Child Development Degree

Program Description

For over forty years Seneca College has been a leader in Early Childhood Education. We are now pleased to offer a new degree–level program in Child Development, designed to provide you with the comprehensive theoretical and practical education employers now want. This four–year bachelor’s degree program will give you a firm grounding in teaching and curriculum subjects, in early childhood development, as well as familiarity in multidisciplinary and family practice. You’ll be equipped to succeed within the industry’s new direction towards integration of services and programs focusing on the child, the family and the community.

Upon successful completion of the BCD program, you will have earned a Bachelor degree in Child Development. In order to practice in Ontario as an “Early Childhood Educator” or a “Registered Early Childhood Educator”, you will need to apply for registration in the College of Early Childhood Education (CECE). For more information, please consult the CECE website at www.collegeofece.on.ca.

As a student in the BCD program, you have the option of studying either at King Campus or at Newnham Campus. You’ll benefit from a dynamic campus atmosphere, state–of–the–art facilities, small class sizes and a wide range of on–site student support services including tutoring, help with English language and one–on–one academic and career advisement. You’ll also learn from expert professors with real–world experience and the dedication to help you succeed.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Six Grade 12 (U) or (M) courses with a minimum 65% average
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(U)
• Mature students (age 19 years or older) must submit proof of credits in the above subjects or their equivalent.
• Applicants with an ECE diploma or ECE equivalency with a minimum 3.0 GPA will be admitted into semester four.

Applicant Selection:

• Please note that due to large student interest, this program may be treated as highly competitive. In accordance with PEQAB requirements, this program has a minimal overall acceptable achievement for progression.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well–organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.

Fees

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Your Career

Be prepared to take a leadership role in the expanding services for young children and their families. As a graduate of the Child Development degree program, you’ll be able to work with many health, education and social service professionals in an inter–disciplinary approach to education. You’ll be ideally suited to work as an educator in parent/child resource centres such as Ontario Early Years Centers (OEYC), and you’ll be eligible to work in children's treatment centres. Our graduates become leaders within a rapidly expanding field. Your career opportunities will be both fulfilling and limitless.

Many of our top graduates choose to apply to faculties of education to pursue careers in teaching or apply directly to masters programs and advance their educational knowledge through further specialization.

Co-operative Education

Students in the Bachelor degree program must successfully complete one full–time co–operative education work–term in order to graduate. The co–op work experience provides the learner with the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real world applications. The work–term is scheduled in the summer between semesters 6 and 7 and is 14 consecutive weeks in duration.

There is an additional charge for the co–op term.

Curriculum

Seneca has been granted a consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this degree for a 7-year term starting May 7, 2008. In conformity with the Minister’s criteria and requirements, Seneca will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. Seneca shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

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