ObjectivesThe Early Childhood Education program will provide you with the knowledge and skills to work with young children in this important field. In this diploma program you will examine the overall development of children, along with the techniques and procedures used in setting the stage for, and guiding the behaviour of, young children in a childcare setting. You will learn about planning developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for children from 4-months to 12-years of age. Your studies will provide you with a sound understanding of the importance of parent/teacher relationships and teamwork.
Practical experienceYou will also have the opportunity to practice classroom theory through extensive field practicums.
Academic titleEarly Childhood Education Ontario College Diploma
Course descriptionLevel One
COMM1850 Essential Writing Skills
Description: This course will introduce students to the essential concepts of grammar and sentence structure leading to effective college-level paragraph construction.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
ECE1020 Foundations Of Curriculum
Description: This course will introduce the concept of creativity in relationship to educators and children in Early Childhood Education programs. The implications of anti-bias education and attitudes towards diversity will be explored as a foundation for inclusive learning environments. Students will develop an awareness of the educator's role and the foundations of creative play as a basis for future curriculum planning.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
ECE1030 Introduction To E.C.E.
Description: This course is an introduction to the profession of Early Childhood Education. Elements of high quality child care will be explored.The Early Childhood Educator's use of positive guidance to facilitate the child's growing self concept and self control will be examined. The role of the Early Childhood Educator in providing high quality care through fostering emotional well-being and social competence will be studied in detail. The aspects of carefully designed schedules and the routines and transitions within them will be discussed.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
ECE1065 Child Development: The Early Years
Description: This course introduces the chronological study of human development. It begins with prenatal influences and examines the age-stages of conception and infancy. The interactive nature of the physical, cognitive and psychosocial domains of the influence on human development will be emphasized. The major theories of development will be used to analyze different developmental events through the life span. A central theme of the course is the nature-nurture controversy.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
ECE1090 Field Placement - Introduction to Practice
Description: This field placement experience is an introduction to working with young children in an E.C.E. setting. Students will have an opportunity to observe the role of an Early Childhood Educator with preschool children, and under his or her direction, begin to practice the theory taught in the classroom. Emphasis is placed on beginning to develop skills, particularly in the areas of human qualities, communication and professionalism. The competencies outlined in the field placement evaluation will serve as a guide to the requirements of the placement. The classroom component of the course will introduce students to the processes and procedures relevant to all field placement experiences..
Hours: 120
Credits: 4
Level Two
ECE1010 Curriculum A - Theory & Practice
Description: Elements of effective curriculum planning and implementation in an early childhood setting will be explored. This course will focus on the integration of theory and practice in curriculum development, building on foundations of creativity, play and diversity. The definition of curriculum, the principles of designing curriculum, and the process of planning individual activities will be discussed. The emphasis will be on curriculum design and activity planning which foster the development of preschool children's competence in all domain areas. The individual areas of curriculum which will be examined include: art, sensory, woodworking, science, nature/environment, math, blocks and cooking.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ECE1020, ECE1030
ECE1040 Curriculum B - Theory & Practice
Description: This course will integrate theory and practice in curriculum development, building on the foundations of creativity, play and diversity. Principles of curriculum design will be applied to the following curriculum areas: language and literacy, small groups/circles, literature, storytelling/ puppetry, dramatics, computers and technology. Emphasis will be placed on how each of these areas of curriculum are integrated together to promote the overall development of the preschool child.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ECE1020, ECE1030
CoRequisites: ECE1010
ECE1075 Child Development: The Later Years
Description: This course continues the chronological study of human development from early childhood to late adulthood. The main indepth foci are early childhood and middle childhood. Adolescence and the stages of adulthood will be overviewed. The interactive nature of the physical, cognitive and psychosocial domains of influence at each age-stage will be examined. The major theories of development will be used to analyze different developmental events from early childhood throughout the adulthood stages, including death and dying. A central theme of the course is the nature-nurture contraversy.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
ECE1100 Field Placement - Fundamentals of Practice Preschool
Description: This field placement experience provides an opportunity for students to further relate theory to practice in developing their skills with preschool age children in an ECE setting. Working along side and under the direction of a qualified Early Childhood Educator, emphasis is placed on developing a broad range of skills related to the role of the ?Early Childhood Educator? including the development and implementation of appropriate curriculum experiences, and reflective practice. The competencies outlined in the field placement evaluation will serve as a guide to the requirements of the placement. The seminar portion of this course will allow an opportunity for student to connect with their college field placement supervisor for feedback and problem solving as well as to stay informed of the processes and procedure relevant to the placement.
