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Overview
The part-time Early Childhood Education Diploma Program emphasizes a learning process which is aimed at developing competent professional Early Childhood Educators with effective verbal and written communication skills. The College continues to provide resources and support to students as they progress through the program and endeavours to ensure currency in the curriculum.
The early childhood education principle of supporting and enhancing the development of the whole child is the basis for this program. This includes the social, emotional, physical and cognitive developmental domains of children from infancy to adolescence. Specific teaching skills and strategies are explored, demonstrated, and practised in the Seneca classroom as well as in a variety of field placement opportunities.
Research methods and child study techniques are emphasized and integrated into all Early Childhood Education courses. These include observational techniques, assessment, and individual and group planning, curriculum development and self-reflection.
Field placement experiences are provided in a variety of Early Childhood Education environments including nursery schools, day-care centres and various community agencies during day time hours and are a required component of this diploma program. All field placement students must be supervised by a registered Early Childhood Educator.
If you've completed an undergraduate degree or three-year diploma from a recognized postsecondary institution in Ontario or have a degree evaluated for Canadian equivalency, you may be eligible to earn your accelerated Early Childhood Education diploma in three terms.
Information Session
New students are invited to attend an information session.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are employed in municipal day-care centres, parent co-operative nursery schools, community based day-care centres and nursery schools, pre-school sections of hospitals and as educational assistants in public schools and as partners with public school teachers in Full-Day Kindergartens.
Entry Requirements
New students are encouraged to attend an information session and write the English Assessment test ELL100 or have credit for Communicating Across Contexts (COM101) or its equivalent.
- Ontario Secondary Diploma at the advanced or general level, or its equivalent, or mature student status;
- Grade 12 English or its equivalent is recommended;
- New Students are recommended to write the English Assessment test ELL100 or have Communicating Across Contexts (COM101) or its equivalent.
ECE courses require that students use approved, licensed child care centres to complete assignments. Therefore students must obtain the following documentation in order to access child care resources.
- Seneca's Medical Form completed by the student's physician, and updated annually
- Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check
- updated annually
- obtained through the student's local police force
- this can take up to 16 weeks to process depending on the police force. Please be sure to apply well in advance
- Standard First Aid/Basic Rescuer - Level C CPR
- updated prior to expiration
This documentation must be completed by the conclusion of ECD100 and is time sensitive. It must be kept current by the student.
Full-time students wishing to take Faculty of Continuing Education & Training (FCET) courses towards their diploma must consult with their Full-Time Program Coordinator to ensure that the courses in which they intend to register will fulfill their academic requirements.
Full time students wishing to transfer to Faculty of Continuing Education & Training should consult with Academic Program Manager, Dedra.Profitt@senecacollege.ca or Program Assistant, Georgina.Ioannou@senecacollege.ca
Curriculum
Placement via English Assessment, or successful completion of ESL934, EAP 500, or EAC149.
COM101 replaces EAC150.
Students who have successfully completed EAC150 are not required to complete COM101.
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
The discipline of Psychology is the study of human behaviour. It is concerned with the observation behaviour of an individual and its relationship to unseen mental and physical processes, as well as to external events. Introduction to Psychology will provide a framework within which the student can begin to explore the human personality.
English Assessment with results at ESL934 or higher recommended. Concurrent - All required documentation.
This is the first course for students entering the ECE Diploma Program. It provides students with a basic knowledge of ECE principles and practices. Topics include: an introduction to ethics, professional behaviour, advocacy, legislation, health, safety, nutrition, quality programming, learning opportunities, observation techniques, the history of early childhood education, research, study and time management skills.
ECD100, and all required documentation.
This course examines human development principles and their applications to a variety of developmental theories. Different types of data collection (observations, assessment, interviewing) are also emphasized. Focus will be given to the sequence of development from conception to preschool in the areas of social, cognitive, emotional, language and physical development.
FWK145
NOTE: ECD223 can be taken concurrently if COM101 is completed and all required documentation
In this first methodology course students are exposed to the culture of the preschool child. Using a holistic approach and recognizing diversity within the preschool learning environment, students will explore and create a play-based learning environment. Students are provided with an opportunity to use a "hands-on" approach to exploring open-ended sensory materials and to practice child guidance techniques which are appropriate when working with preschool children.
ECD100 & ECD122. All required documentation - Seneca Medical Certificate, Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check and CPR-C. Please consult the Field Placement Manual for a list of forms required.
Mandatory: ECD145 - Preschool Method's I - Must be taken concurrently.
In this first field placement course students are exposed to the culture of the preschool child. For one full day or two half days per week throughout the semester, students participate in a field placement in an Early Childhood setting. Students will demonstrate their understanding of preschool development through the practical application of learning opportunities for preschoolers. Students will apply positive child guidance techniques in a preschool environment. Students are required to complete all required documentation including a Seneca Medical Form and apply for a Police Reference Check before they begin field placement. Please consult the field placement manual for forms.
