Heritage Institute (Perth)

Our Program

This 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 play-based curriculums for children from birth to age 12. Students in the program benefit from opportunities to observe the application of best practices in the community setting and to apply their knowledge in real-world settings as they participate in field placements.

This is a mobile learning program which engages students in a collaborative, elearning environment which helps them become skilled, confident users of the technology they are expected to use in the workplace. Students are required to supply and use a laptop computer that meets minimum hardware and software specifications as outlined at http://mlearning.algonquincollege.com . Computers and supplies can be purchased directly from Algonquin's New Technology Store at educational rates.



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.

ECE is a physically demanding profession. Individuals entering this profession must be able to lift children, materials and equipment and to move quickly between areas in the room and outside in order to ensure children's safety.
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Your Career

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program may find work in early learning and care programs (infant, toddler and preschool), nursery schools, full day 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 will be required to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators to be eligible to apply to many jobs in the profession.

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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
ENL9212	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
FAM9600	Observation Skills Observing in early learning and care environments is crucial in determining abilities, interests, and needs both of the children and the program. It is with this information that developmentally appropriate curriculum is developed. In this theory-based course, students examine observational techniques used to assess learning and development within early learning and care programs. Students discover how these tools influence curriculum development.	45.0
FAM9601	Preparation for Field Placement I The ability to share ideas, self-evaluate, and respond positively to constructive feedback are essential when working with colleagues, children and their families. When students grasp the significance of their role and their responsibility to others, they are better able to meet the demands of their field experience. In this course, students prepare to work effectively within various ECE settings. Student activities promote a general knowledge of placement expectations and address ethics, professionalism and management skills in the field placement environment.	60.0
FAM9602	Fostering Creativity in Children Children's creativity is enhanced through investigation. It is the educator's responsibility to cultivate this creativity by providing developmentally appropriate activities that allow the child to freely express their inner self. In this practical course, students examine how drama and art experiences foster children's imagination play. Through hands-on exploration, students use various media to assist them in developing and implementing curriculum plans that support children's creativity.	75.0
FAM9603	Foundations of Early Childhood Education In order to appreciate how early learning and care has evolved over the years, it is necessary to examine the historical evolution of child rearing practices. Through changes in family composition and individual needs, families have to carefully select their child care arrangements. In this theory course, students examine the history and development of the early childhood education movement. Through presentations, discussions and learning activities students look at the effect of legislative and regulatory bodies, social policy, current trends and funding. Students also consider the function and suitability of various learning programs for diverse families.	60.0
FAM9604	Child Development and Guidance Knowledge of how the child develops is fundamental to guiding children in their daily experiences in an early learning and care environment. In this theory-based course, students examine the sequence of typical development in children (0-12 years of age) and how typical development influences environments, programming, and interactions in early learning and care programs. Students also examine techniques and strategies used to provide positive behaviour guidance to children.	75.0
FAM9605	Music and Movement Music surrounds us in our daily lives and movement is a natural occurrence. The exposure to a variety of musical and movement experiences is vital in promoting healthy development. In this course, students explore the pedagogical value of music and movement in early learning and care environments. Students actively participate in musical and physical activities/games that can be integrated into all early learning and care settings.	60.0
FAM9606	Practice Teaching I In this practical course, students experience an early learning and care program first hand. Using observations, students practise organizing routines and transitions. With guidance from their field supervisor, students can implement experiences that support children's learning.	91.0

Level: 02		Hours
ENL9610	Children's Literature This course is an introduction to the standards and criteria for selecting age appropriate children's books. It examines how books, together with effective presentation methods, related activities and props, can be used by preschool teachers to enhance language and vocabulary, to elicit enjoyment and to promote problem-solving skills. Prerequisites: ENL9212	40.0
FAM9610	Health and Wellness for Children As children explore their surroundings though hands-on experiences, it is essential that they are safe. Through discussions, case studies, and learning activities, students examine ways to determine if the environment is safe and what steps to take if the child is at risk. Students learn how to recognize the signs of child maltreatment and how to follow protocol. Students also examine legislation regarding health, nutrition, and safety requirements in early learning and care programs. Prerequisites: FAM9600 and FAM9603	45.0
FAM9611	Psychology of Learning In this theory course, students examine a variety of developmental and learning theories with an emphasis on identifying how research and theories help to explain children's learning, and support best practices in early learning and care programs.	40.0
FAM9612	Preparation for Field Placement II Through practical experience in early learning and care programs the student is given the opportunity to apply what is taught in the classroom. In this course, students carry on developing skills needed to work effectively within various ECE settings. Students focus on professionalism, time management, child guidance and curriculum development, the skills needed in their next field placement situation. Prerequisites: FAM9601 and FAM9606	20.0
FAM9613	Practice Teaching II In this course, students continue with the application of knowledge and skills to real-world contexts. Working at a practice level, within an early learning environment, the student guides children through the day with minimal support from their field supervisor. Students practise implementing curriculum that facilitates all children's learning and needs. Students reflect on their performance in field placement and determine strategies to meet any challenges that they are experiencing as they offer support to fellow students through active listening and by providing concrete suggestions. Prerequisites: FAM9606 and FAM9610 and FAM9612 and FAM9614 and FAM9615	175.0
FAM9614	Environments and Curriculum Design Depending on the needs of the family, children might spend up to 10 hours a day in an early learning and care program. With this in mind, it is essential that the design of the environment and the implementation of the curriculum promote learning. The program must meet the developmental needs of the children as it addresses family expectations. In this course, students explore best practices within early learning and care programs. Students examine the influence of children's ages, individual needs and family background on routines, environments and curriculum development. Students also look at the different kinds of spaces where programs are offered. Prerequisites: ENL9212 and FAM9600 and FAM9603 and FAM9604	50.0
FAM9615	Introduction to Children with Exceptionalities Early learning and care programs should be inclusive and endeavour to meet the unique needs of each child. In this course, students explore causes of various disabilities and examine the concept of inclusive education. Students look at how working collaboratively with families and other professionals is an important element to the success of inclusion. Focus is placed on adapting the physical environment, as well as curriculum in order to ensure the program is truly inclusive. Prerequisites: ENL9212 and FAM9600 and FAM9604	40.0

