Course description
Semester 1
* ENG1500 - 003 - Communication I
This course gives students practice in the foundations of writing (particularly in structural and editorial issues), reading, speaking and effective listening.
* NEC1101 - 003 - Methods I: Role of the Teacher
This course deals with the role of the day care teacher in teaching and interacting with children and in planning the program for a day care environment. In addition to specific aspects of legislation from the Day Nurseries Act and the Child and Family Services Act, the course also examines the history of education for First Nation Peoples including the impact of residential schools, the "Indian Way" of educating, and the use of legend to guide children in culturally appropriate ways.
* NEC1102 - 003 - Child Growth & Development I
This course begins with an overview of the life cycle. It progresses to an intensive study of child development from conception to 30 months, with an emphasis on physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. A segment of the course also deals with developing observation and recording skills. The Native view of child development, cultural diversity, and differences in outlook are studied. Specific topics include pre-natal influences and development, birth, feeding and nurturing, developmental milestones and developmental alerts, characteristics behaviours of each age, and stages of play.
* NEC1105 - 004 - Field Placement Seminar I
Practical experience in working with Native children is acquired in the College's lab school and/or childcare settings. Placement is under supervision of College staff. Fieldwork enables the student to apply the theory, understanding, and skills acquired in the classroom setting through courses such as Pre-school Methods and Child Growth and Development. Observation and recording are essential components. The seminar includes study of the ECE competencies and discussion of events observed in the field. This and all subsequent fieldwork in succeeding semesters are evaluated using ECE competency statement.
* NCE1010 - 002 - Personal Wellness
This course is designed on the Anishinaabe belief that "before you can help others, you must help yourself. The students will examine personal issues, recognize the causal influences affecting these issues, and learn self-help strategies to live a healthy life.
ANY 1
* NTS1120 - 003 - Introduction To Ojibwe
This course is designed to provide oral practice in the Ojibwe language. It introduces grammatical structures so that students can learn to write the orthography in common use.
OR
* NTS1140 - 003 - Introduction To Cree
This course is designed to provide oral practice in the Cree language. It introduces grammatical structures so that students can learn to write the orthography in common use.
Semester 2
* BUS1106 - 003 - Computerized Business Applications
This course is a hands-on introduction to microcomputers and productivity software with applications streamlined for business. Students will use a windows environment to handle file management, backup and system utilities, and an office suite to perform document processing, presentation tasks, and integration.
* ENG1700 - 003 - Communication II
This course is designed to develop and enhance reading, writing and speaking skills. Special attention is given to business letters, memoranda and report writing.
* NCF1130 - 003 - Interpersonal Communications
This course provides the opportunity to develop human relations skills, greater self-awareness, and improved communication strategies with clients, co-workers, and the community. Emphasis is placed on confidence building, peer support, and networking.
* NEC1201 - 003 - Methods II: Curriculum Planning
This course introduces curriculum planning using age and culturally appropriate activities. Content areas include math, science, art, music, literature, drama, storytelling, and puppetry.
* NEC1202 - 003 - Child Growth & Development II
This course deals with normal patterns of development from 30 months to approximately 12 years of age in the context of the life cycle. Emphasis is placed on social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Particular emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, after school care, school-age child interests and activities, behavioural characteristics, and specific needs of each age group. Recording and observation skills are further developed.
* NEC1205 - 005 - Field Placement II
Students further develop the skills acquired in NEC1105. Native child care settings are used whenever possible. Specific requirements of this six-week block placement include programming for Native children in arts and crafts and nature experiences.
ANY 1
* NTS1215 - 003 - Intermediate Ojibwe
This course will focus on intensive practice in conversation using classroom participation through dialogues. It will also include a further study of the grammatical structure of the Ojibwe Language. Cultural aspects will be included.
OR
* NTS1240 - 003 - Intermediate Cree
This course will focus on intensive practice in conversation using classroom participation through dialogues. It will also include a further study of the grammatical structure of the Cree language. Culture aspects will be included.
