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 from birth through 12 years of age. You will also be skilled in working with families and providing family educational programming.
You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate learning outcomes in both academics 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 ECE 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.
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Program may apply for acceptance under the articulation agreement we have with Algoma University. Additional information and entrance requirements on the process to transfer credit are available by contacting Algoma University.
Program of Study
Semester 1
College Communication Skills (CMM110)
Field Practice I (ED 108)
Integrated Seminar I (ED 115)
Healthy Foundations in ECE (ED 124)
Teaching Methods I in ECE (ED 130)
Diversity in Early Childhood Settings (ED 160)
What in the World is Going On? (GAS103)
Introduction to Human Relations (HSC103)
Introduction to Psychology (PSY102)
Semester 2
Human Services Communication (CMM225)
Field Practice II (ED 110)
Creative Expression (ED 112)
Integrated Seminar II (ED 116)
Teaching Methods II in ECE (ED 131)
Language and Literacy (ED 132)
Child and Adolescent Development Part I (HSC104)
Sociology of the Family (SOC115)
Semester 3
Field Practice III (ED 209)
Infant Toddler Care (ED 213)
Integrated Seminar III (ED 218)
Teaching Methods III (ED 223)
Quality Assurance in Early Childhood Settings (ED 275)
Child and Adolescent Development Part II (HSC203)
Semester 4
Field Practice IV (ED 210)
Integrated Seminar IV (ED 219)
Teaching Methods IV in ECE (ED 247)
School Age Child Care and Programming (ED 270)
Children with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings (ED 274)
Building Partnerships in Early Childhood Settings (ED 285)
Where You’ll Work
As a graduate and upon registration, you may refer to yourself as an Early Childhood Educator and work in child care centres, school-age programs, parent resource centres, Best Start programs, licensed home child care and in inclusive settings with children with disabilities/special needs. Other employment options that you may wish to pursue are as an educational assistant or literacy educator for the school board, or other roles in the community working with children and families.
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.
What You’ll Need
Ontario Secondary School diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C, or mature student status.
What We Recommend
This is a physically demanding field which will require you to lift up to approximately 50 lbs. and requires physical mobility and stamina.
Dress Code
You will be required to wear a mandatory uniform for field practice. The ECE Department will provide information concerning ordering procedures.
Placements
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 two years) 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 link titled ‘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:
Two-step TB test
Immunity against measles, mumps and rubella
Current tetanus-diphtheria
You will also be required to sign a Statement of Confidentiality Form.
CPR (Level C), WHMIS, and First Aid Certificates are required. You must provide copies of your certification prior to starting your field placement.
Course Descriptions
Semester 1
College Communication Skills (CMM110) (3 credits)
This course helps students develop the communication skills necessary to function at the college level and to be successful in future employment. It promotes the development of college-level research and writing involving critical thinking abilities. Students also will employ effective documentation techniques. Editing abilities and document production will be enhanced through the use of all available tools, including computers. In this course, the principles of writing are taught through the writing process.
Field Practice I (ED 108) (4 credits)
This course is designed to orient students to the various facets of the Early Childhood Educator's role. Through this supervised field practicum the student is exposed to a range of teaching and care giving duties for a group of young children. Skills, knowledge, and attitudes gained enable the student to consistently demonstrate the competencies expected of a beginning student teacher.
Integrated Seminar I (ED 115) (1 credits)
This weekly seminar is crucial for helping students to understand the Early Childhood Educator's role in working with young children. Student experiences and ideas, as well as suggestions for interacting effectively in field placement settings will be exchanged. In addition, professional responsibilities, especially reliability and confidentiality, are emphasized.
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.
Diversity in Early Childhood Settings (ED 160) (2 credits)
Using the anti-bias approach, this course explores the impact of diversity within early childhood settings. In conjunction with a growing personal understanding of diversity, students will become aware of the diverse components of Canadian society. In order to increase knowledge, educators must be aware of ways that diversity can be reflected in program development.
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.
Introduction to Human Relations (HSC103) (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.
Introduction to Psychology (PSY102) (3 credits)
A study of the science of psychology; its methods, concepts and theories, including the following topic areas: (1) biological bases of behaviour and perceptual processes; (2) intelligence, learning and memory; (3) motivation and emotion, and (4) states of awareness. Psychological concepts will be studied with a view towards how they can be applied to enhance the student's understanding of psychological adaptation and the cases and consequences of human behaviour.
Semester 2
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.
Field Practice II (ED 110) (7 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.
Creative Expression (ED 112) (3 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.
Integrated Seminar II (ED 116) (1 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.
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.
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.
Sociology of the Family (SOC115) (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with the means to achieve a sociological orientation or perspective to analysis of the family. Sociological factors such as social change, social structure/stratification, culture and socialization which affect family life in contemporary society will be presented.
Semester 3
Field Practice III (ED 209) (7 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.
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.
Integrated Seminar III (ED 218) (1 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.
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.
Quality Assurance in Early Childhood Settings (ED 275) (4 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.
Child and Adolescent Development Part II (HSC203) (3 credits)
This course is a continuation of HSC104. It will provide an intensive study of human development from middle childhood to the end of adolescence. A holistic view of human development and functioning will be utilized. Emphasis will be on the integration and application of knowledge of developmental patterns and occurrences.
Semester 4
Field Practice IV (ED 210) (7 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 219) (1 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.
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.
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.
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.
