800 received certificates, over 1,400 obtained diplomas, and more than 250 completed post-diploma courses. 

COURSES OFFERED

In line with NIEC's commitment to providing comprehensive education, the institute offered various courses to cater to diverse learning needs:

 

CET Courses:

PET Courses:

 

 

NIEC (CITY) CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS

 

NIEC (City):

In FY2022, NIEC (City), as the primary hub of our Continuous Education & Training courses, saw an intake of more than 950 mid-careerists and working adults.

 

 

NIEC (ITE) CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS

 

NIEC (ITE):

NIEC (ITE) admitted more than 100 students in FY2022.

 

Service Learning via Parent-Child Workshops

Notably, the "Service Learning via Parent-Child Workshops" project took place at Bishan Zone 2 Residents’ Committee, which aimed to create meaningful opportunities for families to bond during the June holidays. Three distinct workshops were thoughtfully designed, aligning with Father's Day and June and December holiday activities. Dedicated student leaders took the lead in planning and execution, showcasing their commitment to community engagement. The guidance of an experienced lecturer further enriched the workshop experience. The project successfully fostered stronger parent-child relationships and promoted a sense of togetherness within the community.

 

Stories Come Alive

It was another successful endeavour, where student groups organised and hosted a series of 10 story and craft sessions at four different library locations, namely Jurong, Woodlands, Toa Payoh, and Bedok libraries. This collaboration with the National Library Board (NLB) aimed to provide enriching experiences for families and young children through engaging storytelling and creative craft activities. The project promoted a love for reading and imagination and facilitated a strong sense of community and interaction among participants.

 

Preparation for Enhanced Internship (EI)

To prepare final-year students for internships in childcare centres, the Preparation for Enhanced Internship (EI) session offered valuable guidance and pointers for excelling in their internships. The session featured experts from the field, including experienced Early Childhood practitioners who are NIEC alumni working in the sector and a professional field mentor from PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Sparkletots. Their insights and practical advice empowered students to make the most of their internship experience in the childcare sector.

 

Community service with the Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre (AMKFSC)

On National Day, NIEC students participated in community service with the Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre (AMKFSC). 39 volunteers actively supported AMKFSC in their efforts to commemorate National Day, fostering a sense of unity and service within the community.

 

KidsStop Holiday Programme

In June 2023, the KidsStop Holiday Programme was held at the Science Centre and saw the participation of 23 student volunteers who served as activity facilitators for diverse holiday programmes. These volunteers were crucial in organising and leading engaging activities for children, inspiring curiosity and fostering a love for science and discovery among the young participants.

 

 

NIEC (NP) CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS

 

NIEC (Ngee Ann Polytechnic):

In FY2022, NIEC (NP) admitted more than 930 students.

 

Art for Hope

Art for Hope involved NIEC (NP) students creating 435 magnetic canvas art pieces based on the theme of "Hope" in the module "Aesthetics & Creative Expression." These art pieces raised $2500 for the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF) and were curated on a project website to form a Wall of Hope for CCF children and their families. This project instilled the value of care in the students.

 

 

Project L.A.H

Project L.A.H was another commendable initiative driven by Year 1 Early Childhood Development & Education (ECDE) and Tamil Studies with Early Education (TSE) students from NIEC (NP). 430 students partnered with Voluntary Welfare Organisations, actively engaging community partners and volunteering their time to help those in need.

 

 

KidStart collaboration with TSE Students

20 TSE student volunteers from Years 1 to 3 contributed to a translation project for KidSTART, a non-profit organisation specialising in supporting early childhood development by translating infographics and a family outcome survey in English and Tamil.

                                                                                   

The EC Grad-Talk 2022

The EC Grad-Talk 2022, themed "Oh, the Places You Can Go!," was an online 3-hour event held via Zoom for NIEC (NP)'s Year 3 students in conjunction with Ngee Ann Polytechnic's GradFest 2022. The event provided an opportunity for students to hear from local and international authors of children's books on making stories come alive in classrooms and exploring elements that inspire creative processes. Alumni also shared their professional experiences to broaden the students ' horizons and create a sense of connectedness among graduating students and ECDE alumni.

 

 

 

 

NIEC (TP) CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS

 

NIEC (Temasek Polytechnic):

In FY2022, NIEC (TP) welcomed more than 140 students.