All Module 1 courses and all required documentation. Can be taken concurrently with ECD242/FWK242.
This course focuses on social, cognitive, emotional, language and physical development from middle and late childhood through adolescence. It examines the ways in which a school age child's level of cognitive development shapes his/her world and looks at how the child begins to develop relationships beyond his/her family. Student's examine the development of the school-age child into adolescence and the social and emotional challenges they face.
All module 1 courses, ECD223 and all required documentation.
In this course, students will use their knowledge of school-age development and appropriate ECE teaching methods to develop programming for school-aged children before and after school programs as well as community centres. Topics such as music, sports, recreational experiences, peer pressure, creative arts and problem-solving are explored.
All courses in Module I and ECD223. All required documentation including a current (one year) Seneca Medical Certificate and Police Reference Check. Please consult the Field Placement Manual for a list of forms required.
Mandatory ECD202
In this 45 hour field placement, students focus on planning and programming a range of activities appropriate for schoolage children in their placement. Students are expected to act as responsible members of the teaching team in this setting. Students are required to complete all required documentation including a Seneca Medical Form and apply for a Police Reference Check before they begin field placement. Please consult the field placement manual for forms.
Module 1 courses and all required documentation.
This is the second methodology course which focuses on curriculum development for preschool children within a play-based curriculum. Emphasis is placed on program planning and supervisory techniques within the children's environment. Through observing children using a proper, professional format students assess preschooler's interests, abilities and predict responses. Using this information, students plan learning opportunities which involve the preschooler in developmentally appropriate and positive experiences involving logical concepts, language, science and music.
All courses in Module 1. All required documentation including a current (one year) Seneca Medical Certificate and Police Reference Check. Please consult the Field Placement Manual for a list of forms required.
Mandatory ECD242
For 90 hours (1 day per week or two half days) throughout the semester, students take part in an early childhood field placement. They are expected to act as responsible members of the teaching team in this setting. Each student must demonstrate skills in: appropriate program planning, facilitation of learning, problem solving, positive behaviour guidance, and effective communication with children, teachers, parents and other adults. Students are required to complete all required documentation including a Seneca Medical Form and apply for a Police Reference Check before they begin field placement. Please consult the field placement manual for forms.
Students apply infant/toddler developmental principles to planning an age appropriate curriculum. Students evaluate the achieved milestones and needs of individual children. It is essential that students have professional understanding of infant and toddler development sequences.
All Module 1 and 2 courses, COM101 and PSY100. All required documentation including a current (one year) Seneca Medical Certificate and Police Reference Check. Please consult the Field Placement Manual for a list of forms required.
MANDATORY:ECD307
This is a methodology course which helps students explore and apply theories of child development to creating a learning environment for infants and toddlers. Students are also expected to complete 90 hours of field practice in an infant or toddler field placement. To pass this course students must pass ECD307. Students are required to complete all required documentation including a Seneca Medical Form and apply for a Police Reference Check before they begin field placement. Please consult the field placement manual for forms.
All module 1 courses. Can be taken concurrently with Module 2 courses and upon completion of COM101.
Current police check from local police agency, Seneca Medical Form, First Aid/CPR Seneca 911 or Level C.
This course encourages students to examine various philosophical approaches to early childhood education with a view to developing and stating their own philosophy. The course content addresses both historical and current factors in the development of theoretical perspectives. It focuses on comparing and contrasting some theories which differ dramatically in their approaches to early education.
Human Relations, Communications and Family is an experiential course that acknowledges individual and human diversity. As participants engage in the processes of interpersonal (interactive) / intrapersonal communication, increased acceptance and understanding of others is anticipated.
All Module 1 and 2 courses, PSY100 and COM101. All required documentation including a current (one year) Seneca Medical Certificate and Police Reference Check. Please consult the Field Placement Manual for a list of forms required.
In this field placement students will demonstrate effective listening, observation and questioning skills. They will support staff, parents and children in a sensitive manner which meets individual needs. Students are required to complete all required documentation including a Seneca Medical Form and apply for a Police Reference Check before they begin field placement. Please consult the field placement manual for forms.
All courses in Modules 1 and 2.
Students without required prerequisites must consult the program co-ordinator before registering.
All required documentation: Current Police Check, First Aid / CPR Level C, Seneca Medical Form.
This course is designed to develop an understanding of various disabilities. Emphasis is placed on the educator's role in planning for individual needs, while supporting the needs of the entire group in an inclusive environment. The focus is on using a team approach, with active family involvement to support the child with special needs in inclusive educational settings.
