De La Salle University

What you'll study

This programme combines theoretical study of child development with practical training in curriculum design and classroom practice for early years settings. Core topics cover cognitive, social and emotional development in early childhood; language and literacy development; foundational mathematics and science for young learners; and the role of play and the arts in learning.

• Foundations of Early Childhood Education: history, philosophy and policies affecting early childhood in local and global contexts.
• Child Development: typical and atypical physical, cognitive, language and psychosocial development from birth through early primary years.
• Curriculum and Pedagogy: designing play-based, emergent and thematic curricula; lesson planning and assessment for young learners.
• Language and Literacy: early literacy acquisition, oral language development and strategies for emergent readers and writers.
• Mathematics and Science for Young Children: number concepts, measurement, inquiry and hands-on exploratory approaches.
• Inclusive and Special Needs Education: differentiating instruction, early identification and support strategies for diverse learners.
• Guidance, Health and Safety: promoting social-emotional learning, child protection, nutrition and safe classroom environments.
• Educational Technology: appropriate use of digital resources and multimedia to support early learning.
• Research and Assessment: action research methods, formative and summative assessment, and programme evaluation.
• Practicum / Teaching Internship: sustained supervised teaching placements in partnered preschools, kindergartens and community settings, culminating in professional portfolio development.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education or an equivalent qualification. Admission typically requires submission of academic transcripts and satisfaction of the university's general entrance criteria. Prospective students may be required to pass an institutional admission assessment and/or interview to demonstrate aptitude for working with young children.

Specific faculty-level requirements commonly include satisfactory grades in English and basic sciences or mathematics. International applicants should provide certified records of secondary education and proof of English language competence where required. Applicants with childcare or volunteer experience may strengthen their application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for professional roles in early childhood settings and related fields. Common career pathways include:

• Preschool and kindergarten teacher in private and public early childhood centres.
• Early years coordinator or centre manager overseeing curricula and staff development.
• Curriculum developer or instructional designer for early learning programmes and educational publishers.
• Special educational needs assistant or early intervention support worker.
• Community education officer, programme evaluator or NGO practitioner focused on child development and family support.
• Pathways into further study and research, such as postgraduate degrees in education, special education, educational leadership or child development.

In the Philippines, many graduates pursue teacher licensure to qualify for professional teaching positions in the formal school system.

Why study at De La Salle University

De La Salle University offers a well-established teacher education tradition grounded in Lasallian values and a commitment to social responsibility. Students benefit from experienced faculty engaged in early childhood research and from partnerships with local schools and community organisations that provide high-quality practicum placements.

Facilities supporting the programme include modern teaching laboratories, resource centres with early learning materials and opportunities to participate in outreach and service-learning projects. The university's strong alumni network and links with educational institutions provide good professional networking and employment support for graduates.