Early Childhood Educators Requirements

Childcare Supervisor Qualifications

From 1 Aug 1999, all supervisors employed by childcare centres must have obtained:

a) at least 5 GCE 'O' level credits including a credit in English as a First Language (EL1). Diploma/degree holders (with English as language of instruction) will be deemed to have met this criteria.

b) the Advanced level of training for childcare personnel for child care recognized by MCYS.

c) a valid certificate in first aid recognized by MCYS.

d) at least 2 years of experience in childcare/pre-school settings.

Please note that each of these requirements must be met before a childcare personnel is appointed as a supervisor.

Childcare personnel already employed as supervisors at a childcare centre but who do not meet the 5 'O' level and EL1 requirement will be exempted from the need to meet this requirement. They may continue to work as supervisors as long as they meet criteria b), c) and d).

As of end 2004, in place of a) above, all childcare centre supervisors must meet the following requirements:

a) an MCYS-accredited diploma in the field of early childhood care and education or higher with English as language of instruction. In addition, the following may be required:
i) Additional qualifications confirming proficiency in English are required if the medium of instruction of the diploma is not English,

ii) Supervisors must successfully complete the Advanced level of training course on childcare, or its equivalent, if the diploma did not incorporate Module 6 on Management & Administration in Early Childhood Settings.

Please note that each requirement will have to be met before a childcare personnel may be appointed as a supervisor. It will apply to both serving and new supervisors by the effective date.




Childcare Teacher/Childcare Assistant Qualifications

The minimum qualification requirements for the following childcare personnel are as follows:

a) Childcare Teacher 3 GCE 'O' level credits including a credit in English as a First Language (EL1), and Intermediate level of child care training recognised by MCYS.

b) Childcare Language Teacher 3 GCE 'O' level credits including either a Grade 'B' and above in CL2/ ML2/ TL2 or a credit in CL1/ ML1/ TL1. Intermediate level of training recognised by MCYS.

c) Childcare Assistant Completed Secondary 2, and Basic level of child care training recognised by MCYS.

Childcare teachers should aspire to attain at least diploma level of training. By end 2004, in addition to having a diploma-trained supervisor, each centre should target having at least one teacher trained at the diploma level or above.