Early Childhood Education

Ontario College Diploma (2 Years - 4 Semesters) (1030)

About the Program

The Early Childhood Education Program is designed to prepare you for a position in the Early Childhood Education/Early Years field. You will have the knowledge and practical skills needed to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs for children birth through 12 years of age. You will also be skilled in working with families and providing family educational programming. Our well-known and highly regarded program is one of the only in Ontario delivering training in Learning Language and Loving It™ - The Hanen Program® for Early Childhood Educators/Teacher (a research based, developmental approach to promote children’s social, language and literacy development), giving you a unique edge when seeking employment. You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate learning outcomes in both academic and field practice. Over the course of the two years, you will accumulate a minimum of 600 hours of practical experience. With an ECE diploma you will be eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) and become part of a registered profession and use the title of Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE). For more information and membership requirements, contact the CECE at http://collegeofece.on.ca With our articulation agreement with Algoma University, you may apply for acceptance and be able to transfer your credits towards the completion of a degree. Specific information on this process is available by contacting Algoma University. For those wishing to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher, Nipissing University offers two different routes. Opportunities for transferring credits to other educational institutions are also available by contacting the educational institution that you are interested in attending. In this way, you can take the knowledge and the practical hands-on skills earned with your Sault College ECE diploma and add these to further educational experiences at the university level. Many employers are looking for individuals with a combination of practical and theoretical skills and the Diploma to Degree route gives you this advantage.


Program of Study

 
Semester 1
CMM110 - 3College Communication Skills  
ED 124 - 3Healthy Foundations in ECE  
ED 130 - 4Teaching Methods I in ECE  
ED 134 - 2Creative Expression  
ED 135 - 3Introduction to Early Childhood Education  
ED 141 - 3Introduction to Human Relations Program Mandatory General Education 
PSY111 - 3Developmental Psychology  
 
Semester 2
ED 131 - 4Teaching Methods II in ECE  
ED 132 - 3Language and Literacy  
ED 136 - 9Field Practice II  
ED 137 - 2Integrated Seminar II  
GAS103 - 3What in the World is Going On? Student Selected General Education 
GAS109 - 3Music and Pop Culture Student Selected General Education 
GAS116 - 3Your Two Cents Student Selected General Education 
GEN110 - 3Student Selected General Education Student Selected General Education 
HDG122 - 3Personal and Academic Success Strategies Student Selected General Education 
HSC104 - 3Child and Adolescent Development Part I  
SSC102 - 3Introduction to Aboriginal Peoples of Canada Student Selected General Education 
Note: Students must choose one of the identified Student Selected General Education Courses
 
Semester 3
ED 223 - 4Teaching Methods III  
ED 270 - 3School Age Child Care and Programming  
ED 274 - 3Children with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings  
ED 286 - 9Field Practice III  
ED 287 - 2Integrated Seminar III  
ED 288 - 3Quality Assurance in Early Childhood Settings  
GEN100 - 3Global Citizenship College Mandatory General Education 
 
Semester 4
CMM225 - 3Human Services Communication  
ED 213 - 3Infant Toddler Care  
ED 247 - 4Teaching Methods IV in ECE  
ED 285 - 3Building Partnerships in Early Childhood Settings  
ED 289 - 12Field Practice IV  
ED 290 - 2Integrated Seminar IV  

Quick Fact

Inspire the youth that are tomorrow`s generation by learning how to teach them today. Our well-known and highly regarded program is one of the only in Ontario delivering Learning Language and Loving It - The Hanen Program for Early Childhood Educators/Teachers. This will give you a unique edge when seeking employment. Applying theory to real-life situations happens naturally with child care placement opportunities.

Career Paths

As a graduate and upon registration with the College of ECE, you may refer to yourself as an Early Childhood Educator and work in a variety of settings. These include but are not limited to: Other employment options that you may wish to pursue are as: You are also encouraged to seek certification through your professional organization - the Association of Early Childhood Educators, Ontario (AECEO). For more information and membership requirements, contact the AECEO.

Minimum Academic Requirements

Ontario Secondary School diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C, or mature student status

Academic Recommendations

In order to gain insight into the profession, we suggest that you visit an early learning program in your community. Early Childhood Educators are working daily with children and families. It is a profession that is very physically and emotionally demanding. You will be involved in lifting children, materials and equipment. You need to be able to respond quickly and calmly within the indoor and outdoor environments to ensure children’s on-going emotional and physical well-being. Your composed and realistic approach will be helpful in your interactions with families and community professionals.

