Early Childhood Education

Program Description

As a student in the ECE program, you’ll learn about the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children. You’ll also learn the skills and knowledge necessary for planning and carrying out programming which optimizes individual development of young children.

Your studies will blend theory about childhood development with a hands-on application of those principles. You’ll explore child development theory and apply it to programming for infant, toddler, preschool and school-aged children. As part of the program, you’ll also study developmental theory and practice for children with special needs, as well as an overview of relevant communications theory and philosophy.

Seneca’s two lab schools are model child care centres that provide you with opportunities for observation and programming. Field placement is central to the learning experience, so you will be placed in the field for one to two days each week.

Program Learning Outcomes

This Seneca College program meets the system-wide standards for all Ontario College Credential programs as set by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the following:

• plan curriculum that is based on a thorough understanding of child development.
• plan and implement individual programs and curriculum to meet the developmental needs of children.
• utilize a variety of observation techniques to enhance work with children, families, and co-workers.
• maintain responsive relationships with individual children and groups of children.
• establish and maintain safe and healthy environments which best meet the requirements of current legislation, regulatory bodies, and program policies.
• develop and maintain effective written, oral, nonverbal, and electronic communications with children, families, co-workers, employers, and individuals/agencies.
• apply relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and regulations to early childhood education programs and settings in a changing social context.
• apply a personal philosophy of early childhood education within the framework of ethical and professional standards.
• act in a manner consistent with principles of fairness, equity, and diversity to support the development and learning of individual children, within the context of his/her family, culture, and society.

Essential Employability Skills

• Essential Employability Skills (link to information on Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website)

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)

Applicant Selection:

• Applicant grades in prerequisite subjects may be used as a basis for the selection of candidates.
• Applicants will be advised if they are required to attend a pre-admission orientation.

Required:

• Current immunization report and report of chest x-ray or tuberculin skin test.
• A valid Standard First Aid Certificate (16 hours).
• A valid C.P.R. "C" Certificate.
• Current Police Reference Check (vulnerable sector).

Desirable:

• Work experience in a related setting.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills.

Your Career

As an Early Childhood Educator, you’ll be prepared for a fulfilling career working with children from infancy to 12 years. Your career may include employment in child care centres, after-school programs, nursery schools, parent co-operative centres, private home child care, some centres for children with special needs, and in a kindergarten in the elementary school system. Our four-semester Early Childhood Education program puts you on the path to an exciting career.

Provincial Registration

In order to practice in Ontario as an "Early Childhood Educator" or a "Registered Early Childhood Educator, graduates must apply for registration in the College of Early Childhood Education (CECE). Graduates of the ECE program will meet the education requirement for registration. For more information, please visit www.collegeofece.on.ca.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institutions:

Toronto

Ontario

Canada

International

Affiliations and Associations

• Association for Early Childhood Education, Ontario (AECEO)
• Canadian Association for Young Children (CAYC)
• Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF)
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Website

For additional information, please visit the School of ECE web site at: http://www.senecac.on.ca/ece/programs.html.

Curriculum

Contact Us