Early Childhood Education

This 45 week Early Childhood Education Ontario College Diploma Program prepares students to become educators of young children in a variety of early learning settings. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with families and other professionals to support children’s learning and development. It emphasizes the development of inclusive play-based curriculums for children from birth to age 12. Students in the program benefit from opportunities to observe the application of best practices in the community setting and to apply their knowledge in real-world settings as they participate in field placements.

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program may find work in early learning and care programs, resource and Ontario Early Years centres, home child care, programs offered through community health agencies and in schools as Early Childhood Educators. Graduates will be required to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators to be eligible to apply for many jobs in the profession.

Come on out and discover if this program is for you!

Mobile Learning This is a Mobile Learning Program.

As a student in this program you will require a mobile computing device, for example a laptop or tablet computer. Review the Mobile Learning requirements >>

Ontario College Diploma
45 Weeks

Program Code: 0430X04FPT
Academic Year: 2012/2013

Our Program

This two-year Ontario College Diploma program delivered in a compressed format over 45 weeks prepares students to become educators of young children in a variety of early learning settings. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with families and other professionals to support children's learning and development. It emphasizes the development of inclusive play-based curriculums for children from birth to age 12. Students in the program benefit from opportunities to observe the application of best practices in the community setting and to apply their knowledge in real-world settings as they participate in field placements.

This program is part of Algonquin's mobile learning initiative. All students entering into the program are expected to have and use a laptop or mobile computing device that meets or exceeds the recommended hardware requirements as designated by the program. Students in mobile learning programs will use their devices to enhance their learning experience, obtain and work with course materials, participate in collaborative and mlearning environments and become skilled, confident users of the technologies used within an educational environment and workplace. Hardware and software specifications are outlined at http://mlearning.algonquincollege.com. Computers and supplies can be purchased directly from Algonquin's New Technology Store at educational rates.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Enjoy working with children and their families.
  • Have strong observational and analytical skills.
  • Enjoy working as a member of a team.
  • Have strong language (oral and written) skills.
  • Are self-reliant and enjoy challenges.
  • Are interested in child development and teaching children through play.
ECE is a physically demanding profession. Individuals entering this profession must be able to lift children, materials and equipment and to move quickly between areas in the room and outside in order to ensure children's safety.

Your Career

Graduates may find work in early learning and care programs (infant, toddler and preschool), nursery schools, full day kindergarten/school-age programs (before and after school), resource and Ontario Early Years centres, home child care, programs offered through community health agencies and in schools as educational assistants.

Opportunities in entrepreneurial areas (e.g., involvement in marketing of educational toys/books/materials, child care consulting) are emerging.

