Course Outlines

Philosophy of Early Childhood Care and Education

In this course, students will study the foundations of early childhood care and education. They will explore the historical perspective of the field as well as the theorists and philosophers who have contributed to our understanding of growth and development of young children. In this course I have learned the value of this field and now recognize the history and philosophers who impacted our realizations into our knowledge of growth and development.

Child Growth and Development 1: Conception to 2 Years

Key areas of study including biological and environmental factors influencing growth and development will be examined in this course. Current research on brain development as well as milestones in all developmental areas will also be explored. Emphasis is placed on the importance of nurturing and touch in this stage of development as students explore how caring for an infant's physical needs impacts on his/her development. In addition, students will practice observing and recording behavior and development. This course provided me knowledge into the importance of building infants attachment with the educator. I am now able to recognize how biological and environmental factors influence the growth and development of children.

Interpersonal Communications
In this course, students will study verbal and non-verbal communications with a focus on the work of Dr. William Glasser including Choice Theory as they attempt to understand themselves and others. Students will have the opportunity to explore behavior, motivation, responsibility and accountability.

Child Growth and Development 2: 2 to 6 Years

In this course, students will explore the environmental factors and their effects on a child's development from ages 2 to 6 years. Students will explore the milestones in all developmental areas as well as the theorists who have contributed to our understanding of these areas. Focus will be placed on language, motor development, children's sexuality, and nutrition. Students practice observing, recording and analyzing behavior and development. This course provided me with insight from Piagets influence on cognitive development to Vygotskys contributions which include the zone of proximal development, scaffolding and private speech.

Child Guidance 1: The People, The Place and The Practice

The concepts of guidance and discipline are presented within the framework of child growth and development, developmentally appropriate practice, and constructivist education. Direct and indirect guidance strategies are explored, so that learners can support children's development on the journey towards self-discipline. The methods of discipline, guidance, and punishment are compared. This course was really able to bring to life experiences that are often found in the field when dealing with childrens behavior. I feel it has provided me with the proper tools to fully understand the different guidance strategies and feel confident in my choices.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

This course considers teaching and learning methodologies and how they relate to developmentally appropriate practice. Students will identify the principles of developmentally appropriate practice through an exploration of the "people", the "place", and the "practice". This course really laid the foundation of the importance of understanding what developmentally appropriate practice is and everyone involved. It really helped me to see the importance of setting up environments that encourage healthy cooperation and group participation skills.

Play and the Learning Environment

In this course, students will explore various components of play, investigate their role as a facilitator of play, and consider the connection between play and the learning environment. Students will experience the challenge of creating an environment that will encourage optimal learning for children.

Principles of Inclusion
Through this course, students will explore the social attitudes, historical practices, and the emergence of inclusion. They will deepen their personal philosophy of early childhood care and education and be introduced to diversity and trends in inclusive education. This course provided me with the knowledge and skill base to be confident in my ability to provide inclusive environments that help to foster the holistic development of all children in my care.

Program Planning
In this course, students learn to plan and implement programs for young children. They are expected to formulate outcomes based on observations and children's interests. Students will experience multi-level instruction strategies that will encourage each child's potential. The challenge of meeting the individual needs of children within a group setting is also examined. This course really helped me to see the value in planning activities that were meaningful and that could be used to determine where a child is developmentally.

On-the-Job Training 1
The On-the-Job Training 1 experience allows students to actively participate in the daily activities of an early learning centre so that students can begin to build positive relationships with children. Students will have the opportunity to observe all the daily routines, and the children's involvement in them. Observation helps students acquire a better understanding of child growth and development. In addition, students will use observations and interactions to begin identifying childrens skills and interests. This first placement is critical for students as it helps to establish personal confirmation regarding a career in the child care and education field. I really enjoyed my first O.J.T. and I believe it allowed for new growth as to where I want to be as an educator and gave me the skill base to be confident when interacting with children on a daily basis.

On-the-Job Training 2
The On-the-Job Training 2 experience is designed to support students in their effort to gain confidence, integrate their learning, and demonstrate their acquired skills in the early childhood field. Students will have the opportunity to practice and apply learning acquired in their course work in a real-work setting. On this placement is where I really felt challenged by some things that were taking place in the field. I think it was a great learning experience for me to determine what was important and validating. I was able to gain real insight into myself as an educator and what I thought was best practice.

