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Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Empowering Tomorrow's Early Childhood Educators - Our Diploma in Early Childhood Education programmes is aligned with the government's vision to elevate preschool teaching standards, offering a valuable upgrade for existing teachers. It's your gateway to an exciting journey that equips you with a strong foundation in both knowledge and skills to excel as a nursery or kindergarten educator, capable of nurturing and guiding diverse groups of young children.

Why Study with Us

Empowering Tomorrow’s Early Childhood Educators – Our Diploma in Early Childhood Education programmes is aligned with the government’s vision to elevate preschool teaching standards, offering a valuable upgrade for existing teachers. It’s your gateway to an exciting journey that equips you with a strong foundation in both knowledge and skills to excel as a nursery or kindergarten educator, capable of nurturing and guiding diverse groups of young children.

This programme goes beyond theory. It combines a deep understanding of relevant theories with practical applications, ensuring you possess the subject knowledge and professional skills necessary to be a highly effective educator. You’ll master the art of creating and maintaining a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment where children can thrive and learn.

You’ll become proficient in sourcing, selecting, and applying information to enhance early learning and self-development enabling you to connect seamlessly with children, colleagues, families, and the wider community. And that’s not all – you’ll also acquire foundational managerial and entrepreneurial skills, setting you on a path towards a thriving and fulfilling career in early childhood education.

Your journey to becoming an exceptional educator begins here, where theory meets hands-on practice, and potential knows no bounds.

Our Advantage

Exam-Free Learning

Say goodbye to exams and hello to a stress-free learning experience. Our programme relies solely on assignments, allowing you to focus on understanding and applying your knowledge without the pressure of traditional exams.

Intern at Your Workplace

We put you in control of your learning journey. You can conduct your internship and practicum in your own workplace or any location of your choice. This flexibility ensures your education aligns with your career goals and needs.

Dual Language Option

Choose your path with our dual language option. Whether you prefer English or Malay for written assignments, we’ve got you covered. Embrace a learning experience that caters to your language preference.

Flexible Learning

We understand the demands of working students. That’s why we offer non-compulsory class attendance. You have the freedom to tailor your learning schedule to your professional commitments.

Comprehensive Resources

We provide you with comprehensive course materials that empower your learning journey. You’ll have all the tools and resources you need to succeed, right at your fingertips.

Diploma in Early Childhood Education Course Overview

Education Course Essentials Quick Facts

All the facts and figures about your study programme at a glance

Study Model

Online ODL

Part-Time – 3 years and 7 months
Full-Time – 2 years and 4 months
Online ODL

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

90 Credits

Language

All materials are provided in english and some in malay language, while both languages are allowed for assignments; our staff and tutors are bi-lingual

Accreditation & Recognition

Accreditation

Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)

MQA ACCREDITED

Fees & Scholarships*

Tuition Fees

RM9,000

Scholarships Available

 

*Terms & Conditions Apply

Study Duration

Duration

Part-Time is 3 years and 7 months
Full-Time is 2 years and 4 months

Apply Now

Top Core Courses

Get a head start on your career with our Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Here are some core courses designed to equip you with the most relevant and up-to-date skill set:
Introduction to Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education

This course equips students with the skills and knowledge of effective early childhood education pedagogical practices through the integration of theory and practical experience. It facilitates students in evaluating a variety of instructional approaches, identifying lesson objectives and learning outcomes, selecting and developing appropriate learning activities and assessment tools, as well as critiquing and documenting the effectiveness of their teaching.

Technology in Early Childhood Education

This course exposes students to the types of technology that are suitable for early childhood classrooms and gives information that is highly useful in current times as online learning and teaching are now more necessary than ever. This course prepares students to effectively engage children to use and integrate current technology to reinforce children’s IT skills.

Young Children with Special Needs

This course provides students with an understanding of the major concepts and issues in the area of young children with special needs, thus enabling them to identify the signs and symptoms of children who may have special needs based on developmental delays. Students will learn how to provide an inclusive learning environment with adaptations for these children.

