Academic Calendar 2024/25

Early Childhood Education


English language proficiency requirements

Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the English language entrance proficiency requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the University Foundations program with lower levels of language proficiency.

Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.

ECE 100

3 credits

Human Development I

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education certificate, or department head’s permission.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

Focuses on the methods used by psychologists and educators in learning more about children. Introduces students to the major theories of human development, cognitive and social-emotional development from conception through the age of five.

ECE 101

3 credits

Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education certificate, or department head’s permission.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

Introduces students to the history and philosophies of the ECE field. The legal and social contexts of ECE are examined, as well as a variety of programs and learning environments for groups of young children.

ECE 102

3 credits

Introduction to Early Childhood Guidance

Prerequisite(s): ECE 100 and ECE 103, or department head’s permission.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Introduces the philosophies of the ECE field as they relate to child guidance. Focuses on the role of early childhood educators in guiding and caring for young children in group settings.

ECE 103

3 credits

Observing and Recording Development of Young Children

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education certificate, or department head’s permission.

Corequisite(s): None

Pre- or corequisite(s): None

Introduces students to the skill of observing and recording the development of young children. Covers various types of recording techniques for observing the children’s social, play, language, motor, and cognitive development.

ECE 120

3 credits

Human Development II

Prerequisite(s): ECE 100.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Focuses on physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development of children, ages six to eighteen, with an emphasis on theory and current research.

ECE 122

6 credits

Introductory Practicum

Prerequisite(s): ECE 100, ECE 101, ECE 102, ECE 103, ECE 120, and ECE 132.

Corequisite(s): ECE 123, ECE 124, and ECE 125.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Through selected field site practicum placements and seminars, participants will put ECE theories into practice, document their experiences, and plan and evaluate their learning. This will be done co-operatively with sponsor supervisors, the instructor, and seminar colleagues.

Note: Students will require a provincial CYC Schedule B criminal record check (work with children and vulnerable adults).

ECE 123

1.5 credits

Art in Early Childhood Education

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education certificate and ECE 120.

Corequisite(s): ECE 122 and ECE 125.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Explores the concept of the young child as an artist. As students develop an understanding of creativity as individual expression, they will become increasingly aware of the connection between children and their practice of art. The students’ appreciation of art as an integral part of programming will contribute to their ability to implement aesthetic and sensory experiences appropriate to the developing child.

ECE 124

3 credits

Music in Early Childhood Education

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education certificate and ECE 120.

Corequisite(s): ECE 122 and ECE 125.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Designed to promote personal growth in awareness, appreciation, and enjoyment of music. Includes an overview of music as it relates to children’s concepts including timbre, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, and melody. Students will have the opportunity to explore theory and application in the areas of singing, instruments, movement, and listening.

ECE 125

3 credits

Early Childhood Programs

Prerequisite(s): ECE 100, ECE 101, ECE 102, ECE 103, ECE 120, and ECE 132.

Corequisite(s): ECE 122, ECE 123, and ECE 124

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Explores the theory and practice of creating effective learning/caring programs for children through goal-setting, preparation, implementation, and evaluation.

ECE 130

3 credits

Presenting Literature to Children

Prerequisite(s): ECE 122, ECE 123, ECE 124, and ECE 125.

Corequisite(s): ECE 133 and ECE 135.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

An experiential examination of a number of methods of helping young children enjoy literature. Topics include the history of children’s literature, storytelling, puppetry, poetry, creative drama, and play acting.

ECE 132

3 credits

Nutrition, Health, and Safety

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education certificate or permission of the department head.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Comprehensive overview of the health, safety, and nutritional needs of young children. Emphasis is on the development and implementation of policies and practices that promote the well-being of children and early childhood educators. Explores community resources available to support the nutritional and health needs of young children, including the Ministry of Health requirements, planning for safety, emergency procedures, and childhood illnesses.

ECE 133

6 credits

Advanced Practicum in ECE

Prerequisite(s): ECE 122 and ECE 125.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): ECE 130 and ECE 135.

An advanced practicum that provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge of theories and methods in ECE and to extend their practice and competencies, demonstrating leadership in early childhood settings.

