Bismarck College, established in 2006, initiated the idea of a Diploma in Early Childhood Education (In-Service) to the East New Britain Provincial Authority in 2016 and officially implemented it in 2023. This program is designed to upskill and upgrade elementary teachers already in the field, as well as provide Grade 12 school leavers with the opportunity to enroll and gain the necessary qualifications to teach early childhood learners, addressing the growing demand for trained educators in the sector.
Program Overview
The program is comprised of twelve(12) units. And its original plan is for teachers to attend the college and to do 2 units each month for 6 months full time. This should make two batches of in-service teachers each year. In this way, we would try to re-train more elementary teachers so that the government policy on early childhood education can be implemented and materialize as quickly as possible
The second approach is to allow elementary teachers to continue teaching wherever schools they are but to pursue the diploma program through the remote mode. This mode requires teachers to do one(1) unit each month for 12 months while teaching.
Programs offered
1. The 2 year diploma in early childhood education
The 2 year diploma in early childhood education is specifically for grade 12 leavers. The 2 years is divided into three trimesters. And a trimester is comprised of ten weeks academic activities with 2 extra weeks for study breaks. There are 6 courses offered per trimester, 18 courses per year and a total of 36 courses to complete the whole program.
2. The conversion of elementary school teachers to early childhood teachers
Possessing teaching experiences in an elementary school does not usually guarantee a clean transfer for teaching in an early learning centre. These two divisions of schooling or learning are like two different cattle of fish. Yes, you heard that right. Early learning refers to very intricate age groups of 3-5 year olds. Teacher training and learning approaches here are uniquely different. Teacher training and learning approaches in elementary school is another. And therefore for the conversions program, elementary teachers will have to be re-trained again to adapt into an early learning setting.
Admission Requirements
Eligibility: Practicing teachers for In-Service programs and Grade 12 school leavers for pre-service program
Enrolment: Request for an application form. Complete the form by filling all the necessary information attached with necessary requested documents and send it before the closing date which is 31 of October every year
Application: Submission of the application form along with necessary documents and a processing fee
College tuition fees DECH Pre-service K4,200 .DECH In-service K6,600
Strictly all students must register with 50% of the total tuition fee
College Information
Bismarck College is proud to have its principal attain a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Queensland, bringing advanced knowledge and expertise to the institution. This achievement enhances the quality and relevance of the current courses being implemented in the province, particularly the Diploma in Early Childhood Education. The principal's specialized training ensures that the programs are aligned with global standards, equipping local educators with the skills and qualifications needed to meet the growing demand for quality early childhood education in the region
