Early Childhood Education (1030)

2 Years - 4 Semesters
Ontario College Diploma

Students Speak

Chantal Tait

In May of 2003, I graduated from the Early Childhood Education Program at Sault College and was fortunate enough to obtain full time employment with the Northridge Montessori School. I credit my fortune to the mentoring , strong work ethic and dedication of the program advisors and teachers at Sault College. I researched well all the possible avenues in which to pursue my education and was extremely impressed by the program offered at Sault College. The Early Childhood Education Program was strong in areas surrounding the education of young children with components essential to present and future issues throughout this ever changing field. All areas of study were relevant to being a professional in the field of Early Childhood Education such as Infant and Toddler education, Child and Adolescent Development, Curriculum Planning, Health and Nutrition and Teaching Methods. Perhaps even more helpful in learning to deal with current trends in the field was the in class theory surrounding Atypical Children and Family Violence due to the rise in incidence in these areas. The Early Childhood Education Faculty were able to teach material essential to working with children in a friendly and encouraging environment. I felt my teachers had a vested interest in the successful outcome of my education.

By far, however, the most rewarding aspect of the Sault College Early Childhood Education Program in my opinion, is the field placement component. It is the best way to receive a full view of the profession as a front line educator. I was granted a hands on learning experience as well as the prospect of impressing a potential employer. I was also impressed by the flexibility within the program. Early Childhood Educators graduating from Sault college can work in many arenas including child care centres, private schools, public schools or can use this education as a building block for many other child related fields. I believe it is the support from the knowledgeable program faculty that helped me reach my goal and am grateful for the continued support I still receive as a professional in the field.

 

Michelle Burditt

The lower overall costs and the opportunities for work placements are what attracted Michelle Burditt to the Early Childhood Education program at Sault College.

"I wanted to work with children and I wanted to remain in Sault Ste. Marie to start off my post-secondary education. Sault College was the most financially feasible choice and the Early Childhood Education program had a considerable reputation," explains the 20-year-old Sault native.

"I also liked the fact that there was a lot of field placement - two days a week in each semester."

Michelle, currently in her second year of the two-year program, says the field placement has been a vital aspect of her course because it has helped her discover where her true passions lie.

"I came into the program thinking that I wanted to work with toddlers, but the job placements in the public schools has made me realize that I enjoy working with children who are a little older. You can actually see the children develop and learn at that age, and I really like that. I think now that I will continue my education - possibly at Lake Superior State University, where Sault College has a concurrent program - and become a kindergarten teacher."

Graduates of Sault College's Early Childhood Education Program are qualified to work in day care centres, nursery schools, hospital playrooms, classrooms as teaching assistants, and in centres where children with developmental delays or disabilities are integrated.

Areas of study include psychology, human relations, creative expression, child and adolescent development, abuse and family violence, health and nutrition for children, atypical children, and sociology of the family.

"The courses are very detailed," says Michelle, "and in fact, more than I expected. We gain a lot of knowledge in all areas of child care, but it's not overwhelming. Our classes are relatively small, so there's a really good student-teacher ratio. The teachers are understanding and flexible, which is important for me because I work 20 hours a week and go to school 40 hours a week, and there are a lot of resources available to us.

"I would definitely recommend the Early Childhood Education program to anyone who thinks they want to work with children. The job placement is so important because it helps you determine for sure which area of childhood education you prefer."

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