ObjectivesThis program provides students with the basic competencies and knowledge required to work with children in licensed preschools and daycare centres. It ladders into the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma program.
Practical experienceThere are 500 required hours of work experience with this program.
Academic titleEarly Childhood Care and Education Certificate
Course descriptionFull-time profile
First Term Course Credits
Required: 17.25
EDUC 166 Child Development I 2.25
EDUC 170 Interpersonal Skills 1.50
EDUC 171 Caring and Learning Environments 1.50
EDUC 172 Guiding Young Children I 1.50
EDUC 173 Curriculum Development I 3.00
EDUC 175 Observing and Recording 1.50
EDUC 176 Applied Theory - Practicum I 3.00
EDUC 254 Theoretical Perspectives 3.00
Credits 17.25
Second Term Course Credits
Required: 15.25
EDUC 167 Child Development II 2.25
EDUC 220 Health, Safety and Nutrition 1.50
EDUC 254 Theoretical Perspectives Continued
EDUC 256 Working with Young Children in Inclusive Group Settings 1.50
EDUC 270 Introduction to Working with Families 1.50
EDUC 272 Guiding Young Children II 1.50
EDUC 273 Curriculum Development II 3.00
EDUC 276 Applied Theory - Practicum II 4.00
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list: 3.00
CMNS 111 Communications for Human Services 3.00
ENGL 100 Academic Writing Strategies 3.00
Credits 18.25
Third Term Course Credits
Required: 5.50
EDUC 271 Introduction to Centre Organization 1.50
EDUC 277 Applied Theory - Practicum III 4.00
Credits 5.50
Total Program Credits 41.00
Evening profile
First Term Course Credits
Required: 6.00
EDUC 170 Interpersonal Skills 1.50
EDUC 171 Caring and Learning Environments 1.50
EDUC 254 Theoretical Perspectives 3.00
Credits 6.00
Second Term Course Credits
Required: 6.75
EDUC 166 Child Development I 2.25
EDUC 172 Guiding Young Children I 1.50
EDUC 173 Curriculum Development I 3.00
Credits 6.75
Third Term Course Credits
Required: 4.50
EDUC 175 Observing and Recording 1.50
EDUC 176 Applied Theory - Practicum I 3.00
Credits 4.50
Fourth Term Course Credits
Required: 8.25
EDUC 167 Child Development II 2.25
EDUC 220 Health, Safety and Nutrition 1.50
EDUC 270 Introduction to Working with Families 1.50
EDUC 273 Curriculum Development II 3.00
Credits 8.25
Fifth Term Course Credits
Required: 7.00
EDUC 256 Working with Young Children in Inclusive Group Settings 1.50
EDUC 272 Guiding Young Children II 1.50
EDUC 276 Applied Theory - Practicum II 4.00
Choose 3.00 credits from the following list: 3.00
CMNS 111 Communications for Human Services 3.00
ENGL 100 Academic Writing Strategies 3.00
Credits 10.00
Sixth Term Course Credits
Required: 5.50
EDUC 271 Introduction to Centre Organization 1.50
EDUC 277 Applied Theory - Practicum III 4.00
Credits 5.50
Total Program Credits 41.00
EDUC 166 Child Development I
2.25 credits (3,0,0) hrs 15 wks
An introductory study of theories and principles of development focusing on conception through 24 months.
Note: Evening program only.
EDUC 167 Child Development II
2.25 credits (3,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Theories, principles of development and child study techniques focusing on physical, cognitive, language and social-emotional growth and development from 24 through 60 months.
Note: Evening program only.
EDUC 170 Interpersonal Skills
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
An introductory course in which students focus on the development of self awareness and increased understanding of others. Students will learn basic communication concepts and practice skills which contribute to effective interpersonal relationships.
EDUC 171 Caring and Learning Environments
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course introduces the student to various programs for young children. The role of the Early Childhood Educator, learning environments and the value of play are examined.
EDUC 172 Guiding Young Children I
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course develops a theoretical framework of guidance principles and techniques which support children's optimal development.
EDUC 173 Curriculum Development I
3.00 credits (6,3,0) hrs 10 wks
Based on the philosophy that play provides the foundation for children's growth and development, this experiential workshop course focuses on learning environments, curriculum planning, and teaching strategies.
EDUC 175 Observing and Recording
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course develops skill in objectively observing and recording the behaviour of young children.