Module One and Module Two courses
Students will examine what it means to be a professional Early Childhood educator, its implications and public and professional expectations and accountability. Students will become knowledgeable of professional ethics, standards of practice, and their role within the spectrum of services for children and families. The aim of this course is to integrate and further expand on various areas of development for the pre-service teacher. Students will further their knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication, applied theory, philosophy (with an emphasis on applied ethics), reflective practice, and legislation. Specifically, the student will engage in processes that challenge them to amalgamate their philosophical ideals, the realities of legislative policies, working with colleagues, and balancing the multiple roles of an educator.
All courses in Modules 1 and 2.
Students without the required prerequisites must consult the co-ordinator before registering.
-All required documentation: Current Police Check, First Aid/CPR Level C, Seneca Medical Form.
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the administrative procedures and the supervisory functions required to operate a child care program. Emphasis will be placed on the development of technical and interpersonal skills that ensure an efficient operation.
All Module 1, 2, 3 courses and all required documentation.
This course examines the relationship between the child, family, school and community. Special emphasis is placed on the influence of ethnic and racial background, socio-economic status, gender and individual differences as they impact on the development of personal identity and factors surrounding child abuse. Students explore their own attitudes, beliefs and values as they are shaped by their particular life circumstances and become aware of how these impact on themselves as Early Childhood Educators. The history of family and child care is also examined.
All Module 1, 2 and 3 courses, COM101 and PSY100. All required documentation including a current (one year) Seneca Medical Certificate and Police Reference Check. Please consult the Field Placement Manual for a list of forms required.
Mandatory:ECD641
For one full day per week throughout the semester, students take part in an early childhood field placement. They are expected to act as responsible members of the teaching team in this setting. Each student must demonstrate skills in: keeping children safe and healthy, appropriate program planning, facilitation of learning, problem solving, positive behaviour guidance and effective communication with children, teachers, parents and other adults. Students are required to complete all required documentation including a Seneca Medical Form and apply for a Police Reference Check before they begin field placement. Please consult the field placement manual for forms.
All module 1, 2 & 3 courses and required documentation.
In this final methodology course students use their knowledge of child development and their insights into individual children, acquired throughout the previous ECE courses, to plan and adapt developmentally appropriate programs for individuals and the entire group. They set long term goals and specific objectives based on the developmental needs and interests of the children. Students identify areas where they need to grow and develop in order to become competent lead teachers in an Early Childhood Education classroom.
COM101, PSY100 and Module 1, 2 and 3 courses. All required documentation including a current (one year) Seneca Medical Certificate and Police Reference Check. Please consult the Field Placement Manual for a list of forms required.
Mandatory:ECD643
For one full day per week throughout the semester, students take part in an inclusive early childhood field placement. They are expected to act as responsible members of the teaching team in this setting. Each student must demonstrate skills in: providing a safe and healthy environment for children, appropriate program planning, facilitation of learning, problem solving, positive behaviour guidance, and effective communication with children, teachers, parents and other adults. Students must use observation as a basis for curriculum planning. Students are required to complete all required documentation including a Seneca Medical Form and apply for a Police Reference Check before they begin field placement. Please consult the field placement manual for forms.
In order to meet Seneca's breadth requirements for diploma or advanced diploma programs, students must successfully complete at least 3 general education courses toward their program, satisfying the following criteria:
- Completion of 1 course from Arts & Humanities;
- Completion of 1 course from Sciences & Social Sciences; and
- Completion of 1 course chosen from either category above.
Note: Language courses at level 1 and 2 only are accepted as general education credits.
Program Outcomes
- Design, implement and evaluate inclusive and play-based early learning curriculum and programs that support children's holistic development and are responsive to individual children's and groups of children's observed abilities, interests and ideas.
- Establish and maintain inclusive early learning environments that support diverse, equitable and accessible developmental and learning opportunities for all children and their families.
- Select and use a variety of screening tools, observation and documentation strategies to review, support and promote children's learning across the continuum of early childhood development.
- Establish and maintain responsive relationships with individual children, groups of children and families.
- Assess, develop and maintain safe, healthy and quality early learning environments which meet the requirements of current legislation, agency policies and evidence-based practices in early learning.
- Prepare and use professional written, verbal, nonverbal and electronic communications when working with children, families, colleagues, employers, and community partners.
- Identify, select and apply relevant legislation, regulations, College of Early Childhood Educators Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, policies and evidence-based practice guidelines, and interpret their impact on a variety of early learning environments.
- Apply a developing personal philosophy of early learning in accordance with ethical and professional standards of early childhood education practice.
- Advocate for quality early learning environments and collaborate with members of the early learning team, families and community partners to establish and promote such settings.