Management and Administration in Early Childhood Education

This course is designed for teachers who have plans to be involved in the management and administration of early childhood programmes and centres. It provides students with useful working knowledge of the roles and procedures which they can apply in their practice.

Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education

This course fosters an understanding of the concept of assessment in early childhood education, its importance and how it is carried out for various learning domains. It covers the types of assessment tools and techniques, along with the recording, documentation and reporting of children’s growth and development.

Your Learning Pathway: From Basics to Mastery

Online (ODL), Full Time
YEAR 1 THE FUNDAMENTALS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CORE LEARNING AREAS OF THE ECE CURRICULUM Online (ODL), Full Time

Students will be introduced to the main theories and concepts that all early childhood educators should know, understand and apply in their practices. This year includes courses covering child psychology and development, play as a pedagogical tool, as well as other teaching strategies, health and safety, home and community partnerships. In order to support those who have left academic studies for some time, there is a course in the first semester that equips them with imperative learning and writing skills in an open distance learning environment. Additionally some core curriculum areas such as technology & language literacy, numeracy, physical education, art & craft and creative expression will also be covered.

YEAR 2 ADDITIONAL LEARNING AREAS OF THE ECE CURRICULUM AND SETTING UP EC CENTRES Online (ODL), Full Time

Students will delve into the remaining learning areas  found in early childhood curricula and programmes, encapsulating courses on social studies, language pedagogy. and the knowledge related to setting up early childhood centres that will entail courses on administration, management, programme planning,  special needs children, law and social policies, as well as assessment and evaluation.

YEAR 3 CAPSTONE – PRACTICUM Hybrid, Full Time

Students are advised that they will be required to complete Teaching Practicum for a period of 7 weeks in a Preschool or KIndergarten/Tadika that is registered with the Ministry of Education and another 7 weeks in a nursery/taska that is registered with the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat. Students must therefore make their own arrangements with their current employers in order to make time to undertake the teaching practicum internship. They may also choose to do their practicum in their own workplace if appropriate.

Online (ODL), Part Time
YEAR 1 THE FUNDAMENTALS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Online (ODL), Part Time

Students will be introduced to the main theories and concepts that all early childhood educators should know, understand and apply in their practices. This year includes courses covering child psychology and development, play as a pedagogical tool, as well as other teaching strategies, health and safety, home and community partnerships. In order to support those who have left academic studies for some time, there is a course in the first semester that equips them with imperative learning and writing skills in an open distance learning environment.

YEAR 2 CORE LEARNING AREAS OF THE ECE CURRICULUM Online (ODL), Part Time

Students will delve into the main learning areas  found in early childhood curricula and programmes, encapsulating courses on early literacy, numeracy, art and craft, music and movement and physical education. These will also contain technology in early childhood education that will show them how to engage children using various technological tools, both software and hardware.

YEAR 3 KNOWLEDGE OF SETTING UP EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRES Online (ODL), Part Time

Students will enter the realm of gaining knowledge related to setting up early childhood centres that will entail courses on administration, management, programme planning,  special needs children, law and social policies, as well as assessment and evaluation.

YEAR 4 CAPSTONE: PRACTICUM Hybrid, Part Time

Students are advised that they will be required to complete Teaching Practicum for a period of 7 weeks in a Preschool or KIndergarten/Tadika that is registered with the Ministry of Education and another 7 weeks in a nursery/taska that is registered with the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat. Students must therefore make their own arrangements with their current employers in order to make time to undertake the teaching practicum internship. They may also choose to do their practicum in their own workplace if appropriate.