EDUC 176 Applied Theory - Practicum I
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: EDUC 166, 173 and 175 are prerequisites or co-requisites
This course provides students with opportunities to observe young children and, at a beginning level, to plan, implement and evaluate activities under supervision.
EDUC 220 Health, Safety and Nutrition
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Through the use of lecture, videos and assignments, the student will be able to recognize the common signs and symptoms of childhood illness and plan health care appropriate to a centre setting, recognizing situations requiring emergency care; understand the role of healthy eating as it relates to normal child development within the context of the preschooler's daily life and environment; and follow valid nutrition guidelines for their own optimum health.
EDUC 254 Theoretical Perspectives
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course provides an introduction to the history and philosophy of ECCE. Major contemporary issues are examined. International childcare is discussed.
EDUC 256 Working with Young Children in Inclusive Group Settings
1.50 credits (6,0,0) hrs 05 wks
Prerequisite: EDUC 155 or EDUC 166/167 and EDUC 276
The student will learn to select and to use appropriate assessment materials and intervention strategies for working with children who require extra support. A family-centred approach will be taken.
EDUC 270 Introduction to Working with Families
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course is designed to develop a beginning understanding of an effective relationship between the Early Childhood Educator and the child's family. Community resources will be researched.
EDUC 271 Introduction to Centre Organization
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
An introductory look at some of the administrative aspects of operating a centre for young children. This course assumes a knowledge of curriculum and daily program planning, and identifies necessary functions relating indirectly to children; e.g., handling finances, hiring staff, leadership and management, cleaning and maintenance, policies and procedures, etc. Provincial legislation regulating child care is examined. Steps to opening a centre will also be discussed.
EDUC 272 Guiding Young Children II
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course will extend the student's repertoire of guidance/teaching techniques. The focus is on responding to the needs of the individual child, on promoting a positive self concept and on fostering pro-social behaviour.
EDUC 273 Curriculum Development II
3.00 credits (4,0,2) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: EDUC 173
The student will acquire further knowledge, experience and skill in planning, implementing, and evaluating learning environments for groups of children.
EDUC 276 Applied Theory - Practicum II
4.00 credits (5.33,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This is a five-week, full-time practicum. If taken, however, on a part-time basis, the same number of hours are required. Working with a qualified Early Childhood Educator students extend their competencies in program planning and evaluation. Weekly seminar discussions focus on integrating theory and practice.
EDUC 277 Applied Theory - Practicum III
4.00 credits (5.33,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This is, generally, a five-week, full-time practicum. If taken, however, on a part-time basis, the same number of hours are required. In this practicum, students integrate and consolidate knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. The student will be involved in all aspects of providing quality care and education for young children.
EDUC 348 Program Planning, Physical Care and Safety for Infants and Toddlers
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: EDUC 277 is a prerequisite or co-requisite
The student will develop an awareness of the early childhood educator's role and responsibility in preparing a safe, healthy environment and in planning routine procedures for infants and toddlers. The focus will be on planning schedules, routines, space and program activities for infants and toddlers. Individual and small group activities which promote self esteem, language, social behaviours and self-help skills will be planned. Goal setting and effective guidance will be discussed.
EDUC 349 Applied Theory Infant/Toddler Practicum
6.00 credits (0,0,25) hrs 06 wks
This practicum course provides opportunities for planned and spontaneous caregiving that incrementally demonstrates the student's advanced professional practice, knowledge and reflective skills.
EDUC 350 Advanced Child Development
2.00 credits (2.66,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course will focus on the similarities and differences of typical and atypical development of young children.
EDUC 351 Family, School and Community
2.00 credits (3,0,0) hrs 15 wks
The teacher/family/community partnership will be examined with the focus being on families with infants, toddlers and children who need extra support.
EDUC 352 Centre Operations
2.00 credits (2.66,0,0) hrs 15 wks
The student will gain knowledge of the broad concepts and principles involved in the effective administration and management of a child care centre and the skill required to fulfill the role of a manager/director/administrator.
EDUC 353 Program Planning for Infants and Toddlers
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
The focus will be on planning schedules, routines, space and program activities for infants and toddlers. Individual and small group activities which promote self esteem, language, social behaviours, and self-help skills will be planned. Goal setting and effective guidance will be discussed.
