Full-time Programs
ECEP / ECEA / ECED - Early Childhood Education
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER OR JANUARY
Program Length
Two-Year Ontario College Diploma, January entry students may complete the program in 16 months by taking Semester Two from May - July
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Joyce Hume, Coordinator | jhume@loyalistc.on.ca |
| Cora-Lee Lane, Coordinator for Apprenticeship/Distance Education | clane@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- Learn the best practices in early childhood education in an on-campus childcare centre and lab school.
- Try out different career paths during practica in every semester.
- Experience more hands-on learning with practica that exceed the required provincial hours.
- Earn your diploma at your own pace through Distance Education while you continue working anywhere in the country.
- The Loyalist ECE program consistently ranks high in student and graduate satisfaction.
Career Opportunities
Graduates work as Early Childhood Educators in varied settings:
- nursery schools
- infant and toddler programs
- child care centres
- elementary schools
- medical support programs
- cruise ships
- private home care
- nanny work
- resource centres
- resorts
- many students return home to start programs in their community
Program Description
This two-year program prepares graduates to work with children individually and in groups, in a variety of early childhood education settings. The program emphasizes:
- inclusive practices
- partnerships with families
- best practices based on current research
- ongoing personal and professional growth to meet occupational standards
Students devote an equal amount of time to theory and practice.
- First-year studies concentrate on all aspects of development in children from conception to 30 months.
- The second year focuses on preschool and school-aged children.
- Students learn to develop stimulating strategies for learning at different stages.
- Students apply what they have learned on-the-job in early childhood education centres in the community.
- All students have the opportunity to observe the best practices in Loyalist’s on-campus childcare centre and lab school run by early childhood educators.
Loyalist’s program exceeds provincial hours for required field placements. During five placements, participants gain experience in varied job settings
including:
- child care centres
- nursery schools
- kindergartens
- specialized programs
ECED – DISTANCE EDUCATION:
Loyalist is the only college in Canada that offers the entire Early Childhood Education program through Distance Education. This flexible mode of delivery
- allows students tearn income anywhere in the country while they work toward their diploma
- learn at a pace that meets their personal and individual needs
- stop and start their studies to accommodate their life circumstances, without losing credits
- qualify for financial assistance through OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) if they take a minimum number of courses
- Some students may be required to complete a practicum at Loyalist’s Centre for Early Childhood Education
ECEA – ACCELERATED PROGRAM:
A formal Accelerated program is available to entrants who have already completed a related diploma or degree.
- Students with a related diploma or degree will be given direct entry into Year Two of the full-time diploma program.
- Individuals with other types of degrees may be given advanced standing commensurate with their relevant course work and experience.
- Advanced standing may require completion of a Fast Track program in May/June.
Approximate Cost
Tuition: $2,688 (two semesters)
Tuition (Accelerated): $3,878
Books, Practicum Clothing, and Supplies: $1,400
Consumable materials and Certificate Programs: approximately $50 per semester
Admission Requirements
(a) Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U), (M) or (O) level
OR
- mature applicant
(b) Health: A formal confidential personal health history is required as part of the registration process and to participate in practica/field placements.
All applicants must be aware of the basic health requirements for employment and for field placement. Prospective students with special needs or limitations that may affect their field placement or potential employment opportunities are encouraged to discuss their program and career goals with faculty prior to admission.
(c) Criminal Record Check: In order to participate in practica/field placements, students will be required to complete a clean criminal record check including screening for vulnerable populations by their local police service. If you have been convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code for which you have not been pardoned, you may be ineligible for field/clinical placements.
(d) C.P.R. and First Aid: Prior to entering Year Two, students are required to produce evidence that they have successfully completed Standard First Aid
Certification as well as Basic Level “C” C.P.R. Certification approved by the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Loyalist / University Transfer
Turn your diploma into a degree. Credit transfer agreements are in place with the following institutions as of September 2006:
Athabasca University
Carleton University
Griffith University
Nipissing University
Ryerson University
University of Guelph
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Graduates may contact the university of their choice to make individual arrangements. Informal agreements are in place with other institutions and new
transfer agreements are added annually. For information on university transfer click here.
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One
CADW 1000 Personal Development
This course gives an overview of self understanding including learning styles, biases, and thinking styles. The concept of healthy living and the promotion of healthy practices for continued health while a learner at Loyalist College are explored. Goal setting, self evaluation and developing personal strategies for success are examined.
COMM 1004 Communications 1 - ECE
This course is an introduction to applied communication in reading and writing for academic purposes. The content covers document design, word choice, grammatically correct sentences, punctuation, oral presentation, and research. Computer software is used for writing, editing, and controlling readability levels.
CADW 1004 Introduction to Child Development
This course gives an overview of the domains and key theories of child development. Genetics and heredity including the interaction of heredity and the environment is described. Prenatal development is discussed as a process of inherited potential within a controlled environment. This course concludes with the childbirth process.
ECEP 1006 Intro to ECE
This foundation course introduces the field of early childhood development in Canada and the historical perspectives that have lead to joining education and child care into early learning and care programs striving to offer seamless experiences for children from birth to age 6. The policies and legislation that shape the range of models, services and settings are explored, along with evidence based practices in regard to quality of service delivery. The opportunities and challenges for the early childhood workforce and for the individual’s professional growth are established as themes that will be further investigated in later courses.
CADW 1005 Creative Arts
Based on the principle that children learn through play, this course provides the student the opportunity to use a “hands-on” approach to explore materials that enhance creative expression in young children. Students will be introduced to a variety of forms of creative expression including visual arts, drama, music creative movement.
ECEP 1007 Observation in Early Development
This course examines the critical importance of observation in the field of early childhood education. Observation techniques used in early childhood environments, objective recording and the use of observation data, quality indicators and facilitator interactions to create responsive learning environments for children aged 18 months to 5 years will be studied. Observation in the Lab School as preparation for community practicas will be an integral part of this course.
First Year - Semester Two
PRAC 1002 Practicum Seminar 1
Students will research and plan a variety of infant and toddler experiences that cover all domains of development. The importance of demonstrating a high level of professionalism will be addressed.
CADW 1006 Infant Toddler Development
This course is an in-depth study of child development from birth to 30 months of age. Issues related to current research on infant and toddler development and applying developmental theory to practice in the field of early childhood education is an integral part of this course.
HLTH 1003 Health, Safety and Nutrition
This course provides students with the foundation knowledge for establishing healthy and safe environments for infants to school aged children. Curriculum strategies for promoting children’s learning regarding personal safety, health and nutrition are explored. The impact of current research on legislation and policies is investigated regarding children’s environments and occupational health practices for the ECE practitioner.
COMM 1037 Interpersonal Communication
This course prepares students to become effective communicators in both their personal and professional lives. It explores new methods of communication through technology; personal communication skills through self-assessment exercises and application of communication principles through reflection, discussion.
ECEP 1008 Infant Toddler Learning Environment
This course examines the role of the early childhood educator in creating responsive environments to promote infant and toddler development. Students will identify best practices and determine developmentally appropriate learning experiences for infants and toddlers.
ECEP 1009 Responsive Relationships Part 1
This foundation course identifies the adult role in adult-child interactions and the factors that influence various adult interaction styles and the characteristics of effective ECE practitioners. The course identifies strategies for forming close relationships with infants and toddlers and promoting positive, supportive teacher-child interactions in guidance situations. The self-reflection process is used to explore adult biases in thinking and responding to typical child guidance scenarios with infants and toddlers.
PRAC 1018 Practicum 1
In an infant or toddler practicum setting, students will develop skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating learning experiences that reflect information collected about the children's needs and interests. Demonstration of appropriate health and safety practices is critical.
Second Year - Semester Three
CADW 2000 Understanding the Developing Preschooler and School Aged Child
This course introduces the learner to the developing preschoool and school age child. Typical and atypical patterns of development are examined. Issues that are central to and impact the child's years are explored. Problem solving and conflict resolution are also examined. Prerequisite: CADW 1001
LENV 2000 Responsive Learning Environment for Preschoolers and School Aged Children
Emphasis is on setting a psychological and physical learning environment that fosters peer problem-solving and develops the skills of self discipline. Developmentally appropriate learning experiences, health and safety issues, and best practices. Prerequisite: LENV 1001
LENV 2002 Professional Role in Workplace and Community
Learners will focus on their role as professionals. They will examine dimensions of professionalism such as designing responsive workplaces, participating effectively in team/group situations, preparing for employment, planning for professional development, and becoming aware of professional roles within the community. Prerequisite: COMM 1005
PRAC 2014 Practicum 3
Develops the skills of planning, implementing, and evaluating learning experiences that reflect information collected about children's needs and interests. Developing interpersonal relationships with groups of children is an integral part of this practicum. Direct guidance concepts are included. Prerequisite: PRAC 1004 Corequisite: PRAC 2015
PRAC 2015 Practicum Seminar 3
Focus will be researching and planning a variety of preschool experiences that cover all domains of development. A continued emphasis on professionalism, time management, and initiative in meeting all requirements of the Practicum Guide.
Second Year - Semester Four
PRAC 2016 Practicum IV
This practicum uses the process of reflection as a catalyst to determine the role of the early childhood professional. Opportunity to begin to develop an educational philosophy is provided. Examination of the impact of child care issues on the service models is included. Prerequisite: PRAC 2014 Corequisite: PRAC 2018
PRAC 2017 Practicum 5: Consolidation
Provides an opportunity to become a member of a professional team and to consolidate knowledge skills and attitudes acquired in the program. Prerequisite: PRAC 2016
PRAC 2018 Practicum Seminar 4
Supports the learner with the planning and implementation of curriculum during their block placement. Issues explored include: principles of best practice and inclusion, child guidance strategies, documentation of children's interests and skills, and project approach.