Choose one from equivalencies:		Hours
GED2430	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: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or 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 PSI0003 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003	45.0

Level: 03		Hours
FAM9620	Professional and Administrative Practices in Early Childhood Education All successful early learning and care programs need managers who value and respect the needs of both families and staff. In this theory course, students consider the different types of administration used in various early learning and care settings. Students also identify skills required for job recruitment. Special attention is paid to professionalism and advocacy as it relates to the field of early childhood education. Prerequisites: FAM9613	36.0
FAM9621	Assessment of Children's Learning In this course, students make summative and formative assessments of children's growth, development, knowledge, skills, and interests through familiarity with observations, development and curriculum. Students also examine effective methods to communicate this information to others. In addition, students practise the assessment skills required to create effective curriculum for both groups and individual children. Prerequisites: FAM9611 and FAM9613 and FAM9614 and FAM9615	45.0
FAM9622	Practice Teaching III In this course, students apply knowledge and skills to a real-world context. Working at the level of a graduate, within an early learning environment, the student guides children throughout the day. The student is also responsible for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum. Students reflect on their performance in field placement and determine strategies to meet challenges, to enhance their own performance, and to facilitate the reflection and problem solving of fellow students. Students recognize the importance of advocacy in the early childhood education profession. Prerequisites: FAM9613 and FAM9620 and FAM9621 and FAM9623 and FAM9624 and FAM9625	210.0
FAM9623	Preparation for Field Placement III Through extended practical experience in early learning and care programs the student is given the opportunity to apply what is taught in the classroom. In this course, students carry on developing skills needed to work effectively within various ECE settings. Students focus on professionalism, time management, child guidance and curriculum development, skills needed in their next field placement situation. Prerequisites: FAM9612 and FAM9613	20.0
FAM9624	Creating an Effective Curriculum The design and implementation of curriculum is based on a thorough understanding of child development and how observations can be used to identify individual and group needs. In this course, students examine curriculum approaches that reflect best practices. Along with implementing effective curriculum approaches, students examine strategies to enhance best practices within traditional curriculum. Prerequisites: FAM9611 and FAM9613 and FAM9614 and FAM9615	45.0
FAM9625	Language Arts Children acquire language concepts through their environment. Early learning and care programs should provide opportunities for children to hypothesize through hands-on experiences. In this theory course, students examine the development of language and the emergence of literacy concepts in children. In addition, students explore how science is everywhere in children's lives. Students examine the various methods they can use to facilitate the development of these ideas in early learning and care programs. Prerequisites: FAM9611 and FAM9613 and FAM9615	45.0
FAM9626	Families and Community This course expands the student's appreciation of the diversity within society and promotes their ability to work effectively with children, families, and colleagues in a variety of early learning and care programs. Prerequisites: FAM9613	36.0

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Fees & Expenses

Approximate Program Costs

Tuition/Fees: $ 6,272
Books/Supplies: $ 3,100
Incidental Fees: $ 0
Total: $ 9,372



Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $1,612.40 per term.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Mobile Computing Fee: $150 per term. **

Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. ***

A $35 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/services/it_fee.htm

** The Mobile Computing Fee covers the costs associated with providing various services to students registered in mandatory laptop programs.

*** 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 $3,100 and can be purchased in the campus bookstore. These costs include a reasonable estimate for course project supplies.

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Admission Requirements  2012/20132011/2012

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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

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at 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
Heritage Institute
7 Craig Street
Perth, ON K7H 1X7
Telephone: 613-267-2859
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723

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Additional Information

This Full-time day program is offered on the Perth, Pembroke and Woodroffe Campuses. It is also offered on a part-time basis on the Woodroffe
Campus. 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 affect program delivery.

Academic 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, contact the Perth Campus at 613-267-2859 or
perth@algonquincollege.com.

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