Early Childhood Care and Education – Certificate

Program Details

Credential Received

Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education

Overview

Program Summary

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) students will study many facets of early learning and child development, focusing on the needs of children from birth through school age and their families.

ECCE students learn how to develop programs and create environments that are child-centred, nurturing and rich with potential for early development.

Take this program if you are:

• Comfortable working with young children
• Patient and flexible
• Creative and energetic
• Caring
• Empathetic

You will learn how to create programs and environments that are child-centred, nurturing and rich for supporting child development. Our program incorporates a variety of teaching and learning strategies, including case study and theoretical analysis, cooperative and experiential learning, and practical application of knowledge and skills in practicum settings.

You will experience small class sizes and instructors who are committed to excellence in education and professional practice.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Co-construct an authentic, effective and relevant learning experiences based on observation and documenting children’s emerging interests, skills and development
2. Guide and facilitate learning developed through intentional provocations that support all domains of development
3. Interpret and guide children’s behaviour in a respectful and responsive manner to support healthy social development
4. Ensure a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment that fosters individuality and exploration while adhering to recognized regulation
5. Apply and interpret relevant regulations and policies in order to perform required administrative responsibilities within the early childhood field
6. Develop a trusting and collaborative relationship with each family that honours diversity, values and culture
7. Interact ethically, culturally, and inclusively using appropriate oral, non-verbal and written communication skills with children, families, colleagues and community
8. Develop a network of community and inter-professional partnerships and advocate for the needs of families and individuals
9. Demonstrate positive, compassionate and ethical work behaviours while reflecting on the impact of personal values and attitudes on the development of healthy relationships with children and their families
10. Promote a collaborative environment which is respectful of individual differences, encourages diversity and celebrates effective communication
11. Advocate for the resources required to deliver quality programs by creating public awareness and obtaining recognition for the profession
12. Exhibit positive professional behaviours, critical thinking and a commitment to lifelong learning that maximize opportunities for successful employment, increased responsibilities and career advancement
13. Participate in a mentorship relationship by sharing professional experience, being a positive role model and being an effective team member

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Official transcripts from high school or post-secondary institutions (mailed directly from the Ministry of Education and educational institutions) showing the following:

• Grade 12 or its equivalent (consideration will be given to mature students)
• English Studies 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 60% or higher

Additional Requirements

• Proof of a negative tuberculosis test or of a clear chest X-ray that is less than 6 months old for those who have been requested to have this from our community partners
• A current criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice must be completed within 90 days of program start date. Some types of criminal records may limit or prohibit acceptance in field placement; acceptance into field placement is a requirement for program promotion.
• Current resumé
• Personal statement of interest (250 words)

Information on these requirements can be found in the application package.

An orientation session is required and will be arranged by the program designate.

Students applying to the diploma program immediately following completion of a Human Services certificate program, may request that the contents of their file be transferred.

Other Information

• N.B. A scheduled orientation and interview session with Early Childhood Care and Education instructors will be held to discuss the nature of the ECCE program and requirements for practicum placements.
• Students may apply for an ECE Assistant Certificate after successful completion of first semester Child Health & Safety Course (ECCE 186).
• The Early Childhood Care and Education certificate program is the prerequisite for post-basic training programs.
• In addition to usual expenses for fees and books, students have added expenses for regular travel to area early childhood centres. Individuals enrolling in the program are advised that access to a reliable vehicle is necessary as travel to centres is the responsibility of the student.

Graduation and Promotion

In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 and a minimum of 60% or better in all semester courses.

Additional Program Policies