Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development (Honours)

Discover a career supporting children, families and communities.

  • Earn a unique credential as this program is the only one of its kind in Canada which combines early learning and community development
  • Link theory to the real world through two mentorships and three different and diverse placement opportunities
  • Graduates are eligible to apply to become registered members of the College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

International
Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2024

No

Schedule

Fall 2024
Level 01
Winter 2025
Level 02
Spring 2025
Break
Fall 2025
Level 03
Winter 2026
Level 04
Spring 2026
Break
Fall 2026
Level 05
Winter 2027
Level 06
Spring 2027
Level 07
Fall 2027
Level 08
Winter 2028
Level 09

Program Summary

Credential

Honours Degree (4 Years)

Program Delivery

Program Code

Area of Interest

Community and Social Services

School

School of Wellness, Public Safety & Community Studies

Campus

Ottawa

Work Integrated Learning

The Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development (Honours) program prepares you to work with children and families in both the community development and educational sectors and provides you with a variety of transferable skills.

There is an increasing awareness of the importance of early learning in our society. Similarly, there is an ongoing need to develop and support early learning opportunities for children and their families within a variety of settings. The early learning sector is evolving to address these changes. This program is ideal for those who want to play a role in these developments....(read more)

Overview

Discover a career supporting children, families and communities.

The Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development (Honours) program prepares you to work with children and families in both the community development and educational sectors and provides you with a variety of transferable skills.

There is an increasing awareness of the importance of early learning in our society. Similarly, there is an ongoing need to develop and support early learning opportunities for children and their families within a variety of settings. The early learning sector is evolving to address these changes. This program is ideal for those who want to play a role in these developments.

This program combines theory and practice, giving you the skills and knowledge you need for engaging with communities, families and children to create and implement community and school based programs that support early learning and development.

Throughout the program, you have three varied field placements within both community and school settings. These give you the chance to apply your skills to real-world settings. With field placements, applied learning and a semester-long work term, graduates are ready for employment in the community development and education sectors.

Graduates may find work in:

  • community health agencies
  • kindergartens
  • early learning programs
  • child and family centres
  • municipal and provincial government
  • non-governmental agencies addressing the needs of families, children, and their communities

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Have strong observational and analytical skills.
  • Are willing to work as a member of diverse interprofessional teams.
  • 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 an appreciation of the importance of research.

Early childhood education is a physically demanding profession. Individuals entering this profession must be able to lift children, materials and equipment (up to 70 pounds). As well, individuals must be able to move quickly/run 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 interest in order to develop meaningful curricula. Entering the program without these abilities may result in unsuccessful field placements and students who fail to successfully complete field placements are not eligible to graduate from the program.

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 virtual 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.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates of this program are eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators. Graduates may find employment opportunities in community health agencies, Early ON centres, municipal and provincial government and non-government agencies, addressing needs of families, children, and their communities. Entrepreneurial opportunities (e.g. consulting, marketing of educational toys, etc.) are emerging.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Contribute to early learning and community development for children and families using research and evidence-based practice from the fields of psychology, early learning, education, sociology, and social work.
  2. Communicate professionally, in all modalities to support children, their families and their communities to document research findings and inform the public and profession.
  3. Use cross cultural competencies and evidence-based practice to initiate and develop supportive, respectful, responsive and professional relationships when working with children, families and the broader community, including Indigenous peoples and Francophone culture.
  4. Develop inclusive curricula by using observation strategies and applying research and evidence-based practices in early learning and community development pedagogy.
  5. Design and deliver effective needs assessments, draft action plans, and implement and evaluate community based early learning projects.
  6. Co-create and evaluate inclusive, equitable, safe and healthy learning environments for children, families, and communities.
  7. Apply relevant legislation, regulations, standards and the College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice to inform the development, implementation and evaluation of programs for children, families and their communities.
  8. Identify and analyze local, national and international standards, trends and directions in the early learning profession to inform leadership practices.
  9. Coordinate, implement and lead early learning services and community partners and stakeholders through the assessment and analysis of data on organizational structures and behaviours.
  10. Develop a personal philosophy of early learning and community development using methodologies of reflective practice and evidence-based theoretical perspectives.
  11. Apply a variety of leadership skills to work collaboratively with community partners and stakeholders, families and children to advocate for quality early learning programs and services.
  12. Advocate for the importance of the natural environment in supporting the development of healthy communities for children and their families through the application of current research and knowledge.
  13. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2023/2024 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.