Hours: 182
Credits: 6
ECE1120 Family Life
Description: This course will explore the relationship between the individual and the family, and examine the meaning of family within a social context. Students will have opportunities to enhance both self awareness and social awareness by reflecting on their own family or origin dynamics and by exploring a variety of family forms and relationship issues. Specific topics will include marriage law and relationship violence.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Level Three
COMM1860 Applied Writing Skills
Description: Students will be introduced to a variety of vocationally-specific formats and further development of their paragraph writing skills leading to the creation of more comprehensive documents.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
ECE2010 Infant And Toddler Programs
Description: This course will familiarize the student with the unique needs of infants and toddlers in group settings. Caregiving, play and planned experiences will be explored in the context of developmental theory and as the foundation for creating developmentally appropriate programs for infants and toddlers.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
ECE2020 Inclusion In E.C.E. Programs I
Description: Curriculum A - Theory & Practice Curriculum B - Theory & Practice Observing and Recording in E.C.E. Settings This course will focus on the early identification of children's strengths and needs for the purpose of planning to meet the needs of each child in the group. The emphasis will be on delivering effective, comprehensive care for all children and making referrals where appropriate. The attitudes and role of the educator in meeting individual needs, from a holistic perspective will be emphasized. Children with diverse needs in the social and emotional domains will be examined within a developmental framework. This knowledge will be used to assist the student in identifying when to make adaptations, to facilitate the childs inclusion. A variety of strategies, to assist in establishing optimum growth and development for children in the social and emotional domains, will be studied.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: ECE1010, ECE1040
ECE2060 School Age Programs
Description: This course will cover the developmental norms and needs of 5-12 year olds. Emphasis will be placed on planning developmentally appropriate activities for this age group and on acquiring an understanding of the role of the Early Childhood Educator in school age programs.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: ECE1010, ECE1040
ECE2070 Partnership With Parents
Description: This course will focus on the child and his/her family with emphasis on the theoretical and practical aspects of building and maintaining a positive partnership with parents. Self-awareness and personal growth will be examined as the main tenets in building non-judgmental, accepting, and honest interactions with parents of young children. Communication skills, Interviewing techniques, planning and presenting parents' events, and various parent education programs will also be studied in this course.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
LIBS1600 Philosophy of Education
Description: In this course students will explore theories of education and the philosophers who have influenced them. Historical views of education and learing will be studied and their influences to contemporary views of education and learning will be examined.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Electives: Field Placement Option
Description: Student must complete a minimum of 182 Hours
Elective Courses:
ECE2140 Field Placement - Expansion of Practice-Infant, Toddler or School Age
Description: Field Placement (Agency & Seminar) - Preschool I Field Placement (Agency & Seminar) - Preschool II If field placement is with an alternate age, the corresponding alternate age course must be taken first, or concurrent with the placement. Valid Criminal Reference Check Current Level 'C' CPR and First Aid Up-to-date Health records and immunization This field placement experience provides an opportunity for students to develop further skills working with young children. Students are expected to work more independently and demonstrate their skills on a more consistent basis under the direction of an early childhood educator. The field placement competencies; as outlined in the evaluation form will serve as a guide in this placement. Students will be evaluated in planning and implementing curriculum required with the age group where placed.