- Engage in reflective practice, develop learning goals and maintain an ongoing professional development plan in accordance with evidence-based practices in early learning and related fields
Field Work
Students must register for fieldwork practice at the time they register for the concurrent course. To begin placement, the student must ensure the required documentation is current. These include:
- Seneca's Medical Form completed by the student's physician
- Field Placement request Forms
- Freedom of Information Form
- Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check
- WSIB - Ministry of Education Work/Education Placement Form
- Standard First Aid/Basic Rescuer - Level C CPR
- Code of Conduct
Notes:
- These forms must be completed and verified by Seneca field placement supervisor before students begin field placement.
- Police checks are valid for one year. It is your responsibility to apply directly to your local police force for a police records check. This may take several weeks to process.
Seneca Medical Forms are valid for one full year. Students may not attend field placement without a current medical certificate valid for the entire placement period. A major consideration in your decision to undertake the Early Childhood Education Diploma program should be the fieldwork practice requirement of a minimum of 585 hours. Fieldwork practice is experience working with young children in supervised, childcare and community settings. Students registered in ECE course and not its corequisite (field placement) will have until the 3rd week of classes to register. Failure to register, will result the withdrawal from the ECE course and the risk of financial penalty. This also will apply to students in field placement who have expired documents. You will be asked to withdraw.
OSAP Funding Available
This program is eligible for OSAP funding.
Course load is used by OSAP to determine funding options for programs.
If you are taking 1 - 2 courses at the same time, you may be considered for part-time student grants and loans.
- 1 course (20%)
- 2 courses (40%)
If you are taking 3 or more courses at the same time, you may be considered for full-time student grants and loans.
- 3 courses (60%)
- 4 courses (80%)
- 5 courses (100%)
To find out if you qualify and to learn how to apply, please visit the OSAP website.
For information on other awards and financial assistance, please see Financial Aid.
Fast Track
Complete the ECE diploma course in 5 semesters.
This intensive ECE diploma course is developed for students who want to expedite their studies to graduate in a shorter time frame. This course is designed primarily for students with experience in ECE child care programs. Previous post secondary education is strongly recommended.
PREREQUISITE: COM101 level English or its equivalent.
ADVANTAGES:
- students will finish the ECE diploma course in 5 semesters ( approx. 20 months)
- students presently working in a licensed child care may be able to complete placement hours at their workplace. NOTE: The program must be licensed and ECE supervised
- transferrable to the regular ECE diploma course. Students can determine the pace of their learning .
PLEASE NOTE: This is an intensive course of studies that will require multiple hours in field placement weekly. Students will need to take two or more in-class courses per semester.
All requirements of the Diploma including the 3 general education requirements will need to be completed as well. This includes three general education course, one of which must be from the literature section. Please visit the ECE website to review all the requirements of the diploma. Students with previous college or university credits may qualify for transfer credit for some or all of these courses. Please submit your Transfer Credit Request form to Degree and Credit Transfer Office
To check your eligibility for this stream, please contact the Academic Program Manager or attend one of the upcoming orientations.
Credit for Prior Learning
Prior Learning Assessment
Earn college credits for what you already know!
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to
college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work
experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained
meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.
How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning
through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews,
demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a
Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program
Coordinator.
The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.
Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.
Transfer Credit (Advanced Standing)
Many students who enter Seneca College will have earned academic credits in post-secondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca College program.
Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.
Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.
More Information
Please visit the Degree and Credit Transfer Office.
Graduation/Convocation
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October) and Spring (June).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at 416-491-5050 ext. 77461.
Minimum Performance for Graduation
Students will only be eligible to graduate with a Seneca College certificate or diploma if they have maintained an overall good standing in their current program of study. Students in degree programs will be eligible to graduate when they have obtained an average of C (2.5 GPA) in courses in the main field of study, and an average of C (2.0 GPA) in all other courses.
Note:
We endeavour to offer courses every semester at the Newnham Campus. However, due to minimum enrolment requirements, all courses may not be offered every semester. In addition to the 20 ECE full credits, this diploma program requires 585 hours of supervised fieldwork practicum, and a valid certificate in Standard First Aid/Basic Rescuer - Level C CPR.
Diploma to Degree
Congratulations on finishing your diploma. Now you can turn it into a degree. We offer the Bachelor of Child Development Degree through part-time studies here at Seneca. Please go to the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree link for more information about this program and how to apply your diploma through credit transfer.
Here are some degree options that may also be of interest to you.
City Wide Training
City Wide Training Early Childhood Professional, visit regularly for postings of professional development opportunities available across the city including Seneca College.
Program Contacts
Contact us via this form or using the phone number(s) below it.
Georgina Ioannou
Program Assistant
416-491-5050 ext.22946
Georgette Bigelow
Part-time Program Coordinator
416-491-5050 ext.26165
Dedra Profitt
Academic Program Manager
416-491-5050 ext.22528
Information Session
New students are invited to attend an information session.