Fees are subject to change.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
  • Mature students are applicants who have not achieved the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent and who are at least 19 years of age on or before the commencement of the program in which they intend to enroll. Mature students applying for Degree programs satisfy College Eligibility by having demonstrated academic abilities equivalent to those of Ontario high school graduates, verified by successful completion of at least one full-time term at the post-secondary level (minimum five courses taken concurrently in an academic program of study).

Program Eligibility

  • Six Grade 12 university (U) or university/college (M) courses with a minimum 65% average including:
    • One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum 65%.
  • Please note that mature students must meet the following subject-specific Program Eligibility requirements, either directly or through equivalencies: One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum 65%.
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
  • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.

Additional Requirements:
Upon acceptance into the program the following requirements must be met. Valid First Aid and CPR 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. Students must have Standard First Aid certification. Failure to complete these requirements will prevent students from participating in the field placement and work term components of the program.

Health Requirements:
The physical and emotional health of each applicant to the program must be such that he or she can successfully cope with the program of instruction including the demands of field placement (e.g. stress and time management). Individuals who have concerns about their ability to meet these requirements should contact the coordinator of the program prior to submitting an application.

Police Records Check Documentation:
Students must provide the College with a current Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) prior to the deadline identified by the department and students are responsible for any associated costs. If this documentation in not submitted on time, students may not be placed and registration in the program will be jeopardized. 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 and will be asked to withdraw.

Experiential Learning, Work Term and Field Placement Eligibility:
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of Standard First Aid certification, CPR level C, PRCSVS, and complete immunizations through ParaMed. ParaMed services are the third party provider who collects all field placement documentation for the Community Studies department.

Mature students are applicants who have not achieved the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent and who are at least 19 years of age on or before the commencement of the program in which they intend to enroll. Mature students have demonstrated academic abilities equivalent to those of Ontario high school graduates, verified by successful completion of courses at the postsecondary level.

If you are an International Student:
International students require a work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to authorize the student in completing the essential work component in the three placement courses and work term in the 4-year BELCD degree.

International students must have a work permit in order to participate in the practice teaching courses. This permit should be obtained as soon as possible. At the port of entry to Canada, students should let the customs officer know that they need the work permit and should include a letter issued by the International Admissions office to add support to the request.

Students who wait until they start the program to apply for the permit might not obtain it in time to begin their first practice teaching course.

Current processing times for the work permit are found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/temp.asp.

    Application Information

    BACHELOR OF EARLY LEARNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (HONOURS)
    Program Code 1617X01FWO

    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

    Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

    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 please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

    For further information on the admissions process, contact:

    Registrar`s Office
    Algonquin College
    1385 Woodroffe Ave
    Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
    Telephone: 613-727-0002
    Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
    TTY: 613-727-7766
    Fax: 613-727-7632
    Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

    Additional Information

    Program Resources

    Algonquin College has been granted consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting May 10, 2022. The College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable timeframe.

    Students may apply for transfer of academic credits from Algonquin College (internal transfer) or from other institutions (external transfer). College Policies AA09 and AA10 apply to transfer of credits. For more information visit: www.algonquincollege.com/directives. Students may apply for credit by challenging courses using Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). College Policy AA06 applies to PLAR. Students pay a fee for each course they wish to be exempt from and, through either a portfolio or challenge examination, a PLAR may lead to the acceptance of work and life experience in lieu of taking certain courses. For more information visit: www.algonquincollege.com/col/plar.html.