Hours: 182
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: ECE1100
ECE2150 Field Placement Consolidation of Practice
Description: Field Placement (Agency & Seminar) - Preschool II Valid Criminal Reference Check Current Level 'C' CPR and First Aid Certification Up-to-date Health Records and Immunization This field placement experience provides an opportunity for students to integrate theory and practice as well as demonstrating their skills working with children independently and consistently. Some students may be eligible to complete this placement working with children with special needs or in special settings. The field placement competencies will serve as a guide in this placement. Students will be evaluated in planning and implementing curriculum requied with the age group where placed.
Hours: 182
Credits: 6
Level Four
ECE1050 Health Safety & Nutrition
Description: This course will address the interrelationship of health, safety and nutrition in the environment of the developing child. Stress will be placed on the prevention, and recognition of illness and injury to children in group care. Good health and nutrition practices appropriate for children will also be addressed.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
ECE1780 Issues in Quality In Early Learning and Care
Description: This course will explore elements of quality early learning and care from an issues and evidence-based perspective. Students will examine, compare and contrast the research evidence that supports promising practices in the field of early learning and care. In addition, this course will examine the many competing social and economic issues in our society that contribute to quality in early learning and care.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
ECE2050 Inclusion In E.C.E. Programs II
Description: All Year I courses Inclusion in E.C.E. Programs I This course builds upon the foundation established in Inclusion in ECE Programs I. The impact on parents, siblings and extended families of children with diverse abilities will be explored within a family systems framework, to enable the early childhood educator to understand the complex issues families face and the vital and demanding role they play in the child's development. The role of educators in considering families' priorities when providing support will be examined. Diverse abilities within the physical and cognitive domains will be examined, within a developmental framework. This will assit the student to identify the impact of exceptionalities on the child's total development, when and how to make adaptations to the care and learning environment and the steps to take to facilitate the child's inclusion in a group setting. A variety of teaching strategies will be examined.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: ECE2020
ECE2085 The ECE Professional
Description: Successful completion of Year 1 courses (including Field Placement Agency II and Field Work Seminar II) Students, having acquired an understanding of the role of the ECE teacher with children and their families, will explore the meaning of 'professional' particularly as it relates to careers with young children, will consider current professional issues and will learn about accessing and utilizing resources available in the community.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
ECE2160 Philosophy in Practice
Description: Select teaching models, guiding children's behaviours, moral development and personal values are explored as a basis for students developing their onw personal philosophy of education.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
HEAL1020 Wellness: The Better You
Description: This course will introduce the students to the concept of wellness and provide practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of their lives. The students will, through lectures, group associations, practical experience and self-evaluation explore such issues as stress-management, self-responsibility, physical fitness, nutrition, social interaction, the relationship between feelings and thinking and the rationale for holistic health alternatives.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Electives: Field Placement Option
Description: Student must complete a minimum of 182 Hours
Elective Courses:
ECE2140 Field Placement - Expansion of Practice-Infant, Toddler or School Age
Description: Field Placement (Agency & Seminar) - Preschool I Field Placement (Agency & Seminar) - Preschool II If field placement is with an alternate age, the corresponding alternate age course must be taken first, or concurrent with the placement. Valid Criminal Reference Check Current Level 'C' CPR and First Aid Up-to-date Health records and immunization This field placement experience provides an opportunity for students to develop further skills working with young children. Students are expected to work more independently and demonstrate their skills on a more consistent basis under the direction of an early childhood educator. The field placement competencies; as outlined in the evaluation form will serve as a guide in this placement. Students will be evaluated in planning and implementing curriculum required with the age group where placed.
Hours: 182
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: ECE1100
ECE2150 Field Placement Consolidation of Practice
Description: Field Placement (Agency & Seminar) - Preschool II Valid Criminal Reference Check Current Level 'C' CPR and First Aid Certification Up-to-date Health Records and Immunization This field placement experience provides an opportunity for students to integrate theory and practice as well as demonstrating their skills working with children independently and consistently. Some students may be eligible to complete this placement working with children with special needs or in special settings. The field placement competencies will serve as a guide in this placement. Students will be evaluated in planning and implementing curriculum requied with the age group where placed.
Hours: 182
Credits: 6