Semester 3
* MBN1210 - 003 - Parenting And Relationships
This course explores the balance in relationships and parenting. Topics include roles and responsibilities, balance, building healthy relationships, teenage mothers, mixed parentage, and parenting skills.
* NEC1103 - 002 - Aboriginal Language In Programming
This is an oral study of aboriginal language. It provides an opportunity for students who do not speak the language to acquire introductory skills, principally in Ojibwe, Cree, and Iroquoian languages. It provides an opportunity to develop language-teaching skills. Language development is practised through songs and vocabulary. Strategies to introduce and reinforce language in the classroom are emphasized through small group interaction.
* NEC2101 - 004 - Methods III - Advanced Applications
This course provides theory and further practice in curriculum planning. Students develop skills to adapt and implement curriculum for specific ages including infant, toddler, pre-school, and school-age children.
* NEC2102 - 004 - Exceptional Child
This course enables the student to become familiar with exceptionalities likely to be seen in children. Appropriate programming for special needs is an essential part of this course. Specific topics include integration, legislation that applies to the special needs child, the role of the resource teacher, the related role of the day care teacher, and the significance of assessment tools in the development of Individual Program Plans (IPPs). Case studies are used.
* NEC2104 - 003 - Native Culture III
In this course, language and culture are reinforced through arts, crafts, games, and outdoor activities. Native perspectives on relationships with the environment form a central theme in this course. Strategies for using and being a community resource are emphasized.
* NEC2105 - 005 - Field Placement III
This is a six-week block fieldwork experience. Whenever possible, the student is placed in a Native childcare setting. Emphasis is placed on putting into practice and refining the learning acquired through preceding courses and previous fieldwork experiences.
Semester 4
* NCE2350 - 002 - Contemporary Native Concerns
Contemporary Native Concerns provides the opportunity for students to explore the historical and contemporary issues that impact on the work of Native community health workers. Topics covered include treaty and aboriginal rights, the Indian Act, band and Native organizational politics, and the structure and functioning of government health agencies. Special emphasis is given to exploring alternative models of healthcare within the context of Native self-government.
* NEC1203 - 002 - Health & Nutrition
This course offers a concise examination of the basic principles of nutrition, diet, and selection of food. The course deals with normal nutrition, including a study of basic nutrients and their sources, factors affecting nutrition, normal nutritional requirements for all stages of development, traditional Native foods, types of diets for individuals with a variety of health problems, and menu planning for day care children.
* NEC2103 - 003 - Infant Care
This course prepares students to work with very young children in group care. Methods of caring for and nurturing babies are studied, taking into account physical and cultural variations in development. Infant nutrition, communicable diseases common to the young child, play activities, and equipment to enhance development are addressed. The sections of the Day Nurseries Act dealing with the child under 18 months of age are studied.
* NEC2201 - 004 - Methods IV - Program Management
This course deals with administration, financial management, and legal issues. The course also deals with procedures for accountability to First Nations and/or other agencies.
* NEC2203 - 003 - Child Abuse
This course studies the indicators of child abuse in relation to child, family, and society. The professional's role, especially that of the teacher, in detecting, reporting, and handling child abuse is stressed. Family violence, family stresses, substance abuse, loss of extended family, street proofing, and safety rules in the context of Native communities are examined in depth. Dealing with counsellors and other professionals and working effectively with the child, the family, and the community in which the abusive situation has occurred are essential components of the course.
* NEC2205 - 005 - Field Placement/Seminar II
This course provides an opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. It includes selection of a topic, report preparation, and presentation. This is the final, six-week segment of field practice. At this time, the student takes an active role in a childcare centre in program planning, room and group supervision, some administrative tasks, plus attendance at childcare meetings that impact on the childcare centre. The experience includes menu planning, cooking, and other non-teaching activities.
* NEC2207 - 004 - Day Care In The Community
This course covers the skills needed in identifying and mobilizing community resources to support and promote day care within the Native community. It includes needs analysis, program planning, and forming and working with committees. Strategies to respond to differing community expectations of the role of daycares in promotion and retention of language and culture are included.
