Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) is the first polytechnic to work with a foreign university under this initiative, which aims to provide more opportunites for its graduates to obtain industry-relevant and reputable degrees.

Fifty-nine NP students have completed their Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Educational Studies and Leadership after going through a two-year programme offered by Boston's Wheelock College in collaboration with NP and the Regional Training and Resource Centre in Early Childhood Care and Education for Asia.

Said Dr David Fedo, the executive director of the Wheelock College Center for International Education, Leadership, and Innovation-Singapore: 'Their graduation is historic both for Singapore and the Wheelock College.

'There is a tremendous need for qualified early childhood practitioners and I can imagine these 59 students will be a new movement - they are capable and possess fundamental knowledge of the industry.

Launched in June 2007, the programme now has three batches, with the third starting lessons later this month. The degree course, which costs $13,600, is open to NP students who have obtained diplomas in either early childhood education or in child psychology and early education.