Early Childhood Education (0430X01FWO)

Facilitating children`s learning through play.

The two-year Early Childhood Education Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to become an educator of children in a variety of early learning settings. Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work with families and other professionals to support children`s learning and development.

This program provides you with the ability to create, implement and assess play and inquiry-based curricula while building stimulating child-centred environments.

Benefit from both theoretical and hands-on learning opportunities. You have three placements during the program that focus on children from birth to age 12. These real-world experiences allow you to integrate theory with professional practice in early learning program settings.

You assist in providing guidance to children while planning, implementing and evaluating programs. Through your placements, you gain valuable hands-on skills and experience to help you understand the diverse roles, settings, and responsibilities of an Early Childhood Educator.

Upon graduation, you are eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE). Registration with the CECE is required to be eligible to work as an Early Childhood Educator in Ontario.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• 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.
• Are comfortable using computers and other forms of technology.
• Enjoy working with children and their families.
• Have effective interpersonal skills.

Early childhood education is a physically demanding profession. Individuals entering this program must be able to lift children, materials and equipment (up to 32 kgs). As well, individuals must be able to run/move quickly between areas in the room and outside in order to ensure children`s safety.

In addition, educators must constantly observe children to ensure safety and to assess children`s abilities, skills and interests in order to develop meaningful curricula. Entering the program without these abilities may result in unsuccessful placements and students who fail to successfully complete all placements are not eligible to graduate.