The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Algonquin College provides students with hundreds of hours of workplace experiences, allowing them to expand their knowledge base through daily interaction with children and other ECE professionals. This project-based program requires students to take what they are taught in the classroom and apply it to a real-life setting where children are at the centre of everything they do.
- Ontario College Diploma
- 2 Years
- Program Code:
- 0430X01FPM
- Academic Year:
- 2012/2013
Our Program
This two-year Ontario College Diploma program prepares students to become educators of young children in a variety of early learning settings. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with families and other professionals to support children's learning and development. It emphasizes the development of inclusive curriculums for children from birth to age 12. Students in the program benefit from opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings as they participate in field placements.
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.
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Your Career
Upon graduation, students are required to register with the College of Early Childhood Education. Graduates may find work in early learning and care programs (infant, toddler and preschool), nursery schools, kindergarten/school-age programs (before and after school), resource and Ontario Early Years centres, home child care, programs offered through community health agencies and in schools as educational assistants.
Opportunities in entrepreneurial areas (e.g. involvement in marketing of educational toys/books/materials, child care consulting) are emerging.
Graduates may also find work in schools as part of the Early Learning program's teaching team.
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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 online 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.| Level: 01 | Hours | |
| ENL7777 | Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. | 45.0 |
| FAM7641 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education Students explore the scope of early childhood education. They are introduced to the concept of the whole child and the components of high quality care for young children. They become familiar with legislation about early learners. The history of early childhood education is explored, as well as the various philosophical approaches in inclusive ECE settings. | 60.0 |
| FAM7665 | Child Development I An examination of the developmental processes from conception to six years of age is provided. Emphasis is placed on physical, perceptual/cognitive and socio-emotional development. Students become familiar with the ELECT document. | 45.0 |
| FAM7675 | Preparation for Practice Teaching Students prepare for their first teaching experiences. They describe methods of promoting proper nutrition, health, and safety for children within a group setting. Students become aware of themselves as part of the teaching team by reflecting on their skills necessary to meet the children's needs. Students are also introduced to effective child guidance techniques. Co-requisites: FAM7676 | 45.0 |
| FAM7676 | Creativity in Early Childhood Education Students use the developmental tasks of childhood to plan, implement and evaluate a quality program that promotes creativity. Students work as part of a team to select, organize, and set-up art, music and drama activities using materials for inclusive day nursery settings. Students also use developmentally appropriate techniques with children to encourage maximum participation and creative expression. Co-requisites: FAM7675 | 30.0 |
| Choose one from equivalencies: | Hours | |
| GED1430 | General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ENL7643 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED1896 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED5009 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PRL7532 or PSI1702 or PSY7603 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or PSI0003 or ARC9001 | 45.0 |
| Level: 02 | Hours | |
| ENL7778 | Communications II This course develops and refines applied communication skills including writing, speaking, reading, listening, documenting, and synthesizing information and using technology to communicate effectively. Prerequisites: ENL7777 | 45.0 |
| FAM7628 | Seminar I Students reflect on their placement experiences and examine profession-related issues. They provide support for each other using effective communication techniques and use problem-solving techniques to address concerns. As well, students document their field work experience. Prerequisites: FAM7675 and FAM7676 Co-requisites: FAM7655 and FAM7683 | 37.5 |
| FAM7655 | Teaching Practicum I Students are placed in a day nursery or preschool setting. The focus is placed on students developing warm and nurturing relationships with the children. Students learn to manage a group of children during free play, transitions and routines. Students must plan play activities in the various centres in the room. Prerequisites: FAM7641 and FAM7665 Co-requisites: FAM7628 | 150.0 |
| FAM7666 | Child Development II Developmental processes from age six to 12 years of age are examined. Emphasis is placed on physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development. Students become familiar with the school age section of the ELECT document. Students also examine their role in reporting child abuse. Prerequisites: FAM7665 | 45.0 |
| FAM7682 | Observing Children Students acknowledge the important role observation plays in the programming process and the need for objectivity when observing. Students observe children using various observation tools and strategies and analyze the data and compare the strategies. They critique the use of standardized tests/assessments in observing children and learning environments. Prerequisites: FAM7665 Co-requisites: FAM7628 and FAM7655 | 30.0 |
| FAM7683 | Learning Through Play Students examine the importance of play to children and look at the relationship between playing and learning. The concept of planning from a multicultural perspective is introduced. Students examine the many facets involved in creating and supervising centre-based activity centres. Students discuss the components of effective transitions, routines and schedules. Students also examine the teacher's role in providing child guidance. Prerequisites: FAM7641 | 60.0 |
| Level: 03 | Hours | |
| FAM7629 | Seminar II Students reflect on their placement experiences and examine profession-related issues using problem-solving skills. They also support and critique their peers' teaching styles, as well as document their field work experiences. Prerequisites: FAM7628 Co-requisites: FAM7643 and FAM7656 | 37.5 |
| FAM7643 | Planning the Preschool Curriculum Students explain the components of the preschool curriculum. They identify the developmental tasks for preschool children and use these to plan developmentally appropriate pre-math, literacy, science, social studies, language and gross motor activities for an inclusive multicultural early learning setting. Students explore both the ELECT and the EL-K documents. Prerequisites: FAM7665 and FAM7682 and FAM7683 Co-requisites: FAM7629 and FAM7656 | 60.0 |
| FAM7656 | Teaching Practicum II Students are placed in a day nursery or preschool setting. The focus is placed on program planning. Students work as part of the teaching team using effective communication. Students must also consistently take on the role of a warm and nurturing teacher within the teaching team. Prerequisites: FAM7655 and FAM7682 Co-requisites: FAM7629 | 150.0 |
