Early childhood educators 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: College lab school, 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 (ECEs) may find employment in privately and municipally operated daycare centres, nursery schools, programs in agencies or recreation departments, toy-lending libraries, college day care labs, friendship centres, Ontario Early Years centres, family resource centres, early learning and literacy programs, and hospital playrooms. Graduates may also work as home child care providers as part of home child care agencies, or as special needs resource workers.

With experience and additional studies, ECEs may become supervisors, home visitors with a licensed home childcare agency, or administrators with government agencies.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, M, 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.

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 C).
• Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
• WHMIS Certificate (may be obtained at a minimal cost through the College)
• A recent criminal reference check –Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC) - (within 3 months) 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, 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 theory and lab course work must be successfully completed prior to field work placements.

A passing grade of 60% is required for all Human Services core courses and electives. To succeed in this program, students must be highly motivated, highly committed and 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 I
AA3001 Field Work Preparation
CM1903-B Communications I
EC1001 Fieldwork Seminar
EC1010 Field Work Practicum I
EC1023 Principles of Child Care
EC1033 Methods of Child Care
EC1113 Creative Arts Workshop I
EC3003 School Age Programming
EC4024 Children with Exceptionalities

Semester II
AA2063 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
CM2913-B Communications II
DS4063 Health and Nutrition
EC2001 Fieldwork (1 day/week)
EC2021 Field Work Practicum II
EC2036 Methods of Child Care II
EC2143 Creative Arts Workshop II
PS1003 Understanding the Child'br> SW2004 Sociology of the Family

Semester III
CM3033 Report Writing
EC3022 Field Work Practicum III
EC3036 Methods of Child Care III
EC3053 Creative Arts Workshop III
EC4016 Child Care Administration
EC4023 Infant Toddler Programming
PS1053 Introduction to Social Psychology

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

For program information:
Des Quinn
Program Coordinator
705-235-3211 ext. 2258
quinnd@northern.on.ca