Early Childhood Education
Facilitating children`s learning through play.
- Earn a two-year diploma in 42 weeks with this compressed format
- Graduates are eligible to become registered members of the College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario
- Pathway for Early Childhood Education graduates allowing for entry into third year after completion of the bridging courses to the Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development (Honours) program at Algonquin College
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
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Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Other Campuses
Other Delivery Options
Work Integrated Learning
The 42-week 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-based curricula while building stimulating child-centred environments....(read more)
Overview
Facilitating children`s learning through play.
The 42-week 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-based curricula while building stimulating child-centred environments.
Benefit from both theoretical and hands-on learning opportunities. You have three field 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 programs.
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:
- Enjoy working with children and their families.
- 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.
- Have effective interpersonal skills.
Early childhood education is a physically demanding profession. Individuals entering this profession must be able to lift children, materials and equipment (up to 32kgs). 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 interest in order to develop meaningful curricula. Entering the program without these abilities may result in unsuccessful field placements and students who are unsuccessful in placements are not eligible to graduate.
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.
Code:
ENL7777
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM7410
Course Name:
Observation Skills
Course Description:
Observations are used by educators to identify children's skills, capabilities and interests. They are also used to determine the effectiven... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FAM7411
Course Name:
Preparation for Placement
Course Description:
The ability to understand and reflect on professional roles and responsibilities in the early learning sector is important for a student edu... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
FAM7412
Course Name:
Introduction to Curriculum
Course Description:
As professionals, early childhood educators plan, implement and evaluate play-based curriculum. Students explore a variety of factors that i... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FAM7413
Course Name:
Health and Wellness for Children
Course Description:
Creating environments where children can safely explore and learn is an essential aspect of the ECE profession. Students are introduced to t... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FAM7414
Course Name:
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Course Description:
Early Childhood educators are professionals who require a strong foundation in the history and philosophy of early childhood education in Ca... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
FAM7415
Course Name:
Child Development
Course Description:
Professionals working with children and families use knowledge of child development to guide their practice. Students examine physical, lang... + Read More
Hours:
48.0
Code:
FAM7416
Course Name:
Music and Movement Experiences for Children
Course Description:
Music and movement are part of children's daily experiences. In order to support children's learning and development, educators integrate a ... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FAM7417
Course Name:
Creative Art Experiences for Children
Course Description:
Creative artistic exploration allows children to express their thoughts and feelings through a variety of mediums. In order to foster the de... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FAM7419
Course Name:
Practice Teaching I
Course Description:
Practical learning experiences support the integration of theory and professional expectations in a variety of early learning settings. Stud... + Read More
Hours:
87.0
Code:
ENL7778
Course Name:
Communications II
Course Description:
Registered early childhood educators require professional writing skills to produce letters, reports, assessments, guidelines, observations ... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
FAM7420
Course Name:
Psychology of Learning
Course Description:
Students explore how individuals acquire knowledge and skills and how environments influence the learning process. Through examination of di... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
FAM7421
Course Name:
Environments for Young Children
Course Description:
Educators must be able to differentiate and implement essential elements that are characteristic of inclusive early learning environments fo... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
FAM7422
Course Name:
Introduction to Children with Exceptionalities
Course Description:
Educators create respectful, equitable and accessible early learning experiences that facilitate the learning and development of all childre... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
FAM7423
Course Name:
Guiding Children's Behaviour
Course Description:
In early learning settings, the guidance of children's behaviour requires the use of a proactive approach designed to support children's dev... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
FAM7425
Course Name:
Creating an Effective Curriculum
Course Description:
Educators are expected to plan, implement and evaluate play-based curriculum. Students develop the skills necessary to implement the curricu... + Read More
Hours:
30.0
Code:
FAM7426
Course Name:
Seminar for Practice Teaching II
Course Description:
Personal and professional values and beliefs have a significant influence on an early childhood educator's practices. Students start to expl... + Read More
Hours:
14.0
Code:
FAM7428
Course Name:
Practice Teaching II
Course Description:
Practical experience working directly with children and families allows students to broaden and deepen their integration of theory with prof... + Read More
Hours:
168.0
Code:
GED0430
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL7687
Course Name:
Children's Literature
Course Description:
Early exposure to effectively presented, appropriate literature encourages children to develop language, cognitive, emotional, social, and p... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FAM7431
Course Name:
Environments for Kindergarten and School-Age Children
Course Description:
Educators must be able to differentiate and implement essential elements that are characteristic of inclusive early learning environments fo... + Read More
Hours:
45.0
Code:
FAM7432
Course Name:
Math and Science Experiences for Children
Course Description:
To support children's active engagement with math and science, educators must provide learning experiences that facilitate these everyday en... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FAM7433
Course Name:
Language and Emergent Literacy
Course Description:
Language and early literacy skills are foundational for life-long success; therefore, educators must possess the knowledge and skills to cre... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FAM7434
Course Name:
Families and Community
Course Description:
Cultural and demographic changes in Canada have an effect on students working with diverse children, families and communities. Within the hi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM7435
Course Name:
Assessment of Children's Learning
Course Description:
In this course, students apply various techniques of observation, pedagogical documentation and reflection to support children's learning, h... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FAM7437
Course Name:
Professional and Administrative Practices for ECE
Course Description:
Knowledge of effective administrative practices is essential for developing and overseeing early learning and care programs. Students examin... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FAM7438
Course Name:
Practice Teaching III
Course Description:
Students consolidate knowledge and skills gained throughout the ECE program. Guided by the College of ECEs Code of Ethics and Standards of P... + Read More
Hours:
200.0
Code:
FAM7440
Course Name:
Seminar III
Course Description:
Using reflective practice, students examine their knowledge and skills in being ready to practice as an early educator with focus on curricu... + Read More
Hours:
14.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find professional employment opportunities as educators in early learning and care programs (infant, toddler, preschool, school-age), nursery schools, resource and Ontario Early Years Centres, full-day kindergartens, programs run by community health agencies and as home child care advisors. Opportunities in entrepreneurial areas (e.g. marketing of educational toys/books/materials consulting) are emerging.