 

Visual Arts Track exhibition

The Visual Arts Track exhibition highlighted artworks from students in the Visual Arts Track elective programme from the 2021 to 2022 batch. The show was graced by Mrs Loke-Yeo Teck Yong, the Director & CEO of NIEC, who delivered a motivating speech highlighting the significance of arts in early childhood education. The event provided a platform to appreciate and celebrate the creative achievements of the students while fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of arts in early childhood development.

 

RECOGNITION OF NIEC TEACHING FACULTY

 

A big round of applause once again to our esteemed faculties from NIEC (TP) and NIEC (NP), who won the Teaching Award between April 2022 and March 2023:

 

 

 

In 2022, NIEC continued to deploy a comprehensive array of strategies, initiatives, and ongoing work plans to cultivate capable and confident early childhood (EC) educators who will nurture, inspire, educate, and care for our children. Various plans were set in motion to enhance the efficiency of NIEC's policies, systems, and processes to attain strategic objectives. 

 

Progress in FY2022 Initiatives

 

Quality Training Advancements

As COVID-19 conditions stabilised and community restrictions eased in FY2022, NIEC reintroduced select face-to-face courses based on the needs of our learners. We ensured the relevance of our curriculum to the sector by aligning courses with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)'s Refreshed Skills Framework. Furthermore, we seamlessly integrated blended learning and educational technology to amplify the effectiveness of teaching and learning methods. 

 

Organisational Development 

At NIEC, our people are the bedrock of our success. Our commitment to diversity, capabilities, and aspirations forms the core of our endeavours, propelling us to collective achievements. To reinforce our team's effectiveness and growth, we have undertaken several strategic HR initiatives:

 

1. Empowering Career Structures and Compensation:

NIEC embarked on a journey to empower our workforce through a revised career structure and a salary adjustment from 1 January 2023, aligning our remuneration with the market to sustain competitiveness. We revamped job titles to resonate with market standards, bolstering staff confidence and motivation. This approach extends more salary scales to most officers, ensuring equitable compensation.

 

2. Cultivating a Culture of Recognition:

To nurture a culture of appreciation and recognition, NIEC launched an awards and recognition framework. This initiative celebrates exceptional contributions, fostering a positive work environment where dedication is acknowledged and rewarded. Our ongoing enculturation programme complements this endeavour in strengthening our organisational values.

 

3. Nurturing Leadership Through Succession Planning:

We recognise the importance of cultivating a strong leadership pipeline. A succession planning framework for key positions within NIEC is formulated to ensure continuity and growth. This framework prioritises talent rotation, allowing our pool of capable individuals to gain exposure to critical roles before advancing to senior management positions. This strategic approach sustains a capable and forward-looking leadership team.

 

Harnessing Digitalisation and Envisioning the Future.

1. Digitalisation Roadmap:
   NIEC's digital journey is progressing through a meticulously planned three-stage digitalisation initiative overseen by our IT Steering Committee. In Stage 1, we focused on leveraging technology tools to optimise our operational processes and enrich engagement across various fronts.
   
   
2. Transformative EdTech Integration:
   Faculty members at NIEC are embracing innovative educational technologies, such as Padlet, Nearpod, and Panopto. These tools are strategically utilised to foster higher student engagement and learning outcomes, transforming the classroom experience into an interactive and dynamic environment.
   
   
3. Process Automation for Enhanced Efficiency:
   Our commitment to automation is exemplified by the initiation of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) pilots. These automated processes are set to enhance our overall efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately enabling us to serve our stakeholders better.

 

NIEC collaborates closely with its students, guiding them through every stage of their journey as early childhood (EC) educators by providing the necessary skills and competencies. We aim to create meaningful learning experiences that empower students to make a positive impact as competent and confident EC professionals.

 

We are dedicated to continuously engaging, supporting, and adding value to our students' experiences. To ensure their readiness for the workforce, we follow the Desired Graduate Profile matrix, which emphasises the development of Reflective Practitioners, Relationship Builders, and Resilient Learners. Each role within the matrix comes with specific attributes that allow us to review and adapt our teaching content, lesson delivery, and support services to meet the needs of our students at different stages of their educational journey.

 

At NIEC, we believe the experience our students receive is unique and special. Let's hear from some of our students as they share their personal NIEC experiences: