Full-time Programs
ECEP - Early Childhood Education
ECEA - Early Childhood Education - Accelerated Program
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER
Program Length
Two-Year Ontario College Diploma
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Joyce Hume, Coordinator | jhume@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- Learn evidence-based practices in early childhood education in an on-campus childcare centre and lab school.
- Explore different career paths during placements in three semesters.
- Experience hands-on learning with practicum.
- The Loyalist ECE program consistently ranks high in student and graduate satisfaction.
Career Opportunities
Graduates work as Early Childhood Educators in settings that include: nursery schools, infant and toddler programs, child care centres, elementary schools, medical support programs, cruise ships, private home care, nanny work, resource centres, and resorts. Some 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, and evidence-based practices based on current research. Ongoing personal and professional growth is encouraged to meet occupational standards.
The first year of study concentrates on all aspects of development in children from conception to 30 months of age. Students will develop appropriate experiences for children’s learning at different stages. Second-year studies focus on preschool and school-aged children. Students devote an equal amount of time to theory and practice. They transfer theory to practice during practicum experiences. During three practica, students gain experience in child care centres, nursery schools, kindergartens, and specialized programs in the community. All students also have the opportunity to observe best practices in an on-campus childcare centre and lab school run by early childhood educators.
ECEA Accelerated Program
A formal Accelerated Program with direct entry into Year Two of the full-time diploma program is available to entrants who have already completed a related diploma in DSW or SSW. Students interested in pursuing this option should meet with the ECE program coordinator to ensure appropriate practicum selection while in the DSW and SSW programs. Prospective entrants with degrees and unrelated diplomas will be required to complete a Prior Learning Assessment portfolio in application for course exemptions/advanced standing consideration.
Approximate Cost
Tuition/Ancillary Fees: $3,096 (two semesters)
Tuition (Accelerated): $4,346
Consumables Fee: $110
Books, Practicum Clothing, and Supplies: $1,400
Admission Requirements
(a) Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U), (M) or (O) level and Grade 12 English at (C) or (U) level
OR - mature applicant
(b) Health: A completed Health Centre form including medical history, immunization record, and Tuberculosis (2-step TB) test is required as part of the registration process. The form is provided in the registration package. These are basic health requirements to be eligible to complete course work in the lab school, for field placement and for employment.
(c) Criminal Record Check: In order to participate in practica/field placements, students are required to complete a clean criminal record check, including the 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) CPR, First Aid and Anaphylaxis: Prior to entering
Year Two, ECE students are required to produce evidence that they have successfully completed Standard First Aid and Level “B” CPR Certification approved by the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation and a certificate in Dealing with Anaphylaxis.
Opportunities for Further Study
Expand your opportunities with a double diploma or an applied degree. Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program are eligible for direct entry to the following programs at Loyalist:
- Developmental Services Worker, Accelerated Stream
- Social Service Worker, Accelerated Stream
- Child and Youth Worker, Year Two
Loyalist / University Transfer
Turn your diploma into a degree. Credit transfer agreements are in place with the following institutions as of September 2009:
- Algoma University College
- Athabasca University
- Carleton University
- Davenport University
- Griffith University
- Laurentian University
- Nipissing University
- Ryerson University
- Seneca College
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Click here for details and minimum requirements. 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.
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
PRAC 1003 Practicum Seminar II
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 at practicum will be addressed.
CADW 2001 Preschool Development
Description to come.
ECEP 2002 Preschool Learning Environment
Description to come.
ECEP 2003 Responsive Relationships 2
Description to come.
ECEP 2004 Child and Family and Community
Description to come.
PRAC 2039 Practicum 2
Description to come.
COMM 2012 Communication for the Workplace
TBA
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.