    ACADEMIC PROBATION:
    Students who have two or more F grades in a given term or whose term grade point average falls below C- are considered to be on academic probation (Policy AA14 Grading System). This requires the student to meet with their academic advisor or coordinator to sign a learning contract which identifies the conditions which must be met to continue in the program. Students who do not meet the terms of their learning contract are withdrawn from the program.

    GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:
    Students must achieve a minimum of a 1.7 final G.P.A to meet graduation status.

    Contact

    Lisa Lalonde

    Program Coordinator

    lalondl@algonquincollege.com

    613-727-4723, ext. 2935

    Room C230h

    View Bio

    Lisa Lalonde

    Program Coordinator

    lalondl@algonquincollege.com

    613-727-4723, ext. 2935

    Lisa Lalonde is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), she is a graduate of Algonquin College’s ECE program, and has a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management from Royal Roads University. She currently is pursuing a PhD in Applied Psychology & Human Development, Early Learning through OISE, University of Toronto.
    Lisa has over 15 years of experience working with children, families, and the broader early learning community. She participated in the College of Early Childhood Educators Leadership Project, and is engaged in building professional capacity within the early childhood sector, both locally, Ottawa, and provincially. Her areas of interest are examining the professional identity of ECE’s, and the use of technology in early childhood settings.

    Sharmeen Charania

    Professor

    charans@algonquincollege.com

    613-727-4723, ext. 6976

    Room C230p

    View Bio

    Sharmeen Charania

    Professor

    charans@algonquincollege.com

    613-727-4723, ext. 6976

    Sharmeen Charania, PhD is a full time faculty with the Bachelor of early learning and community development program. Professor Charania is a member of the College of ECE and has a PhD in Early Childhood Education from the Arizona State University. She also has a Masters degree in Education from the University of West Georgia with a minor in Teacher Education. She has worked with families and parents in her various roles. Professor Charania is the proud recipient of the Algonquin Students’ Association Excellence in Teaching award in 2020.

    Barbara Leigh Golden

    Professor

    goldenb@algonquincollege.com

    613-727-4723, ext. 6954

    Room C230

    View Bio

    Barbara Leigh Golden

    Professor

    goldenb@algonquincollege.com

    613-727-4723, ext. 6954

    Dr. Golden is a member of the LGBTQ community, a feminist, and the mother to two Indigenous children. She is a leader and strategist with 20 years experience of management experience (government, non-for-profit sector and academia). She has a diverse academic background including a PhD in Planning and Development, a Masters of Education, and Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies. She is an educator, facilitator and coach who strives to reduce barriers and create opportunities. Her community work and research focus on equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice. In 2021, Dr. Golden won The New Faculty Teaching Award. And in 2022, Dr. Golden won the Algonquin Students’ Association Faculty Recognition Awards (Excellence in Teaching) for demonstrated excellence and innovation in teaching and her passion for supporting students’ success. Overall, Dr. Golden strives to empower diverse learning styles and create a safe place for sharing, collaborating and nurturing learning.

    Carlos Pereira

    Professor

    pereirc1@algonquincollege.com

    613-727-4723, ext. 3494

    Room J117

    View Bio

    Carlos Pereira

    Professor

    pereirc1@algonquincollege.com

    613-727-4723, ext. 3494

    Carlos Pereira has a B.A. in developmental psychology from Carleton University, a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Algonquin College, a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Ottawa and is currently working on completing his Ph.D. thesis in Applied Psychology and Human Development at the University of Toronto. Carlos has held a number of roles in the ECE field for the last 27 years and is currently a professor at Algonquin College where he works with students across the various early learning programs being offered at the college.

    Anjali Chander

    Admissions Officer

    Catherine Hewlett

    Professor

    Get Started


    Get More Information