Graduates are required to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators to be eligible to apply for jobs within the profession.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Create learning contexts to enable, build and maintain caring, responsive relationships in partnerships with children, families and communities that value and respect social, cultural and linguistic diversity including Indigenous peoples` worldviews and Francophone identity.
- Co-create, facilitate and reflect upon inquiry and play-based early years and child care programs and pedagogical approaches to support children`s learning, holistic development and well-being following children`s capabilities, interests, ideas and experiences.
- Co-design and maintain inclusive early learning environments to value and support equitable, accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for all children, their families and communities in a range of early years and child care settings.
- Collaborate with children, families, colleagues, agencies and community partners to create, maintain, evaluate and promote safe and healthy early learning environments to support independence, reasonable risk-taking and healthy development and well-being.
- Use observation strategies to identify children`s strengths and challenges and to ascertain when children and families might benefit from additional support or community resources.
- Use professional communication in interactions with children, families, colleagues, employers, the regulatory body, government authorities and children`s service agencies to meet legal and ethical standards of the early years sector.
- Act in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, agency policies and procedures and principles of evidence-informed practice and reflect upon their impact on one`s own role in early years and child care settings.
- Identify, report and document when a child is in a situation of perceived risk for, or actual neglect or abuse, in accordance with legislation, the College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, policies and procedures.
- Create and engage in partnerships with families, communities, colleagues, inter-disciplinary professionals, authorities and child service agencies to advocate for quality early years and child care programs and services.
- Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning in accordance with principles of lifelong learning, evidence-informed practices in the early years sector and requirements of the College of Early Childhood Educators.
- 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.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books and supplies cost approximately $2,000 and can be purchased in the campus bookstore. These costs include a reasonable estimate for supplies needed for course projects.
- Students are required to travel to placement within Renfrew County and any expenses incurred are the responsibility of the student. Students are responsible for their transportation to and from placement.
- Students may have the option of completing their placement experience outside of Renfrew County. If approved for an out-of-County placement, students will be responsible for their own accommodations and travel arrangements during this placement and for any other associated expenses.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- 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.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Program Code 0430X04FPM
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 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 in the Ottawa Valley
1 College Way
Pembroke, ON K8A 0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Toll-free 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 1-866-620-3845
Fax: 613-735-4739
https://algonquincollege.com/pembroke
Additional Information
Program Resources
This 42-week, non-semestered, full-time day program is offered at the Perth and Pembroke campuses. It is also offered at the Woodroffe campus as a two-year program. While the learning outcomes at the Perth, Pembroke and Woodroffe campuses are the same, the curriculum order and subject delivery are reflective of the local circumstances, which can affect program delivery.
Algonquin College also offers the entire Early Childhood Education program full-time online and on a part-time basis through AC Online. For information, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/online.
PRACTICE TEACHING ELIGIBILITY
Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS):
Successful completion of placement is a requirement for graduation from the Early Childhood Education program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities require you to have a clear PRCSVS. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be eligible to graduate.
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of a current, clear PRCSVS, which will be retained on your department file and used for purposes related to your practice teaching. You must provide the PRCSVS prior to the deadline identified by the department and are responsible for any associated costs.
Immunizations:
Students must provide evidence of full and complete immunizations, including Hepatitis B vaccine and a recent two-step TB test. Algonquin College Health Services will review the student`s record of immunization and provide authorization for entry into practice teaching. Some practice teaching agencies may require the influenza vaccine.
Standard First Aid and CPR-C:
A current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certificate is required prior to placement.
Transportation and Hours:
Students complete three field placements. These placements are assigned by faculty with an emphasis on having students experience different programs during their program of study. Placements are arranged in blocks of three, five and six weeks. Students are responsible for their transportation to and from placement. Hours vary from centre to centre. Students may be starting as early as 6:00 a.m. and ending as late as 6:00 p.m., students are expected to follow the daily schedule of their onsite supervisor.
Academics Links:
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Ontario College Diploma program may choose to pursue further education through articulation agreements with the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.