Clinical/Lab and Field Placement Requirements

You will be required to submit documentation of having completed the following procedures prior to entering your field placement. If the appropriate documentation is not received within at least two weeks prior to the start of the field placement, it may be necessary to withdraw from the course. A current (within one year) Police Records Search is required, since you will be enrolled in a program where you will have access to vulnerable people. For detailed information regarding the specifics and process, please refer to the `Police Records Search Procedure`. You are responsible for all costs associated with these requirements. Immunization and Health Record Form: This form includes the following immunization requirements: Over your time in the ECE Program at Sault College, you will experience a variety of placements with children of differing age groups. These placement agencies are diverse and provide different opportunities to learn new skills in preparation for your professional career. You will work closely with ECEs and other professionals in community services, so that you learn the breadth of the profession and the services available to children and families in the community. Some examples of some of the placements that you may experience are:

Educational Paths & Articulation Agreements

With our articulation agreement with Algoma University, you may apply for acceptance and be able to transfer your credits towards the completion of a degree. Specific information on this process is available by contacting Algoma University.For those wishing to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher, Nipissing University offers two routes; •Concurrent Education for ECE Graduates •Bachelor of Education where a limited number of spaces will be reserved for candidates who hold an undergraduate degree plus an Early Childhood Education diploma. Opportunities for transferring credits to other educational institutions are also available by contacting the educational institution that you are interested in attending. In this way, you can take the knowledge and the practical hands-on skills earned with your Sault College ECE diploma and add these to further educational experiences at the university level. Many employers are looking for individuals with a combination of practical and theoretical skills and the Diploma to Degree route gives you this advantage. Further post-diploma certifications are also available such as the Communication Disorder Assistant, Autism and Behavioural Sciences, Infant-Toddler, School-age, ECE Administration and ECE Resource Consultant. Refer to the Ontario Colleges website at www.ontariocolleges.ca and do a keyword search for the post-graduate program that you are interested in. As a graduate, you will also have the option of earning a three year Child & Youth Worker Diploma in only two academic years. This dual diploma option is available according to a predetermined educational map that provides you with one full year of advanced standing in the CYW program at Sault College.

Other Information

College of Early Childhood Educators: http://collegeofece.on.ca For more information contact Program Coordinator Colleen Brady at 705.759.2554, ext 2572 or email colleen.brady@saultcollege.ca

Course Descriptions

Semester 1

College Communication Skills (CMM110) (3 credits)

The focus of this course is essay writing.  Students will produce effective, college-level expository essays by developing analytical skills to select and properly integrate electronic and other research materials.  Writing components such as rhetorical modes, grammar, sentence structure, paragraph development, editing, and referencing sources are included.

 

Healthy Foundations in ECE (ED 124) (3 credits)
This course involves the study of health, safety, and nutrition in relation to the needs of young children. Occupational Health related to the work of the ECE will also be explored. Also to be studied are the professional roles related to child abuse and domestic violence issues with a focus on reporting procedures and working with families.

Teaching Methods I in ECE (ED 130) (4 credits)
This course introduces the student to both theoretical and practical techniques of creating a positive learning environment for the young child. A collaborative approach of educating children in a variety of settings which utilize developmentally appropriate practices is emphasized.

Creative Expression (ED 134) (2 credits)
This course helps students to see the beginnings of poetry, music and dance as children respond to the world around them. As a teacher-directed activity with a group of children, students learn how to nurture chant, song and dance as they happen spontaneously throughout the day. This course is designed to help teachers develop a creative approach to music and to learn skills which will help them encourage each child to discover new ways of expressing her/himself through music, movement, and language.

Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ED 135) (3 credits)
Through experiential learning and discussion, students will gain a general understanding about the Early Childhood Education field. The roles and responsibilities needed to work with young children will be examined. Students will be introduced to the professional standards and practices that are required for working in a variety of early learning settings.

Introduction to Human Relations (ED 141) (3 credits)
This course will introduce students to principles and practices of effective human relations.  Students will have opportunities to integrate theory and skills development.  Giving and taking feedback, assertiveness and problem resolution are among the special topics covered.