ECE 135

3 credits

Curriculum Development in Early Childhood Education

Prerequisite(s): ECE 122 and ECE 125.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

An experiential workshop course focusing on the relevant factors affecting curriculum planning for groups of preschool children, with a focus on science, math, and social studies.

ECE 160

3 credits

Introduction to Disabilities

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Health and Human Services certificate.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course introduces the student to specific disabilities and explores how these disabilities affect their family, social, and educational development. Students will explore the impact of disability on individuals throughout their lifespan.

ECE 213

3 credits

Neurodiversity and Development

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

An introduction to the development of children with diverse abilities. A variety of diverse abilities will be examined in depth, with consideration on how the emotional, social, cognitive, motor, and communication development are affected by the specific neurodiversity.

ECE 223

3 credits

Administration of Childhood Centers

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Designed for preschool/daycare center supervisors and/or potential administrators. Emphasis is on developing sound program management and fiscal management skills, with a focus on interpersonal relationships. Students are introduced to the responsibilities of an administrator in terms of setting up and/or maintaining an ongoing program in different types of early childhood centres.

ECE 224

3 credits

Working with Families

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Examines the principles of family-centred practice in working with children and families. Both historical and contemporary perspectives will be explored. Includes a review of theoretical underpinnings, while emphasizing practical application of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to build collaborative partnerships with families and professionals in the field of early childhood education.

ECE 242

6 credits

Practicum: Special Needs

Prerequisite(s): ECE 213, ECE 260, and admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma; or department head’s permission.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This practicum will allow students to work directly with children who require extra support. Working with children in a variety of settings, this practicum promotes skill acquisition and integration of theory into practice. Students must be available in regular daytime work hours for practicum.

ECE 243

6 credits

Practicum: Infant and Toddler Specialization

Prerequisite(s): ECE 213, ECE 269, and admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): ECE 282.

This course is based on the application of theory to develop a culturally responsive, respectful, and environment for infants and toddlers. Emphasis is on applying theory to practice to meet the requirements for childcare licensing and regulations for a safe and healthy environment. Students must be prepared to be available for regular daytime work hours for practicum.

ECE 260

3 credits

Foundations of Working with Exceptional Children

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma, or department head’s permission.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course is designed to help students understand present practices in early childhood special education. The history of the education and care of exceptional children will be investigated. Definitions of exceptionality will be explored, including giftedness. The intent of this course is to lead students to a personal philosophical statement of principles and rights of the exceptional child.

ECE 269

3 credits

Responsive Infant Caregiving

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Examines methods of infant and toddler caregiving and the interconnectedness between culture and development, including an overview of the development of philosophies of infant and toddler care. Historical practices and their influence on current practice will be considered. The context of the family-centered care model and contemporary pressures on families will also be reviewed.

Note: Field trips to various centres provide an opportunity to observe and reflect on the principles of respectful caregiving.

ECE 281

3 credits

Programming for Special Needs

Prerequisite(s): ECE 213, ECE 260, and admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma; or department head’s permission.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course utilizes a solution-focused approach. It addresses programming needs of exceptional children in preschools, daycare centers, kindergartens, and after-school programs.

ECE 282

3 credits

Programming for Infants and Toddlers

Prerequisite(s): ECE 213, ECE 269, and admission to Early Childhood Education diploma.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Examines the theory and practice of infant and toddler care, including the roles and routines of respectful and responsive infant/toddler caregiving relationships and strategies to promote optimal development.

ECE 291

1.5 credits

Current Developments in ECE I

Prerequisite(s): None

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

A selection of current topics are addressed in workshop or mini-course format or as summer institutes. This course may be taken more than once for credit, provided the course content is different from that previously taken.

ECE 298

3 credits

Directed Studies in ECE I

Prerequisite(s): None

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course provides students opportunities to work on research projects, directed readings, or additional course work in a specified area.

ECE 299

1.5 credits

Directed Studies in ECE II

Prerequisite(s): None

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

This course provides students opportunities to work on research projects, directed readings, or additional course work in a specified area.

Last updated: May 14, 2024

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