Child Growth and Development 3: 6 to 12 Years

In this course, students concentrate on the growth and development of children from 6 to 12 years. They will study the developmental milestones and the theories contributing to the understanding of children of this age. There is Particular concentration on literacy, cognitive advances and social/emotional development. This course provided me with a look into older childrens development. It allowed me to see what challenges older children face and the role I could play in helping them develop and grow in positive ways.

Understanding the Role of Curriculum

Students will examine the relationships between theories and methods of learning in this course where a variety of curriculum areas are explored and discussed. Students will also develop an understanding of integrated and emergent curriculum, with a concentrated focus on The Project Approach. This course gave me insight into the world of integrated and emergent curriculum. It is where I found myself most dedicated in providing a meaning and beneficial curriculum that all children could benefit from. I enjoyed learning about the project approach and it is something I utilize when I am in the field.

Family Studies
In this course, students will examine the process and outcomes of socialization and develop a broader sensitivity to unique family needs. Key areas of study include parenting styles and how to build relationships with families. In addition, students will learn about effective communication with other professionals and agencies concerned with children and families. This course allowed me to see the benefits of building relationships with the parents and families we serve. It allowed me to take on a different perception and see beyond just the makings of a family unit. I am definitely more sensitive and understanding to all families I work with as a result of this course.

Child Guidance 2: Strategies for Guiding Children's Behavior

Emphasis is placed on intervention and assisting children in gaining the social and emotional skills necessary to control their behavior and make more appropriate, socially acceptable choices. I really enjoyed this course and feel that it has provided me with many useful strategies that can have a positive impact on childrens behavior.

Meeting the Special Needs of Children

In this course, students will explore the development of children with special needs. Emphasis will be placed on discovering how to support children and their families within a community setting. This course was extremely valuable to me and was a real eye opener to how common children with special needs are mistreated.

Intrapersonal Communications
Students will examine the process of self-awareness and personal wellness. Individual beliefs and values will also be explored. The aim of this course is to develop the practice of self-reflection, and recognition of personal limitation and strengths.

Ethics and Professional Practice

Students examine ethical behavior and professional practice in the field of Early Childhood Care and Education. Students will also develop an awareness of the provincial and national codes of ethics, as well as the national occupational standards. These topics are explored in relation to the students? Future professional employment. This course was a very valuable learning experience into the field and the decisions we have to make on a daily basis. It raised a lot of questions within myself as to what I value and see as ethical decisions. It equipped me with the decision making model that I will use when I am in the field to help me determine what is the best ethical decision I can make.

Administration in Early Childhood Care and Education

Students will become familiar with existing provincial legislation, regulations and guidelines under the Child Care Facilities Act and examine the Occupational Standards for Child Care Administrators. A key area of study includes budgeting for various aspects of the program. This course has helped me to better understand the role of an administrator in the field and has provided me with the knowledge and skill base to utilize the regulations and guidelines under the Child Care Facilities Act.

Kitchen Placement
In this course, the student will spend one week on site at an early childhood program which has a full time kitchen staff person. The student will prepare a menu for two weeks and will, in cooperation with kitchen staff, modify the menu as necessary in order to implement it for one week. The intent of this placement is to allow the student to gain perspective on the responsibilities associated with food preparation through active participation. This course provided the opportunity to work in the kitchen and take on all roles of a cook in a child care center. It taught me the importance of nutrition as well as how important it is to be aware of the allergies within the center for which you work.

On-the-Job Training 3
The On-the-Job Training 3 experience is designed to support students in their effort to demonstrate their ability to meet the expectations of the field. Students will have the opportunity to practice and fine-tune skills, and apply acquired learning from their course work in a real-work setting. At the completion of On-the-Job Training 3, students are ready to enter their final placement, in which they can showcase their ability to take responsibility for an extended part of the day. This course helped me to utilize the skills I have acquired and really showcase what I have to contribute to the field in becoming an early childhood educator.

On-the-Job Training 4
The On-the-Job Training 4 experience is designed to affirm the student's ability to meet the challenges of the early learning field. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their professional skills, attitudes, and abilities to work both independently and as part of a team. Upon successful completion of this OJT, students are ready to seek employment in the field as entry level Early Childhood Educators. I truly enjoyed all my experiences while I was on the job training to become a skilled and professional Early Childhood Educator. This last OJT allowed me to become confident in who I am as an educator and what I have to offer this field. I have grown as not only a professional but as a person as well thanks to this opportunity to showcase my skills.