| FAM7672 | Child, Family and Community Resources The historical and contemporary vision of the family in our Canadian multicultural society is explored. Changing family structures and the relationships between parent and child are presented within the context of current issues facing the family. Students examine the concept of the social safety net for families. Representatives from community agencies present the scope of their service to the students. | 45.0 |
| FAM7684 | Developing Family Centred Plans Students reflect on how legislation, societal beliefs and fiscal realities are shaping current policy and practices for children with special needs. They explore various causes and characteristics of specific conditions and are introduced to behaviour modification. Students learn how to successfully include all children in ECE settings and develop family-centred plans for children with special needs using a standardized assessment tool. Prerequisites: FAM7666 and FAM7682 and FAM7683 | 45.0 |
| Level: 04 | Hours | |
| ENL7687 | Children's Literature We explore a variety of literature available for children. We examine the historical evolution and features of children's literature in order to develop a critical awareness of both the text and illustrations. We discuss various genres and the diverse literature currently available for preschool and school age children, and we explore strategies that can bring together children and good books. Prerequisites: ENL7777 | 45.0 |
| FAM7654 | Preparation for Work in the Field of Early Childhood Education Students prepare for the workforce by writing resumes, cover letters and by discussing job search techniques. They also prepare for their placement and document their field work experiences. Prerequisites: FAM7629 and FAM7643 and FAM7684 Co-requisites: FAM7657 | 10.0 |
| FAM7657 | Teaching Practicum III Students complete field work experience in a preschool program in Ontario (outside Renfrew County). Students assume the teacher's role in the childcare setting and become fully involved in all aspects of the program. Students also reflect on and discuss their teaching experiences. Prerequisites: FAM7656 Co-requisites: FAM7654 | 210.0 |
| FAM7690 | Designing the Infant/Toddler Curriculum Students explain the components of the infant/toddler curriculum based on legislation for early learners. Students use the developmental tasks of infancy and toddlerhood to plan activities that fit into the schedules, routines and room designs for both infants and toddlers. Various techniques used in handling infant/toddler behaviour are examined. Prerequisites: FAM7665 and FAM7682 and FAM7683 | 36.0 |
| FAM7692 | Designing the School Age Curriculum Students explain the components of the school-age curriculum based on provincial legislation. Students use the developmental tasks of middle childhood to plan activities that fit into the schedule, routines and room design of a school-age program. Various behaviour management tools used with this age group are examined. Prerequisites: FAM7666 and FAM7682 and FAM7683 | 36.0 |
| FAM7694 | Management of Childcare Services Students focus on the roles and responsibilities related to the administration of inclusive early learning programs based on legislation for early learners. They examine policies and procedures, such as occupational health and safety, staffing, budgeting and labour laws which promote high quality care in childcare. Prerequisites: FAM7641 and FAM7675 | 27.0 |
| FAM7695 | The Professional Educator Students examine the framework of ethical and professional standards for early childhood educators. Students explore the partnerships early childhood educators have with the teachers in EL-K programs, as well as relationships with parents. They investigate their advocacy role on behalf of children and the profession and examine their personal teaching philosophy. Prerequisites: FAM7629 and FAM7656 | 18.0 |
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Fees & Expenses
Tuition Fees: $1,266.75 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $1,260.69 per term in Levels 03 and 04.
Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *
Incidental Fees: $35 in Level 01.
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $200.50 per term.
Student Commons/Auditorium Fee: $22 per term.
Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.
Health Service Fee: $20 per term.
Health Plan Fee: $117.02 paid once annually. **
A $40 graduation fee is payable in the final term.
A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.
International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.
* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/support/IT-Fee/index-it-fee.htm
** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the request. This request will have to be made annually.
Books and supplies cost approximately $1,600 in first year and $1,500 in second year and can be purchased in the campus bookstore. These costs include a reasonable estimate for supplies needed for course projects.
In Levels 02 and 03 of the Pembroke program, 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.
In Level 04, placement experiences are outside of Renfrew County. This is a five-week placement in a daycare centre. Students are responsible for their own accommodations and travel arrangements during this placement and for any expenses related to this placement.
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Admission 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 $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- First Aid certification is required prior to participation in the lab and must be valid upon graduation. Accepted applicants must complete a Health Assessment form and submit an Immunization form prior to program registration.
Police Records Check Documentation:
Successful completion of field placement is a requirement for graduation from the Early Childhood Education program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. 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.
Field Placement Eligibility:
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of a clear PRCSVS, which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement. You will be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.
It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your Department and to pay any associated costs. It may take a long time to obtain this documentation; please submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, contact the Program Chair.
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Application Information
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
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca A $95 fee applies.
Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring 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 applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
315 Pembroke Street East
Pembroke, ON K8A 3K2
Telephone: 613-735-4700 ext. 2708
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
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Additional Information
This Full-time day program is also offered on the Perth and Woodroffe Campuses. It is also offered on a part-time basis on the Woodroffe Campus. While the learning outcomes at the Pembroke, Perth and Woodroffe Campuses are the same, the curriculum order and subject delivery are reflective of local circumstances which affect program delivery.
Academics Links
After graduation, you can continue your education at university. Your Ontario College Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Algonquin College can be used for credits towards a degree at Carleton University and other postsecondary institutions. Algonquin College also has an articulation agreement with the University of Ottawa.
For more information, please contact Donna Winacott, Program Coordinator, at 613-735-4700 ext. 2727 or winacot@algonquincollege.com.
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