Graduates are required to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators to be eligible to apply to many jobs in the profession.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Level: 01 Hours
ENL9212 Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. 45.0
FAM9600 Observing in early learning and care environments is crucial in determining abilities, interests, and needs both of the children and the program. It is with this information that developmentally appropriate curriculum is developed. Students examine observational techniques used to assess learning and development within early learning and care programs. Students discover how these tools influence curriculum development. Observation Skills Observing in early learning and care environments is crucial in determining abilities, interests, and needs both of the children and the program. It is with this information that developmentally appropriate curriculum is developed. Students examine observational techniques used to assess learning and development within early learning and care programs. Students discover how these tools influence curriculum development. 45.0
FAM9601 The ability to share ideas, self-evaluate, and respond positively to constructive feedback are essential when working with colleagues, children and their families. When students grasp the significance of their role and their responsibility to others, they are better able to meet the demands of their field experience. Students prepare to work effectively within various ECE settings. Student activities promote a general knowledge of placement expectations and address ethics, professionalism and management skills in the field placement environment. Preparation for Field Placement I The ability to share ideas, self-evaluate, and respond positively to constructive feedback are essential when working with colleagues, children and their families. When students grasp the significance of their role and their responsibility to others, they are better able to meet the demands of their field experience. Students prepare to work effectively within various ECE settings. Student activities promote a general knowledge of placement expectations and address ethics, professionalism and management skills in the field placement environment. 60.0
FAM9602 Children's creativity is enhanced through investigation. It is the educator's responsibility to cultivate this creativity by providing developmentally appropriate activities that allow the child to freely express their inner self. Students examine how drama and art experiences foster children's imagination play. Through hands-on exploration, students use various media to assist them in developing and implementing curriculum plans that support children's creativity. Fostering Creativity in Children Children's creativity is enhanced through investigation. It is the educator's responsibility to cultivate this creativity by providing developmentally appropriate activities that allow the child to freely express their inner self. Students examine how drama and art experiences foster children's imagination play. Through hands-on exploration, students use various media to assist them in developing and implementing curriculum plans that support children's creativity. 75.0
FAM9603 In order to appreciate how early learning and care has evolved over the years, it is necessary to examine the historical evolution of child rearing practices. Through changes in family composition and individual needs, families have to carefully select their child care arrangements. Students examine the history and development of the early childhood education movement. Through presentations, discussions and learning activities students look at the effect of legislative and regulatory bodies, social policy, current trends and funding. Students also consider the function and suitability of various learning programs for diverse families. Foundations of Early Childhood Education In order to appreciate how early learning and care has evolved over the years, it is necessary to examine the historical evolution of child rearing practices. Through changes in family composition and individual needs, families have to carefully select their child care arrangements. Students examine the history and development of the early childhood education movement. Through presentations, discussions and learning activities students look at the effect of legislative and regulatory bodies, social policy, current trends and funding. Students also consider the function and suitability of various learning programs for diverse families. 60.0
FAM9604 Knowledge of how the child develops is fundamental to guiding children in their daily experiences in an early learning and care environment. Students examine the sequence of typical development in children (0-12 years of age) and how typical development influences environments, programming, and interactions in early learning and care programs. Students also examine techniques and strategies used to provide positive behaviour guidance to children. Child Development and Guidance Knowledge of how the child develops is fundamental to guiding children in their daily experiences in an early learning and care environment. Students examine the sequence of typical development in children (0-12 years of age) and how typical development influences environments, programming, and interactions in early learning and care programs. Students also examine techniques and strategies used to provide positive behaviour guidance to children. 75.0
FAM9605 Music surrounds us in our daily lives and movement is a natural occurrence. The exposure to a variety of musical and movement experiences is vital in promoting healthy development. Students explore the pedagogical value of music and movement in early learning and care environments. Students actively participate in musical and physical activities/games that can be integrated into all early learning and care settings. Music and Movement Music surrounds us in our daily lives and movement is a natural occurrence. The exposure to a variety of musical and movement experiences is vital in promoting healthy development. Students explore the pedagogical value of music and movement in early learning and care environments. Students actively participate in musical and physical activities/games that can be integrated into all early learning and care settings. 60.0
FAM9606 Students experience an early learning and care program first hand. Using observations, students practise organizing routines and transitions. With guidance from their field supervisor, students can implement experiences that support children's learning. Practice Teaching I Students experience an early learning and care program first hand. Using observations, students practise organizing routines and transitions. With guidance from their field supervisor, students can implement experiences that support children's learning. 91.0
Level: 02 Hours
ENL9610 Students are provided an introduction to the standards and criteria for selecting age appropriate children's books. Students examine how books, together with effective presentation methods, related activities and props, can be used by preschool teachers to enhance language and vocabulary, to elicit enjoyment and to promote problem-solving skills.

Prerequisites: ENL9212 		Children's Literature Students are provided an introduction to the standards and criteria for selecting age appropriate children's books. Students examine how books, together with effective presentation methods, related activities and props, can be used by preschool teachers to enhance language and vocabulary, to elicit enjoyment and to promote problem-solving skills.

Prerequisites: ENL9212 		40.0
FAM9610 As children explore their surroundings though hands-on experiences, it is essential that they are safe. Through discussions, case studies, and learning activities, students examine ways to determine if the environment is safe and what steps to take if the child is at risk. Students learn how to recognize the signs of child maltreatment and how to follow protocol. Students also examine legislation regarding health, nutrition, and safety requirements in early learning and care programs.

