Early Childhood Education

Program Description

As a student in the ECE program, you’ll learn about the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children. You’ll also learn the skills and knowledge necessary for planning and carrying out programming which optimizes individual development of young children.

Your studies will blend theory about childhood development with a hands–on application of those principles. You’ll explore child development theory and apply it to programming for infant, toddler, preschool and school–aged children. As part of the program, you’ll also study developmental theory and practice for children with special needs, as well as an overview of relevant communications theory and philosophy.

Seneca’s two lab schools are model child care centres that provide you with opportunities for observation and programming. Field placement is central to the learning experience, so you will be placed in the field for one to two days each week.

Program Learning Outcomes:

This Seneca College program meets the system-wide standards as set by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

• Plan curriculum that is based on a thorough understanding of child development.
• Plan and implement individual programs and curriculum to meet the developmental needs of children.
• Utilize a variety of observation techniques to enhance work with children, families, and co-workers.
• Maintain responsive relationships with individual children and groups of children.
• Establish and maintain safe and healthy environments which best meet the requirements of current legislation, regulatory bodies, and program policies.
• Develop and maintain effective written, oral, nonverbal, and electronic communications with children, families, co-workers, employers, and individuals/agencies.
• Apply relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and regulations to early childhood education programs and settings in a changing social context.
• Apply a personal philosophy of early childhood education within the framework of ethical and professional standards.
• Act in a manner consistent with principles of fairness, equity, and diversity to support the development and learning of individual children, within the context of his/her family, culture, and society.

Essential Employability Skills:

Graduates of this program are also expected to demonstrate the essential employability skills learning outcomes as outlined on the Ministry of Training, College and Universities website.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)

Applicant Selection:

• Applicant grades in pre–requisite subjects may be used as a basis for the selection of candidates.
• Applicants will be advised if they are required to attend a pre–admission orientation.

Required:

• Current immunization report and report of chest x–ray or tuberculin skin test. Use the attached form. Please take the form to your family doctor and have them complete and sign it.
• A valid Standard First Aid Certificate (16 hours).
• A valid C.P.R. "C" Certificate.
• Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check.
  Note: applicants living in the City of Toronto can expect to wait a minimum of 10 weeks to receive a Police Check. Use the attached form to apply a minimum of 10 weeks before the start of school. You must print this form on 11x14 paper, if you don’t it will be returned to you! Complete the top portion of the form with your personal information. Sign, date and mail with a CERTIFIED CHEQUE or MONEY ORDER for $16.95 to Toronto Police Services, 40 College St. Toronto ON, M5G 2J3
  For information regarding police checks for residents of York, Peel or Durham region please contact your program coordinator/advisor.
• Students in the ECE program must be in good physical and mental condition. They must meet the same physical and immunization requirements as those for the staff employed by the agency/facility where the field placement is occurring.

Desirable:

• Work experience in a related setting.

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

As an Early Childhood Educator, you’ll be prepared for a fulfilling career working with children from infancy to 12 years. Your career may include employment in child care centres, after–school programs, nursery schools, parent co–operative centres, private home child care, some centres for children with special needs, and in a kindergarten in the elementary school system. Our four–semester Early Childhood Education program puts you on the path to an exciting career.

Provincial Registration

In order to practice in Ontario as an "Early Childhood Educator" or a "Registered Early Childhood Educator", graduates must apply for registration in the College of Early Childhood Education (CECE). Graduates of the ECE program will meet the education requirement for registration. For more information, please visit www.collegeofece.on.ca.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institutions:

Toronto

Ontario

Canada

International

Affiliations and Associations

• Association for Early Childhood Education, Ontario (AECEO)
• Canadian Association for Young Children (CAYC)
• Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF)
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Curriculum

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