Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does PDP(E) provide a certification?
The PDP(E) does not provide a certification at the end of the programme. It is designed to support skills deepening.
However, if you complete the ACEY top-up modules, you will receive a statement of attainment (SOA), and be certified to teach children aged 2 months to 3 years old.
If you complete the pre-requisite modules for ACEY, ACECCE, you will attain a statement of attainment (SOA), and be exempted from the module when you subsequently enrol in the full qualification.
2. How is the “3 years of trained experience” calculated?
This is calculated based on the educarer’s date of attainment of the HCIC/ACEY/Higher-Nitec/ACECCE, to the date of appointment onto the PDP(E). If the educarer has more than one of the above certifications, ECDA will calculate the years of trained experience based on the certification that was first attained.
3. Can Mother Tongue Language educarers be nominated for the PDP(E)?
Mother Tongue Language educarers who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for PDP(E).The compulsory module is offered in both English and Chinese Language. Educarers who are more comfortable with their Mother Tongue Languages may form their own Community of Practice and conduct their discussions in their Mother Tongue Languages.
4. Are there limitations to the number of leaders a centre or organisation can nominate?
There is no limit to the number of nominations a centre or organisation can submit. Centres and organisations are encouraged to nominate as many leaders as they deem suitable for the programme, after taking into consideration manpower requirements.
5. Will participants be allowed to complete PDP within 2 years?
No, participants will not be allowed to complete PDP within 2 years. It is important that participants complete the PDP over 3 years so that they have time and space to apply their learning. Participants are required to complete some Professional Development in every year of PDP.
6. How will the PDP(E) course schedules look like?
Apart from the compulsory module that is held over 3 days, the remaining CPD hours can be clocked in by completing ECDA organised or in-house courses, while projects can be done either during or after working hours. More information on the ECDA CPD coursescan be found in the ECDA CPD Prospectus.
7. Is the compulsory module subsidised?
The compulsory module is subsidised. The remaining course fees after subsidies will depend on the type of course the participant chooses to take up and the available subsidy schemes.
8. How will participants be eligible for the annual cash award?
The annual cash award will be disbursed to participants if they successfully complete the stipulated programme milestones of the year, and if they remain employed with their nominating organisation for 6 months after the end of each PDP year.
9. On what grounds will participants be withdrawn/terminated from the programme?
To remain on the PDP, participants need to complete all the PDP(E) programme milestones and ensure that they complete 180 CPD hours, inclusive of the programme milestone hours. In addition, participants have to remain with their nominating organisation throughout the programme and for at least six months after the end of each PDP year to qualify for the annual cash awards. Any requests for deferment will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and subjected to ECDA’s approval.
Information updated as at January 2022
