Associate Degree Programmes

The Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education is intended for individuals who are already employed in the early childhood sector and require certification.

Those who hold CSEC/CXC qualifications and wish to work with young children as a Teaching Assistant after completing their schooling are also eligible.

Duration and Programme Modality 

 The B. ED in Primary education is offered in two modalities – full-time and part-time

• The full-time programme is normally completed over a four-year period, between the hours of 8:00am- 4:30pm daily.
• The part-time programme is normally completed over a five-year period, between the hours of 4:30pm to 8:30pm daily.

Programme Structure

The B. Ed. programme has two parts: 

• Part 1 includes years 1 and 2, and normally delivers the foundation courses; primarily teaching content.
• Part 2 (years 3 and 4 and 5) focuses especially on professional attitudes and competences.

Programme Requirements

 Normal Matriculation

To be eligible, a student must have passed four CXC/CSEC subjects at the General Proficiency Grades I, II, and III (effective June 1998) or their equivalent. This typically includes English A and Mathematics. If a student has achieved three CXC/CSEC subjects at General Proficiency Grades I, II, and III as stated above, and two subjects at Grade III obtained before June 1998, they will be considered to have met the minimum entry requirements. In order to be considered, English A must have been obtained at General Proficiency Grade I, II, or III (effective 1998).

For admission to the Early Childhood Associate Degree Programme, students may include NCTVET Level II qualifications in Early Childhood as one of the four subjects required for matriculation.

Regarding equivalence, CXC General Grades I-III, GCE ‘O’ Level at Grades A-C, and SSC National Assessment Levels 4 and 5 are accepted.

Mature Entry

Individuals who are 30 years or older and do not meet the academic qualifications outlined in (a) above, but have completed at least five years of teaching in one or more recognized early childhood institutions, may still apply for admission under the mature entry clause, provided they can demonstrate clear evidence of their competence in the field. Colleges seeking to admit students under this clause must require applicants to complete the following processes:

1. Submit a portfolio that demonstrates competence and accomplishments in the following ways:

• Recommendations from professional educators and supervisors in their area of expertise.
• Documentation to verify certificates and awards earned through informal education, such as on-the-job training.
• A written account of their life history and their vision for their role in education.
• A portfolio that showcases representative samples of work (if applicable) completed in the three years preceding the application.

2. Provide certification to demonstrate that the candidate has obtained at least two subjects through a formal examination system. CSEC English (or its equivalent) is mandatory.
3. Undergo an entrance examination to assess the candidate’s potential for learning, including basic proficiency in numeracy and English language.

Documents Required

 Completed Application Form

1. Application Fee
2. Birth Certificate
3. CSEC/GCE/SSC Academic Certificate(s)
4. 2 References (written with stamp or seal on a Letterhead)
5. 1 Passport Size Photograph
6. Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
7. Deed Poll (if applicable)

N.B. Original and copies of documents must be presented at the submission of the application