Early Childhood Educators (ECE’s) are professionals who are part of a multidisciplinary team that may include behavioural therapists, speech pathologists, consultants, parents and school representatives. They assist children to make a successful transition to, and integration into the school system.

In addition to working with infants and children up to 12 years old, Early Childhood Educators will also be part of a team and expected to work in a professional and competent manner with staff, parents, and community members. Graduates require good communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as sound judgment.

Besides planning and conducting the regular routines of the day, students will have the opportunity to observe children to determine their present skill level in each developmental area. Students will research, plan, carry out and evaluate a full range of program and curriculum activities designed to help each child reach his/her full developmental potential.

A distinct feature of the program is the opportunity it offers students to gain practical work experience in a variety of settings: day care centres, nursery schools, parent resource centres, toy-lending libraries, junior and senior kindergartens, and before- and after-school programs throughout the community.

Employment Opportunities

Early Childhood Educators/ECE's may find employment in daycare centres, nursery schools, agencies or recreation departments, toy-lending libraries, college day care labs, friendship centres,Ontario Early Years Centres, family resource centres, early learning literacy programs, hospital play rooms and Full-day early learning programs in JK/SK classrooms.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, U) (Minimum 60% GPA required)

Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets), web search engines and e-mail systems. Students may assess whether or not they meet the computer proficiency expectations for this program by taking the free online assessment at www.northernc.on.ca/admissions/tool.html.

Or equivalent.

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program and demonstrate equivalency with admission English requirement. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Post-Secondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Additional Admissions Requirements

Other Requirements for Admission to Field Work Placement

• Physician’s medical report as per guide supplied by the College
• Proof of current immunization*, including Hepatitis B; 2-step Mantoux (with follow-up chest x-ray if the Mantoux test is positive), measles, rubella, DPT
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate (C.P.R. - Level B).
• Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
• WHMIS Certificate (may be obtained at a minimal cost through the College)
• A recent criminal reference check – (within 1 month) is • required prior to the start of classes in September.***

* Note: Students who do not comply with the immunization requirements may not be allowed into the field work settings and as such may not be able to complete the placements and practicums required for graduation from the program.

**Note: CPR re-certification, WHMIS, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. Students will not be allowed on placement lab component if documentation is not completed.

***Note: To be eligible for participation in field work practice, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which that person has not been pardoned. An unpardoned criminal record will result in inability to participate in fieldwork practice courses and will prevent the student from graduating.

Note: Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the applicant.

It is important to note that this program requires a field work component. While the intent is for placements to be arranged in the student’s own community, when this is not possible, alternate communities will need to be considered. Students are responsible for the costs of travel to and from field work placement sites, parking costs, etc. A dress code is in effect during all lab practice sessions and during the field work component of the programs. All course work must be successfully completed prior to field work placements.

A passing grade of 60% is required for all Community Services program courses and electives. To succeed in this program, students must be highly motivated, highly committed as well as physically and mentally fit.

Post-acceptance into the program, a questionnaire outlining previous experience, volunteer activities and interests must be completed and returned to the College.

Program of Studies

Semester 1
AA3001 Fieldwork Preparation
CM1913 Communications I – Module B
DS2053 Supporting the Instructional Process I
DS3023 Working with Families & Teams
EC1023 Principles of Child Care
EC1033 Methods of Child Care
EC1053 School Age Environment
EC4024 Children with Exceptionalities (3)
HS1022 Community Services 1st Yr Orientation
PS1163 Developmental Psychology

Semester 2
AA2063 Autism Spectrum Disorders
CM2913 Communications II – Module B
DS2033 Behavioural Support
DS4063 Health & Nutrition
EC2003 Creative Teaching Strategies
EC2013 Creative Arts Workshop
EC2023 Pre-School Environment
EC2033 Working with Diversity
EL2003 Elective

Semester 3
CM3033 Report Writing
EC3022 Fieldwork Practicum III
EC3036 Methods of Child Care III
EC3053 Creative Arts Workshop III
EC4016 Child Care Administration
EC4023 Infant Toddler Programming
PS1053 Intro. to Social Psychology

Semester 4
EC4000 Fieldwork (5 weeks)
EC4001 Fieldwork (5 weeks)
EC4051 Fieldwork (5 weeks)
EC4061 Fieldwork Seminar (1 day/month)