Early Childhood Education Program

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Early Childhood Education Diploma Program
640 Hours Work Placement (practicum) experience
Become a Early Childhood Educator

Developed with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education, this program teaches both theoretical and practical experience necessary to assist in all aspects of creating and sustaining childcare programs for families and the community.
Be prepared for employment in the field of child care, work within child care centres, pre-school programs and family child care environments.

Professional Development Courses Now Available.
Contact us for more information 902-564-6112

Program Description
The Early Childhood Education program was developed to meet the training standards of the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Department and is designed to provide opportunities for participants to develop the basic knowledge, skills, practical experience, and values necessary to work with children and their families, in child care centres, pre-school programs and family child care. Theory and practice are reinforced in our on-site child care centre (lab).
The Early Childhood Education program promotes readiness for employment in the community by developing the student?s abilities and initiative in creating and sustaining programs and strategies for children and their families.
The practical application of learning is intrinsic to the program and its participants. Students will be learning and working in the community throughout the program. Classroom learning and sharing will prepare students for work experience.
Graduates are qualified for employment in early childhood settings such as, child care centres, pre-schools, pre-primary programs and family child care.

Program Duration:
900 hours of in-class instruction
600 hours of work place (practicum) experience
Course of study will include the following:
Communication Studies for Early Childhood Educators
Child Development: Pre-Birth ? 5 Years
Introduction to Early Childhood Education Practice
Curriculum and Program Planning for Early Childhood Education
Play-Based Pedagogy: Infancy ? 5 Years
Responsive and Respectful Child Guidance
Health, Safety and Nutrition
Historical Foundations and Contemporary Perspectives in Early Childhood Education
Valuing Diversity in Early Childhood Education
Observation in Early Childhood Education
Child Development: 6 ? 12 years
Pedagogical Documentation in Early Childhood Education
Play-based Pedagory: 6-12 Years
Family-Centred Early Childhood Education
Advanced Inclusive Early Childhood Education
Research Literacy
Professional Development in Early Childhood Education
Infants and Toddlers: Responsive Interactions and Program Development
Physically active and Nature-Based Play
Program Administration and Management

Practicums:
Students must complete sixteen (16) weeks of work placement experience (practicums). Practicums will be divided over four periods within the program, in various childcare settings in the community. Each Placement will be four weeks in length.
Entrance Requirements:
The entrance requirements for this program are Grade 12, GED, or minimum Wonderlic (14) cut score, and a clear Criminal Record/ Vulnerable Sector Check, clear Child Abuse Registry Check and 2 reference letters.
Relevant certifications acquired during this program include:
Standard First Aid
CPR Level C
WHMIS/Occupational Health & Safety
Food Handlers
Starts September