ECE

Early Childhood Education in Canada – Program Details

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A post secondary program in early childhood studies helps students experience and understand what high quality child care is all about. It provides them an in depth understanding of child development, child psychology, children with special needs and importance of early childhood education in Toronto.

The program generally runs for two years and covers a wide range of subjects including the learning environment – the third teacher, the healthy development of the whole child, observable child development, the child at the centre of the curriculum, guidance and the individual child and health and well-being of young children.

It also includes principles of psychology, empowering children’s independence, child development and theoretical perspectives, pre-school field practicum, preschool and school curriculum, child abuse and specialised field practicum.

The program is designed to equip them with ability to:
Utilize a variety of observation techniques
Understand the individual needs of each child
Develop and maintain effective communication with children
Plan a curriculum based on the understanding of individual needs of a child
Implement and monitor individual programs and curriculum to meet developmental needs of children
Maintain responsive relationships with children and parents
Establish and maintain safe and healthy environment for children
Overseeing physical facilities at the child care centre
Administrating the medications if required
Adhere to professional and ethical standards in child care
Follow principles of fairness and equity to ensure effective learning and development of children
Monitoring their play activities
Serving meals to children

The graduates of this program gain employment with child care centres in Toronto, kindergarten classrooms, well established nursery schools, drop-in centres, shelters for women, community service centers and children and parent resource centres.

Enrolling in an Early Childhood Education Program

The post-secondary ECE program is a highly respected program. In order to apply for this program, you will need:
Secondary school diploma
English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent

Applicants currently attending schools can also apply for this program. Their midterm and final term grades will be directly transmitted to the college.

In addition to this, you will also need to:
Provide a clear medical report
Obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector cleaning
Provide valid first aid and CPR certificates

Choosing the Right College

Although there are a large number of colleges in Canada that offer post-secondary programs in ECE but not all offer hands-on-experience, which is a prerequisite to enter the world of work. Centennial College’s ECE course is a full time program that allows students gain theoretical understanding of child psychology and practical experience in dealing with children. The college operates two early childhood education centres as lab schools where students can actually observe and communicate with children.

In addition, the curriculum at the college reflects current trends and directions in ECE field and interaction with lab child care centres Toronto to see and practice high quality care. Graduates of this program can choose to either pursue their careers or opt for high education. They can apply academic credit rewards earned in this program towards further studies.

Early Childhood Education Practicums, Internships And Volunteer Hours

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Many community colleges, distance learning providers and colleges and universities off Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, diplomas and degrees. Most certificate, diploma and associate degrees can be completed in one or two years, while university degrees, which are specialized and tend to focus on specific skills or areas of study such a special needs or administration, are four year programs.

One thing in common for all types and lengths of programs is the need for observation and hands-on learning through volunteering and practicums. Child development classes are an important component for all the programs as well, focusing on stages of development, instruction techniques and classroom management, and these are more effective when the information taught can be observed first-hand.

It is crucial to observe the developmental levels and teaching methods, and to practice the techniques in an actual classroom setting, with typical children and teachers in a standard early childhood program. While personal experience as a parent, sibling or babysitter can be incredibly helpful, it isnt the same as observing a group of children in a preschool or childcare setting.

A crucial part of an ECE program is the supervised observation and practicum. Many programs have access to an on-site daycare or preschool, sometimes known as a teaching lab, even while it is a functioning, licensed childcare program. Other programs, such as distance learning providers, will help to arrange practicum placements with programs in the community.

Students are never expected to work with the children at the beginning of their practicum, especially not in a teaching capacity. The first sessions in a classroom are observing children, often with specific assignments of what is to be observed, and assignments based on their findings. Very gradually students are given teaching tasks, from small lessons and circle activities through to planning and leading full lessons and activities independently. All of this is under the direct supervision of licensed ECE staff on site, who are in consultation with the course instructor. This is a crucial part of the certification program, regardless of the level of certification being pursued.

It is important to check with the state or provincial licensing body to ensure that the minimal number of classroom volunteer hours have been clocked. Usually, practicum hours can count for part, though not all, of these hours.

Studying Early Childhood Education Through Distance Learning

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Anyone wishing to work with infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a licenced daycare or preschool must hold an Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate, diploma, associate degree or degree. Most degree programs are offered at brick and mortar colleges and universities, while associate degrees, diplomas and certificates can be earned through community colleges. Another option, often overlooked, is distance learning, such as that offered through online e-learning or correspondence courses. Child development, teaching strategies and classroom management are all offered through distance learning.

For students who have other obligations in their lives, such as a family or a job, distance learning can be a great alternative to attending college or university. The ability to study at home, without having to relocate or move away, even temporarily, provides an opportunity for students who might otherwise be unable to pursue a n ECE degree or diploma. An additional benefit is that distance learning typically costs much less than attending a physical school. Tuition and fees are lower through online or correspondence providers.

When studying through distance learning, materials are provided, typically organized into units or modules. The materials may include books, articles, videos, computer programs and other print and audio-visual materials. Students typically are given a general schedule of when each unit or module should be completed, as well as a list of assignments and due dates. Within this framework, however, distance learners often have more flexibility with the schedule than those attending classes. It varies from program to program, but as there are typically not classes to attend (though there may be virtual classes online or teleconferences with some programs), students are able to create their own schedule and work through it in a way that fits their lifestyle and other obligations.

A key component of earning an ECE degree or diploma is the practical and experiential one. Students will need time in an actual classroom in order to observe and to practice what they are learning. In addition, students need to complete a specified number of volunteer hours before they can earn their degree or diploma. Most ECE distance learning providers will make arrangements with schools for student practicums, and will have a supervision agreement with specific schools.