Study Content

COMPULSORY MODULES (MPU GENERAL & HEP MODULES)
No. Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
Malaysian Students  
1 MPU2193/03 Philosophy and Current Issues 3
2 BBM001/03 Entrepreneurship Development 3
3 MPU2213/03
MPU2233/03		 Bahasa Kebangsaan A (for students without SPM credit in BM)
OR
Interpersonal Communication (for students with SPM credit in BM and international students)		 3
4 MPU2422/02
OR
MPU2412/02		 Integriti dan Anti Rasuah (for all students who have not completed KIAR at the certificate level)
OR
Co-curriculum (for all students who have completed the KIAR at the certificate level)		 2
5 WUC002/03 Study Skills for Open Distance Learning 3
Subtotal Credit Hours 14
International Students (Residential)  
1 MPU2193/03 Philosophy and Current Issues 3
2 MPU2133/03 Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 1 3
3 MPU2233/03 Interpersonal Communication 3
4 MPU2422/02
OR
MPU2412/02		 Integriti dan Anti Rasuah (for all students who have not completed KIAR at the certificate level)
OR
Co-curriculum (for all students who have completed the KIAR at the certificate level)		 2
5 WUC002/03 Study Skills for Open Distance Learning 3
Subtotal Credit Hours 14
International Students (Non Residential)  
1 WUC122/03 Interpersonal Communication  3
2 BBM001/03 Entrepreneurship Development 3
3 WUC125/02 Strategic Decision Making  2
4 WUC123/03 Human Rights  3
5 WUC002/03 Study Skills for Open Distance Learning 3
Subtotal Credit Hours 14
CORE MODULES (COMMON & DISCIPLINE)
No. Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
1 EEC001/03 Introduction to Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education 3
2 EEC002/03 Principles of Child Guidance 3
3 EEC003/03 Development and Play in Early Childhood Education 3
4 EEC005/03 Technology in Early Childhood Education 3
5 EEC032/03 Child Development 3
6 EEC007/03 Health, Safety, Hygiene and Nutrition 3
7 EEC008/03 Nature and Environmental Awareness 3
8 EEC009/03 Partnering with Families and Community in Early Childhood Education 3
9 EEC010/03 Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Education 3
10 EEC011/03 Numeracy Skills for Young Children 3
11 EEC012/03 Physical Education for Young Children 3
12 EEC013/03 Art and Craft for Young Children 3
13 EEC014/03 Creative Expression through Music, Movement and Drama 3
14 EEC016/03 English Language Pedagogy 3
15 EEC019/03 Management and Administration in Early Childhood Education 3
16 EEC021/03 Curriculum Planning for Early Childhood Education 3
17 EEC022/03 Young Children with Special Needs 3
18 EEC023/03 Law and Social Policies for Early Childhood Education 3
19 EEC024/03 Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education 3
20 EEC027/03 Project Paper for Early Childhood Education I 3
21 EEC028/03 Project Paper for Early Childhood Education II 3
22 EEC031/03 Social Studies in Early Childhood Education 3
Subtotal Credit Hours 66
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
No. Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
1
 EEC026/07 Teaching Practicum or 7
EEC029/07 Action Research in Early Childhood Education
Subtotal Credit Hours 7
ELECTIVE MODULES (Choose any 1 of the Following)
No. Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
1 EEC015/03 Malay Language Pedagogy 3
2 EEC017/03 Mandarin Language Pedagogy 3
3 EEC018/03 Tamil Language Pedagogy 3
4 EEC030/03 Practices of Language Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education (for international students only) 3
Subtotal Credit Hours 3
Total Credit Hours 90

Admission

Entry Requirement
Candidates with the following criteria will be eligible to be considered for admission into the undergraduate programme:
  1. Possess SPM with a minimum of THREE credits in any subject or its equivalent; OR
  2. A pass in Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with a minimum of Grade C (GP 2.0) in any subject or its equivalent;  OR
  3. A pass in Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) with a minimum grade of Maqbul;    OR
  4. A Certificate (Level 3, MQF) in any qualification with at least a CGPA of 2.00;      OR
  5. A pass in SKM/SVM Level 3, MQF in Early Child Care/Preschool (Note: HEPs need to conduct specific screening and guidance related to the field of the programme for the students.);   OR
  6. Other relevant equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian government as equivalent to the above requirements

ENGLISH COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT* (INTERNATIONAL STUDENT)

Achieve a grade in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) or any English competency test equivalent to a Low B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Note: The revised entry requirements will take effect beginning with the September 2025 intake.

