Transforming Early Childhood Education

Educators are a crucial part of a child’s development, especially in their early stages of life.

In response to the government's proactive measures to create more public early childhood education facilities in urban areas, Wawasan Open University (WOU) stands at the forefront, offering programmes designed to meet the growing demand for qualified educators in this crucial field. 

Among its array of offerings, the Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) emerges as a beacon, tailored to equip aspiring educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in nurturing young minds. 

WOU's commitment to providing quality education underscores its role in shaping the future of early childhood education in Malaysia.

Why choose DECE?

WOU’s DECE programme aligns perfectly with the government's vision of elevating preschool teaching standards, providing a significant boost to the skillset of current educators. It serves as a launchpad for a rewarding journey, equipping students with a comprehensive foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This programme will empower students to excel as nursery or kindergarten teachers, allowing future educators to become a nurturing and effective guide for a diverse range of young learners.

WOU’s DECE programme provides future educators with the knowledge and understanding they need to aid children in their learning journey.

The programme delves into the 'why' behind child development principles, providing a thorough grasp of the foundational concepts. This knowledge is then seamlessly interwoven with practical applications, ensuring students not only understand the theory but also possess the practical skills necessary to translate it into real-world scenarios. This empowers students to become highly effective educators, equipped to cultivate a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can blossom and flourish.

Students will not only learn to source and select relevant information but also skillfully apply it to create enriching experiences that foster early learning and self-development. This, in turn, fosters seamless connections. Not just with children, but also with colleagues, families and the wider community. 

As students navigate this enriching journey, they’ll gain more than just pedagogical expertise. The programme lays the foundation for essential managerial and entrepreneurial skills, empowering students to take charge of their careers and explore exciting possibilities within the dynamic field of early childhood education. This is where transformation into an exceptional educator begins, a place where theory fuels practical mastery, and the potential for positive impact has no ceiling.

What makes the DECE programme at WOU stand out?

The Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme prioritises comprehension and application over rote memorisation.  Through engaging assignments, students will solidify their understanding of the course material and develop the skills to effectively apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. This assessment approach allows students to focus on the journey of learning, not just the goal of scoring a high exam grade.

WOU’s DECE programme empowers students to take the reins of their learning journey. Unlike traditional programmes with rigid internship placements, the DECE programme offers the flexibility to tailor students' practical experiences to their specific goals.  

The DECE’s flexible learning option with non-compulsory class attendance allows students to customise their learning schedule around their existing professional commitments, ensuring a seamless balance between work and academic pursuits.  Whether they prefer to learn in the evenings, at weekends or throughout the week, they have the freedom to structure their learning journey in a way that optimises their success.

Whether students conduct their internship and practicum at their current workplace or in a setting that aligns with their career aspirations, this programme ensures a seamless integration of theory and practice that directly benefits their professional development. This adaptability guarantees that their education becomes a personalised roadmap to achieving their unique career goals.

Students can also leverage on the dual language option offered by WOU’s Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme. Whether English or Malay, they can choose the language that best facilitates their learning, allowing them to fully engage with the course material. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and empowers them to actively participate in discussions and assignments. It's a learning experience that caters to their needs and unlocks their full potential.

From interactive online modules to insightful video lectures and downloadable resources, students have everything they need to not only grasp concepts but also delve deeper and explore their intellectual curiosity. These carefully curated materials are accessible at the student’s fingertips, allowing them to learn at their own pace and revisit key points whenever needed.

For more information on WOU’s DECE programme, click here.