Prerequisites: FAM9600 and FAM9603 		Health and Wellness for Children As children explore their surroundings though hands-on experiences, it is essential that they are safe. Through discussions, case studies, and learning activities, students examine ways to determine if the environment is safe and what steps to take if the child is at risk. Students learn how to recognize the signs of child maltreatment and how to follow protocol. Students also examine legislation regarding health, nutrition, and safety requirements in early learning and care programs.

Prerequisites: FAM9600 and FAM9603 		45.0
FAM9611 Students examine a variety of developmental and learning theories with an emphasis on identifying how research and theories help to explain children's learning, and support best practices in early learning and care programs. Psychology of Learning Students examine a variety of developmental and learning theories with an emphasis on identifying how research and theories help to explain children's learning, and support best practices in early learning and care programs. 40.0
FAM9612 Students further develop skills needed to work effectively within various ECE settings. Students focus on professionalism, time management, child guidance and curriculum development, the skills needed in their next field placement situation.

Prerequisites: FAM9601 and FAM9606 		Preparation for Field Placement II Students further develop skills needed to work effectively within various ECE settings. Students focus on professionalism, time management, child guidance and curriculum development, the skills needed in their next field placement situation.

Prerequisites: FAM9601 and FAM9606 		20.0
FAM9613 Students continue with the application of knowledge and skills to real world contexts. Working at a practice level, within an early learning environment, students guide children through the day with minimal support from their field supervisor. Students practise implementing curriculum that facilitates all children's learning and needs. Students reflect on their performance in field placement and determine strategies to meet any challenges that they are experiencing as they offer support to fellow students through active listening and by providing concrete suggestions.

Prerequisites: FAM9606 and FAM9610 and FAM9612 and FAM9614 and FAM9615 		Practice Teaching II Students continue with the application of knowledge and skills to real world contexts. Working at a practice level, within an early learning environment, students guide children through the day with minimal support from their field supervisor. Students practise implementing curriculum that facilitates all children's learning and needs. Students reflect on their performance in field placement and determine strategies to meet any challenges that they are experiencing as they offer support to fellow students through active listening and by providing concrete suggestions.

Prerequisites: FAM9606 and FAM9610 and FAM9612 and FAM9614 and FAM9615 		175.0
FAM9614 Depending on the needs of the family, children might spend up to 10 hours a day in an early learning and care program. With this in mind, it is essential that the design of the environment and the implementation of the curriculum promote learning. The program must meet the developmental needs of the children as it addresses family expectations. Students explore best practices within early learning and care programs. Students examine the influence of children's ages, individual needs and family background on routines, environments and curriculum development. Students also look at the different kinds of spaces where programs are offered.

Prerequisites: ENL9212 and FAM9600 and FAM9603 and FAM9604 		Environments and Curriculum Design Depending on the needs of the family, children might spend up to 10 hours a day in an early learning and care program. With this in mind, it is essential that the design of the environment and the implementation of the curriculum promote learning. The program must meet the developmental needs of the children as it addresses family expectations. Students explore best practices within early learning and care programs. Students examine the influence of children's ages, individual needs and family background on routines, environments and curriculum development. Students also look at the different kinds of spaces where programs are offered.

Prerequisites: ENL9212 and FAM9600 and FAM9603 and FAM9604 		50.0
FAM9615 Early learning and care programs should be inclusive and endeavour to meet the unique needs of each child. Students explore causes of various disabilities and examine the concept of inclusive education. Students look at how working collaboratively with families and other professionals is an important element to the success of inclusion. Focus is placed on adapting the physical environment, as well as curriculum in order to ensure the program is truly inclusive.

Prerequisites: ENL9212 and FAM9600 and FAM9604 		Introduction to Children with Exceptionalities Early learning and care programs should be inclusive and endeavour to meet the unique needs of each child. Students explore causes of various disabilities and examine the concept of inclusive education. Students look at how working collaboratively with families and other professionals is an important element to the success of inclusion. Focus is placed on adapting the physical environment, as well as curriculum in order to ensure the program is truly inclusive.

Prerequisites: ENL9212 and FAM9600 and FAM9604 		40.0
Choose one from equivalencies: Hours
GED2430 Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology.

Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENL7643 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED1896 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED5009 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI0003 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 		General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology.

Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENL7643 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED1896 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED5009 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI0003 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 		45.0
Level: 03 Hours
FAM9620 All successful early learning and care programs need managers who value and respect the needs of both families and staff. Students consider the different types of administration used in various early learning and care settings. Students also identify skills required for job recruitment. Special attention is paid to professionalism and advocacy as it relates to the field of early childhood education.

Prerequisites: FAM9613 		Professional and Administrative Practices in Early Childhood Education All successful early learning and care programs need managers who value and respect the needs of both families and staff. Students consider the different types of administration used in various early learning and care settings. Students also identify skills required for job recruitment. Special attention is paid to professionalism and advocacy as it relates to the field of early childhood education.

Prerequisites: FAM9613 		36.0
FAM9621 Students make summative and formative assessments of children's growth, development, knowledge, skills, and interests through familiarity with observations, development and curriculum. Students also examine effective methods to communicate this information to others. In addition, students practise the assessment skills required to create effective curriculum for both groups and individual children.

Prerequisites: FAM9611 and FAM9613 and FAM9614 and FAM9615 		Assessment of Children's Learning Students make summative and formative assessments of children's growth, development, knowledge, skills, and interests through familiarity with observations, development and curriculum. Students also examine effective methods to communicate this information to others. In addition, students practise the assessment skills required to create effective curriculum for both groups and individual children.

Prerequisites: FAM9611 and FAM9613 and FAM9614 and FAM9615 		45.0
FAM9622 Students apply knowledge and skills to a real world context. Working at the level of a graduate, within an early learning environment, students guide children throughout the day. Students are also responsible for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum. Students reflect on their performance in field placement and determine strategies to meet challenges, to enhance their own performance, and to facilitate the reflection and problem solving of fellow students. Students recognize the importance of advocacy in the early childhood education profession.

Prerequisites: FAM9613 and FAM9620 and FAM9621 and FAM9623 and FAM9624 and FAM9625 		Practice Teaching III Students apply knowledge and skills to a real world context. Working at the level of a graduate, within an early learning environment, students guide children throughout the day. Students are also responsible for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum. Students reflect on their performance in field placement and determine strategies to meet challenges, to enhance their own performance, and to facilitate the reflection and problem solving of fellow students. Students recognize the importance of advocacy in the early childhood education profession.

Prerequisites: FAM9613 and FAM9620 and FAM9621 and FAM9623 and FAM9624 and FAM9625 		210.0
FAM9623 Through extended practical experience in early learning and care programs students apply what is taught in the classroom. Students carry on developing skills needed to work effectively within various ECE settings. Students focus on professionalism, time management, child guidance and curriculum development, skills needed in their next field placement situation.

Prerequisites: FAM9612 and FAM9613 		Preparation for Field Placement III Through extended practical experience in early learning and care programs students apply what is taught in the classroom. Students carry on developing skills needed to work effectively within various ECE settings. Students focus on professionalism, time management, child guidance and curriculum development, skills needed in their next field placement situation.

Prerequisites: FAM9612 and FAM9613 		20.0
FAM9624 The design and implementation of curriculum is based on a thorough understanding of child development and how observations can be used to identify individual and group needs. Students examine curriculum approaches that reflect best practices. Along with implementing effective curriculum approaches, students examine strategies to enhance best practices within traditional curriculum.

Prerequisites: FAM9611 and FAM9613 and FAM9614 and FAM9615 		Creating an Effective Curriculum The design and implementation of curriculum is based on a thorough understanding of child development and how observations can be used to identify individual and group needs. Students examine curriculum approaches that reflect best practices. Along with implementing effective curriculum approaches, students examine strategies to enhance best practices within traditional curriculum.

Prerequisites: FAM9611 and FAM9613 and FAM9614 and FAM9615 		45.0
FAM9625 Children acquire language concepts through their environment. Early learning and care programs should provide opportunities for children to hypothesize through hands-on experiences. Students examine the development of language and the emergence of literacy concepts in children. In addition, students explore how science is everywhere in children's lives. Students examine the various methods they can use to facilitate the development of these ideas in early learning and care programs.

