Program Overview

Certification Course for Kindergarten Principals

Course Overview

The Certification Course for Kindergarten Principals is designed to equip aspiring and in-service kindergarten principals with the necessary leadership skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. The course aims to:

• Train individuals to become effective kindergarten principals, possessing the required leadership abilities.
• Enhance the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes of in-service kindergarten principals.

Upon completing the course, students should be able to:

• Establish a mission and vision for their leadership role and continuous professional development, staying updated with the latest knowledge, skills, and thinking in early childhood education.
• Understand the role and functions of a kindergarten principal, grasping the fundamental principles of management and supervision.
• Develop strategies to establish a shared vision with stakeholders, including kindergarten sponsoring bodies, school boards, teachers, and parents.
• Formulate appropriate strategies for effective resource management, promoting high-quality early childhood education, and fostering school development, accountability, and self-evaluation.
• Plan and review teachers' professional development and performance appraisal.
• Uphold teachers' professional codes of conduct.
• Review and enhance the effectiveness of school-based curriculum planning and implementation to promote student learning.
• Provide support for students with diverse needs, leading the school in creating a positive and safe learning environment.
• Recognize the importance of community resources in establishing school-community connections.
• Establish effective home-school cooperation mechanisms, encouraging parental involvement in school activities to deepen their understanding of their children's development.

Course Structure

The course consists of two parts: "Core Courses" and "Elective Courses," with a total of 120 hours of instruction. Each unit includes assignments, and upon completion of all classes, students must submit a "Final Assignment," requiring approximately 30 hours of self-study.

• Core Courses (mandatory units):
  • CECE 2711: Management and Organization (42 hours)
  • CECE 2712: Learning and Teaching (27 hours)
  • CECE 2713: School Culture and Child Support (21 hours)
  • CECE 2714: Child Development (18 hours)
• Elective Courses (choose one unit):
  • CECE 2715: Effective Leadership (12 hours)
  • CECE 2716: Learning Differences in Early Childhood: Curriculum Design and Assessment (12 hours)
  • CECE 2717: Media and School Crisis (12 hours)
  • CECE 2718: Home-School Partnership (12 hours)
• Final Assignment:
  • CECE 2719: Final Assignment* (30 hours, self-study)

Mode of Study

• The entire course lasts approximately one year (including the submission of the final assignment).
• Students study in part-time mode, generally attending one class per week (three hours) on weekday evenings or Saturday mornings/afternoons.
• The learning mode includes lectures, tutorials, group discussions, and case sharing.
• Each unit requires the submission of assignments.
• The course is typically conducted in face-to-face mode, but may be switched to online learning mode under special circumstances.

Certificate Award

Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded the "Certification for Kindergarten Principals" by the institution.

Fees

• Application fee: HK$150* (non-refundable, regardless of admission outcome)
• Tuition fee: HK$21,400* (payable in two installments)

Class Schedule and Venue

• Admission term: Summer 2026
• Class dates: Tentatively from May 2026 to May 2027 (subject to the class schedule issued upon admission)
• Class venue: Primarily at the Wan Chai Teaching Centre

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

• Aspiring kindergarten principals must hold a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or equivalent, with at least three years of teaching experience in kindergartens.
• In-service kindergarten principals.

Application Procedure

• Online application: Fill out the application form and upload required documents.
• Mail/in-person application: Submit the application form and required documents by mail or in person.

Application Deadline

• Deadline for application: March 6, 2026 (Friday)
• Notification of application results: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)

Notes

• The institution reserves the right to modify the course details and cancel the course if the number of applicants is insufficient or under special circumstances.
• The course is included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund, and the main course (Certification Course for Kindergarten Principals) is recognized at Level 4 of the Qualifications Framework.