APEL Entry: Turning Experience into Credentials

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) provides an opportunity for individuals with working experience but lack of formal academic qualifications to pursue their tertiary studies. APEL involves the identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes, for access to a programme of study.

Applicants should comply with the following admission criteria stipulated by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA):

The candidate should be at least 20 years of age in the year of application with relevant work experience

Find out how to apply: APEL

Scholarships & Financial Aid

For details and inquiries on Scholarships & Financial Aid, you can find out more here.

Prepare to be the Guiding Light in Shaping the Future

With your diploma in hand, you’re not just stepping into a career; you’re taking on a pivotal role in shaping the next generation. You can make a profound impact as a professional teacher or an administrator in a childcare setting or preschool. If entrepreneurship beckons, setting up your very own early childhood education center can be your path to join the ranks of visionary entrepreneurs.

Your opportunities are as diverse as they are rewarding:

5
Nurturing Care-Giver
5
Inspirational Teacher
5
Visionary Principal
5
Director or Manager

Why WOU is The Best Online University of Choice

If You are Working While Studying

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Your Studies are Flexible
and 100% Online

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Accredited & Globally
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The Ideal Mix of Theory
and Practice

Our Success Stories

Discover the impact we've had, straight from our campus family.

Seow Yim Ho

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English Studies

My name is Seow Yim Ho. I am an English language facilitator at Avenue Creative Learning. My journey at Wawasan Open University began in April 2016 and ended in December 2021.  It took me six years to complete the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Studies programme. Doing a language and linguistic programme is interesting, challenging and fulfilling. Getting an academic qualification in English Studies at WOU has enhanced my position as an English language teacher to impart my knowledge effectively and efficiently to my students.  Moreover, the knowledge gained is invaluable and the learning experience is priceless.  WOU has given every working adult an opportunity to further their studies, to realise their potential, to follow their academic dreams and to propel to a higher level.  Tenacity, faith, and hard work are the very essence of success.

Kang Tan Hooi Ling

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology

Choosing WOU to pursue my degree in psychology is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. As a career woman, it was a major step in my life to go back to school. However, I felt that I had reached a plateau as an individual. Returning to academia exposed me to new insights, arming me with better solutions to problems in life and work. These new perspectives allow me to bring my career to greater heights. I urge you all to do the same!

Ting Siew Khim

Master of Education

I am currently pursuing my Master of Education specializing in TESL as it’s relevant to my career where i operate a kindergarten and an after-school care center. Even though my workload is heavy, it never stops me from furthering my studies. I gained my confidence in pursuing my Master’s from the regional office staff. They have been very kind and helpful to me. Doing a Master’s with WOU was fun and not dreadful at all.The helpful lecturers and course coordinators were always willing to give me guidance and advice. I would like to thank WOU for making my dream come true.

View More...

Meet Our Faculty Members

Our faculty members blend academic excellence with rich industry experience, ensuring your education is both rigorous and practically relevant. Committed to your success, they equip you with the insights and skills essential for navigating the ever-changing educational landscape.

Prof. Dr. Anna Christina bt Abdullah image

Professor Dr. Anna Christina Abdullah

Dean

Mr. Ooi Li Hsien (Sean)

Mr. Ooi Li Hsien (Sean)

Deputy Dean

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chew Cheng Meng

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chew Cheng Meng

Associate Professor

Dr. Tan Saw Fen

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Saw Fen

Senior Lecturer

View More...

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