Developmental Psychology (PSY111) (3 credits)
Developmental psychology is the study of the processes that shape human development. Development includes the systematic changes and continuities that occur in people from conception to death. The goals of studying life span development are description, explanation and optimization of human development. In this course, the interrelationship of psychological, cognitive and psychosocial development will help inform understanding of the whole being. Nature – Nurture, one of the central issues in the study of development, helps one to understand the interaction between cultural, social and historical impacts and biological maturation. This major issue will be highlighted throughout the course as a reference point for the holistic understanding of human development.

Semester 2

Teaching Methods II in ECE (ED 131) (4 credits)
This course is a continuation of Teaching Methods I. It expands on the role of the teacher as mediator between the child and the learning environment. The student will explore the teacher's role in facilitating children's learning and in meeting their developmental needs through positive teaching behaviours and facilitative techniques. Developmental theories will be applied to program areas

Language and Literacy (ED 132) (3 credits)
This course will involve examining the research which identifies how critical the early years of a child's life are for developing literacy skills. Students will develop an understanding of the inter-relatedness of oral language, reading and writing and develop teaching strategies to help facilitate this growth. This will include exploring the components of setting up an effective literacy environment and how to facilitate quality early literacy experience.

Field Practice II (ED 136) (9 credits)
Through this course the teacher-in-training will develop skills in presenting developmentally appropriate activities to young children, on both an individual and a group basis. Students are scheduled for field practicum two days/week in community placement settings. These supervised field work hours assist the student in practicing observation and teaching skills.

Integrated Seminar II (ED 137) (2 credits)
Attendance at this weekly discussion seminar is required to assist the student in interpreting and following through on theories and methods of teaching and observing the young child. Emphasis is placed on confidentiality and on the development of professional and ethical behaviours crucial for working in the Early Childhood Education field. Assigned observations and placement activities will form a basis of discussion in this integrative seminar.

What in the World is Going On? (GAS103) (3 credits)
This course will give students the opportunity to build a strong awareness of current global issues. Students will explore various media such as radio, TV, internet, newspaper, and magazines. Through discussions, debates, and presentations, students will focus on the main international headlines. Students will discover and develop a view and understanding of the impact of events related to music, entertainment, fashion, sports, politics, economics, world issues, and human-interest stories.

Music and Pop Culture (GAS109) (3 credits)
This course will give students the opportunity to think creatively and critically about the influence of popular music. Students will explore different music genres (rock, metal, hip hop and rap), their development and social significance. Students may explore music in film, commercials, war and protest, social and civil rights movements, and the contributions of specific artists to contemporary culture. The ways in which popular music has contributed to the current culture and, in turn, how culture has shaped popular music will be examined.

Your Two Cents (GAS116) (3 credits)
No matter one’s lifestyle, income or background, each person has experienced and developed practices to how we relate to money. This course explores our relationship and personal understanding with money, and its place and value in our culture and individual lives.

Student Selected General Education (GEN110) (3 credits)
For Transfer Credit Purposes only.

Personal and Academic Success Strategies (HDG122) (3 credits)
This course will prepare the student for the rigors of academic life and enable the student to develop a personal profile for college and career success. The main focus of this course will include accepting personal responsibility, discovering self-motivation, mastering self-management, employing interdependence, gaining self-awareness, adopting lifelong learning and developing emotional intelligence. In addition, the student will develop and produce a 'Personal Profile' that will identify his/her personal learning style, communication style, and personality style to enable the student to achieve success in learning about, understanding, and choosing the courses and careers that will lead to personal and professional satisfaction.

Child and Adolescent Development Part I (HSC104) (3 credits)
The growth and development of the person from conception to early childhood will be the focus of this course. Norms of development will be studied, addressing the interactive effects of maturation, experience and life context as they affect the individual.

Introduction to Aboriginal Peoples of Canada (SSC102) (3 credits)
This course will provide the participants with an introduction to the history and cultural survival of Canada's Aboriginal people. Aboriginal worldview will be identified and discussed in both historical and modern perspectives. Students will review colonization, government policies and legislation, which will provide a foundation for understanding modern Aboriginal life in Canada.

Semester 3

Teaching Methods III (ED 223) (4 credits)
This course builds on concepts learned in Teaching Methods II. This course focuses on the environment that incorporates discovery-based learning as a teaching strategy. Students will learn how to plan naturalistic, informal and structured learning experiences, as well as, in-depth studies of topics.

