Program Description
Students in this program earn both an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Studies, and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. This four-year program focuses on the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of young children and their interaction with the world around them. Students will learn to assess children’s learning; support and educate children in a meaningful way; understand how to create interventions; and know how to work with children in a variety of settings.
The first year of study introduces students to the domains of child development and theories and foundations of early childhood. In their second year, students learn the basics of human anatomy and physiology; how to create curriculum; observation and research skills; dynamics of relationships; and how biases impact interactions with children and families. In their third and fourth years, students learn how to develop curriculum in educational and therapeutic settings. The curriculum includes children with special needs, infant and children's mental health, therapeutic play and interprofessional collaboration. Communication with children and families is a focus for this third year. And their fourth year emphasizes professional skills such as leadership and working collaboratively.
Students in this program will gain up to 800 hours of workplace experience:
- Year 1, Winter: Job shadowing will help introduce students to early learning and care settings.
- Year 2, Winter: Students experience an early learning and care setting.
- Year 3, Fall: Students participate in a placement related to inclusion and special needs.
- Year 3, Winter: Students gain knowledge in community-based organizations.
- Year 4, Fall and Winter: Students select a year-long setting tailored to their career aspirations and knowledge base.
