Early Childhood Degree: Turning Passion into Practice

Published: 13 May 2026

Do you have a deep passion for educating young minds, but need a professional qualification to turn that ambition into a career? It's a natural drive for anyone who wants to make a meaningful impact.

Andrina Rose D/O Magalinggam’s story is a prime example of this. Through her Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood (Top-up) Degree from Monash University, completed at Kaplan (Singapore), she not only gained the expertise to excel in her job, but she also successfully made the transition into the Early Childhood sector.

Let's dive into the journey of this 2020 graduate and discover the path forward for you.

Why a Degree is Essential for Early Childhood Educators

The Early Childhood sector in Singapore is thriving, driven by the increasing need for full-day childcare among dual-income families and a greater recognition of the importance of quality education for our young. This has created numerous job opportunities for dedicated staff, with the number of educators growing from over 18,000 in 2018 to more than 25,000 in 2025.

To meet this expanding need, the government, through the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), has been actively driving efforts to raise the quality of preschool programmes and professional standards.

This national push for higher criteria means a Bachelor's Degree has become the clear benchmark for those aspiring to take on leadership roles and drive educational excellence. Because a Degree goes beyond basic classroom skills, equipping you with advanced knowledge in areas such as:

• Curriculum design and pedagogical techniques.
• Child development theory.
• Contributing to a child's holistic development and critical thinking from birth to eight years old.

This is a trend that Andrina was well aware of. As a working professional who held a passion for early childhood education, she was determined to deepen her expertise and advance her career. However, like many in the sector, she needed a part-time Degree that could accommodate her busy schedule while offering a course of study relevant to her long-term professional goals.

Her thoughtful search led her to the Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood (Top-up) Degree from Monash University at Kaplan in Singapore, a choice she found compelling due to its flexible study schedule and comprehensive curriculum, which she deemed "most suitable for working teachers."

Bridging Theory and Classroom: Monash’s Practical Edge

The Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood (Top-up) programme at Kaplan (Singapore) provided Andrina with a seamless blend of theory and practice.

Delivered 100% online by Monash University faculty and including a face-to-face practicum, this flexible model allowed her to put new concepts to the test in a real-world setting. As a working teacher, she credits the private Degree’s design with not only empowering her to excel in areas like curriculum planning and assessment methods, but also teaching her crucial skills like time management and perseverance.

She believes these skills, combined with the knowledge she gained, allowed her to "excel at my job by allowing me to apply what I have learnt during my course" and even "helped me identify solutions to the challenges I face at work."

In the end, Andrina’s dedication paid off, equipping her with the confidence and expertise to thrive in her profession. She now serves as an Early Childhood Educator at a local preschool.

Achieving Leadership and Driving Educational Outcomes

Andrina's success is a powerful illustration of the value of passion combined with advanced qualifications in Singapore's Early Childhood sector. It is the perfect instance of how a specialised Degree is increasingly a gateway to career advancement and specialisation.

So, for those asking themselves, "What can I do with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education?, the answer is simple and clear.

With this qualification, you can aspire to:

• Leadership roles: Stepping into positions like Lead Teacher, Supervisor, or Centre Principal, where you can oversee curriculum and manage a team of educators.

• Specialised roles: Moving into specific positions such as a Curriculum Developer, where you design educational materials, or an Early Intervention Specialist, where you support young children with developmental needs.

Ultimately, a Bachelor’s Degree paves the way to driving positive educational outcomes and achieving greater professional fulfilment for the nation’s youngest learners.

Turn Your Passion into a Professional Advantage

If you're ready to take the next step in your Early Childhood career, just as Andrina did, the key benefits of a Bachelor of Education Degree are waiting for you.

This programme, delivered by Monash University, is a valuable investment in your future. It is a part-time Degree designed for working educators, with an 18-month duration. The curriculum is delivered through a blend of online learning and face-to-face practicum, allowing you to balance your work and studies.

This rigorous course of study is also assessed 100% via coursework, with no exams, which allows for a more comprehensive understanding and application of the material. For instance, modules such as Contemporary Child Development Theories and Practices and Early Childhood Leadership and Professional Identity ensure the knowledge you gain is immediately applicable to your work.

What's more, Monash University is a globally-ranked institution, with its Education and Training programmes ranking in the top 50 worldwide. This ensures you are receiving a high-quality education that is recognised both in Singapore and internationally, as you will be awarded the same Degree as on-campus graduates in Australia upon successful completion of the programme. This positions you as an expert in your field.

Inspired by Andrina’s story? Explore the Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood (Top-up) Degree at Kaplan (Singapore) today and take the definitive step toward achieving your professional goals. Do note that to be eligible for this programme, you must hold a recognised Diploma in a related field, such as a Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education-Teaching (DECCE-T). For professionals aspiring to enter the final year directly, additional leadership or specialist Diplomas are required.

For more detailed admission requirements on this and other Degrees for working adults, you can download our brochure, contact our programme consultants, or visit kaplan.com.sg today!