Prerequisites: FAM9611 and FAM9613 and FAM9615 		Language Arts Children acquire language concepts through their environment. Early learning and care programs should provide opportunities for children to hypothesize through hands-on experiences. Students examine the development of language and the emergence of literacy concepts in children. In addition, students explore how science is everywhere in children's lives. Students examine the various methods they can use to facilitate the development of these ideas in early learning and care programs.

Prerequisites: FAM9611 and FAM9613 and FAM9615 		45.0
FAM9626 Students enhance their appreciation of the diversity within society and promotes their ability to work effectively with children, families, and colleagues in a variety of early learning and care programs.

Prerequisites: FAM9613 		Families and Community Students enhance their appreciation of the diversity within society and promotes their ability to work effectively with children, families, and colleagues in a variety of early learning and care programs.

Prerequisites: FAM9613 		36.0

Fees & Expenses

Tuition Fees: $1,684.96 per term.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Mobile Computing Fee: $150 per term. **

Incidental Fees: $165 in Level 01 and $25 in Level 03.

Student Activity/Sports Fee: $200.50 per term.

Student Commons/Auditorium Fee: $22 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $117.02 paid once annually. ***

A $40 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/support/IT-Fee/index-it-fee.htm

** The Mobile Computing Fee covers the costs associated with providing various services to students registered in mandatory laptop programs.

*** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the request. This request will have to be made annually.

Books and supplies cost approximately $3,100 and can be purchased in the campus bookstore. These costs include a reasonable estimate for course project supplies.

Admission Requirements 

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
  • Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
  • General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% of higher.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.

Additional Requirements:
Upon acceptance into the program the following requirements must
be met. Failure to complete these requirements will prevent students from participating in the field placement components of the program.

  • A college standard First Aid and CPR Level C Certification (St. John Ambulance, Red Cross or equivalent) must be completed prior to the commencement of classes. This certificate must be valid for the duration of the program.
Health Requirements:
Applicants must provide evidence of full and complete immunizations. The Algonquin College Health Services will review the student's record of immunization and provide authorization for entry into field placement. More information in this regard will be mailed to successful applicants. Some field placement agencies may require the Hepatitis B vaccine and the Influenza vaccine.

Police Records Check Documentation:
Successful completion of field placement is a requirement for graduation from the Early Childhood Education program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities may require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.

Field Placement Eligibility:
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of First Aid certification, health authorization from Algonquin College Health Services, and a PRCSVS, which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement. You will be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.

It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your Department and to pay any associated costs. It may take a long time to obtain this documentation; please submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, contact the Program Coordinator.

Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca A $95 fee applies.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College Heritage Institute
7 Craig Street
Perth, ON K7H 1X7
Telephone: 613-267-2859

Additional Information

Students in the Early Childhood Education program complete three field placements. These placements are assigned by faculty with an emphasis on having students experience different programs during their program of
study. Students at the Perth Campus are required to travel to placement within Lanark County and expenses incurred are the responsibility of the student. Students are responsible for their transportation to and from placement. Hours vary from centre to centre. Students may be starting as early as 7 a.m. and ending as late as 6:15pm.

This Full-time day program is also offered on the Pembroke and Woodroffe Campuses. While the learning outcomes at the Perth, Pembroke and Woodroffe Campuses are the same, the curriculum order and subject delivery are reflective of the local circumstances which affect program delivery.

Algonquin College also offers the entire Early Childhood Education program full-time online and on a part-time basis through the Centre for Continuing and Online Learning. For information on this delivery option, please visit the Part-time Studies website at: www.algonquincollege.com/CCOL.

For more information, please contact Christine Almeida, Program Coordinator, at 613-267-2859 ext. 5653 or almeidc@algonquincollege.com.

Academic Links
After graduation, you can continue your education at university. Your Ontario College Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Algonquin College can be used for credits towards a degree at Carleton University and other postsecondary institutions. Algonquin College also has an articulation agreement with the University of Ottawa.

For more information, contact the Perth Campus at 613-267-2859 or perth@algonquincollege.com.

Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time