EDUC 354 Program Planning for Special Needs
2.00 credits (3,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course will examine strategies for collaborating with parents, adapting programs, implementing individual intervention goals and helping children to communicate with one another.
EDUC 355 Physical Care and Safety
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
The student will develop an awareness of the Early Childhood Educator's role and responsibility in preparing a safe, healthy environment, and in planning routine procedures for infants and toddler to ensure their needs will be met.
EDUC 356 Infant and Toddler Practicum
3.00 credits (0,0,10.4) hrs 15 wks
Through work experience in an infant/toddler centre the student learns and practises how to protect, support and enrich the lives of young children.
Note: Students must have 500 hours of work experience.
EDUC 357 Infant and Toddler Practicum
3.00 credits (0,0,10.4) hrs 15 wks
This practicum focuses on working with parents and the evaluation of a quality program. These broader aspects of group care are central to the provision of quality care for infants and toddlers.
Note: Students must have 500 hours of work experience.
EDUC 358 Special Needs Practicum
3.00 credits (0,0,10.4) hrs 15 wks
Under the guidance of a qualified Special Needs Early Childhood Educator the student practises how to program activities which include children who need extra support.
Note: Students must have 500 hours of work experience.
EDUC 359 Special Needs Practicum
3.00 credits (0,0,10.4) hrs 15 wks
This practicum focuses on working with parents and the evaluation of a quality program. Students refine their skills of inclusive programming for groups of children.
Note: Students must have 500 hours of work experience.
EDUC 371 Family, School and Community
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
The teacher-family partnership will be examined with a focus on families with children birth to five years of age. The student will explore in-depth the skills and program qualities that establish mutually supportive relationships between home and centre.
EDUC 373 Inquiry Based Learning in ECCE
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course provides students with the opportunity to examine all aspects of negotiated curriculum. Topics will include the image of the child, the investigative environment, learning materials and the basic principles of documentation.
EDUC 375 Early Childhood: Children, Culture and Globalization
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Completion of Early Childhood Care & Education Certificate Program
The course aims to give students the ability to interpret a broad and historical review of the development of the different concepts of globalization. A critical and questioning approach to the influences of global trends on child-rearing processes and development will be encouraged. The course will critically examine the concepts, terms, definitions and debates of globalization as influences for early childhood practitioners.
EDUC 376 Global Perspectives on Literature and Literacy
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: EDUC 155, 170, 171, 172, 173, 175, 176, 220, 254, 256, 270, 271, 272, 273, 276, 277 and ENGL 100
This course will give the student an understanding of the concept of early literacy and its significance in early childhood care and education.
EDUC 378 Seminar in Early Childhood Care and Educational Leadership
3.00 credits (3,0,0) hrs 10 wks
This course will give students the development tools and strategies that facilitate the practice of Early Childhood Educators in leadership positions. Students will be able to define leadership in Early Childhood and Education practice. In addition students will be able to critically examine the ethics, politics and leadership in the practice and be given the background to encourage collaboration and conflict in Early Childhood and Education practice. On completion of the course, students will know how to investigate culture and leadership and develop communities of inquiry in relation to Early Childhood Care and Education.
EDUC 379 Role of the Pedagogista in ECCE
6.00 credits (24,0,0) hrs 05 wks
This course will give students the development tools and strategies for organizing the work of the pedagogista in ECCE organizations. On completion of the course, student will have the ability to define the role of pedagogista in our communities and be able to critically examine the ethics and politics in ECCE organizations. Students will also learn how to investigate the role of progettazione: concept and practice, and how to build listening and dialogue in communities of learning.
EDUC 380 Advanced Studies in the Pedagogista
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: EDUC 379
This course is the second course in a 2-part sequence. This course continues to examine the philosophy as well as tools and strategies for organizing the work of the pedagogista in early childhood organizations. Key areas of study will include the pedagogy of listening within the context of particular ECCE learning communities; critical examination of the ethics and politics in early childhood organizations and perspectives on developing "projetazzione".
EDUC 390 Applied Theory Special Needs Practicum
6.00 credits (0,0,25) hrs 06 wks
This course is a six-week practicum. The practicum placement will be in an inclusive centre for children birth to five years. The intent of this practicum will provide opportunities for planned and spontaneous programming for children who require extra support. An in-depth examination of inclusive practice will be a guiding factor throughout the practicum. These skills will incrementally demonstrate the student's advanced professional, practice, knowledge and reflective skills.