School Age Child Care and Programming (ED 270) (3 credits)
With the knowledge of child development and teaching methods as a foundation, the student will learn how to develop curriculum and establish programs aimed at meeting the particular needs of the school-aged child. Students will recognize the importance of a wide range of experiences and activities for children in this age group and will learn how to capitalize on their interests and abilities. Emphasis is placed on how to balance the freedom of choice within the context of group decision-making.

Children with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings (ED 274) (3 credits)
This course is designed to develop an understanding of various disabilities. Emphasis is place don the educator's role in planning for individual needs, while supporting the needs of the entire group in an inclusive environment. The focus is on using a team approach, with active family involvement to support the child with special needs in inclusive educational settings.

Field Practice III (ED 286) (9 credits)
Through experiential growth and the support of academic course work, the student is able to further solidify his/her philosophy of early childhood education, while incorporating this into improved teaching techniques. Students are expected to plan and carry out activities designed to extend children's play and learning opportunities and to exhibit developmentally appropriate and anti-biased practices. Added responsibility is placed on the student to lead group experiences as well.

Integrated Seminar III (ED 287) (2 credits)
This weekly seminar gives students the opportunity to share ideas and theoretical concerns relative to field practice. Teaching activities completed during field placement will form a basis for discussion. As a result, the student will be better prepared for planning and implementing activities for children's learning, and as well, for guiding behaviour.

Quality Assurance in Early Childhood Settings (ED 288) (3 credits)
An examination of current issues, social and governmental policies, advocacy, professional standards and the administrator`s role will provide students with an understanding of the importance of quality in Early Childhood settings. Throughout this exploration, students will be challenged to develop their own philosophy of early childhood education by gaining an insight into the relationship between quality and the evolution of early childhood education.

Global Citizenship (GEN100) (3 credits)
The world is shrinking. The ice caps are melting. A sneeze, thousands of kilometres away, starts a health pandemic and technology enables us to intimately view earthquakes, tsunamis and human rights violations around the world. This reality calls for an understanding of diversity, social justice and sustainability. A global citizen is aware of the wider world, respects and values diversity, is outraged by injustice, participates in community from the local to the global level, and feels compelled to act to make the world a more sustainable place. Global citizenship will help students gain personal meaning of themselves as citizens of the world and apply it in their own lives.

Semester 4

Human Services Communication (CMM225) (3 credits)
This course prepares students for employment in the human service professions. Emphasis is placed on career exploration and the production of a variety of written and oral communications suited for the various purposes and audiences relevant to this profession. In this course, the principles of writing are taught through the writing process.

Infant Toddler Care (ED 213) (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the area of infant and toddle care. The young child's developmental changes during the infant and the toddler periods are significant. Infants and toddlers are seen as individuals with strengths and needs which are to be interpreted and responded to by the sensitive caregiver. The synchronicity of this relationship is emphasized. Consequently, the student will develop an appreciation of the importance of ensuring quality care giving and of the need for a good learning environment in both the home and group care settings.

Teaching Methods IV in ECE (ED 247) (4 credits)
This course builds on concepts learned in Teaching Methods III. It will involve examining various aspects of curriculum planning and evaluation, both for groups and individuals, which will lead into actual practical application.

Building Partnerships in Early Childhood Settings (ED 285) (3 credits)
Developing partnerships with families is an integral part of the 'family-centred' approach in early childhood education. This course studies various aspects of this developmentally appropriate practice by examining specific strategies for building effective partnerships such as: positive communication practices, supporting family involvement, and exploring ways to respond to the changing face of Canadian families. The increasing role of the educator within the community will also be examined especially in the area of facilitating parent workshops.

Field Practice IV (ED 289) (12 credits)
This final segment of field practicum encourages the student to develop further strategies for enhancing the young child's developmental abilities based on presenting individual and group experiences. Additional responsibilities provide the student with the opportunity to refine and demonstrate the competencies required of a skilled teacher of young children. A minimum of 600 field practice hours is required for graduation. In field practice, the philosophy/goals and outcomes are reflected in the 'Progress Review Form' for Semester IV. These are consistent with Provincial standard outcomes expected of an entry-level Early Childhood Educator who graduates from an Ontario Community College.

Integrated Seminar IV (ED 290) (2 credits)
This weekly seminar gives students the opportunity to share ideas and theoretical concerns relative to field practice. Activities completed during field placement will form a basis for discussion. As a result, the student will be better prepared for planning for children's learning and for guiding children's behaviour.


Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology 705.759.2554      1.800.461.2260
443 Northern Ave. 
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada  P6A 5L3 www.saultcollege.ca