Overview
The Early Childhood Education program (ECE program) at ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù provides exclusive research-based training opportunities for students to engage with our next generation! Our ECE program features a hands-on approach which is central to the learning experience and is a huge advantage when entering the profession.
With a ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù ECE diploma, you will be eligible to register with the regulating body, College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE), and use the title of Registered Early Childhood Educator. This designation is paramount to your growth in the profession.
Our ECE program is one of a few in Ontario to offer training in programs from The Hanen Centre®. This approach to education promotes children’s social, language and literacy development.
Courses
| ECE120 - 9 Early Learning Field Practice & Seminar 1 |
| ECE121 - 3 Curriculum and Pedagogy 2 |
| ECE122 - 3 Responsive Relationships |
| ECE123 - 3 Understanding and Supporting Children`s Needs |
| TES100 - 3 Two-Eyed Seeing and Land-Based Teachings |
| Note: *This student-selected general education course code indicates a general-education course is taken in this semester. Students will choose from a selection of courses () prior to the semester in which the student-selected general education course is to be taken. |
Requirements & Program Information
Ontario Secondary School diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C, or mature student status. Missing any requirements? Get them for free from Academic Upgrading.
Educational Paths
As a ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù ECE graduate, you have the opportunity of earning a three-year Child & Youth Care (CYC) Diploma in only two academic years. This dual diploma option is available according to a predetermined educational map that provides you with one full year of advanced standing in the CYC program at ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù.
Opportunities for transferring credits to other educational institutions are also available by contacting the educational institution that you are interested in attending. In this way, you can take the knowledge and the practical hands-on skills earned with your ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù ECE diploma and add these to further educational experiences at the university level. Many employers are looking for individuals with a combination of practical and theoretical skills and the Diploma to Degree route gives you this advantage.
Further post-diploma certifications are also available such as the Communication Disorder Assistant, Autism and Behavioural Sciences, Infant-Toddler, School-age, ECE Administration and ECE Resource Consultant. Refer to the Ontario Colleges website at www.ontariocolleges.ca and do a keyword search for the post-graduate program that you are interested in.
Clinical/Lab and Field Placement Requirements
Field practice experience provides the opportunity to integrate classroom learning into practice with groups of children in the community, with the guidance of a Registered Early Childhood Educator and the support of your faculty and fellow students.
Placement requirements will be presented during an information session at the beginning of the first semester. Students will be required to complete all the requirements before the end of the semester.
The following are the requirements that have additional costs and time commitments. All costs associated with these requirements are the responsibility of the student.
- Immunization and health records
- Standard First Aid and CPR- Level C
- Police Record Check - Vulnerable Sector Check.
It is important to review this policy as a perspective applicant:
Students will be placed in schools and early learning centres across Sault Ste. Marie and within Algoma District. Students will be responsible to travel to placement using public transportation or a personal vehicle. Students will need to be available between 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for placements.
During your time in the ECE Program at ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù, you will engage in a minimum of 500 hours of placements that provide a diverse experience.
A few examples of the placements you will experience are:
- Licensed infant, toddler, preschool or extended day programs
- Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten programs
- EarlyON Child and Family Centres
- French Language programs
- Indigenous Early Learning ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù
Career Path
As a graduate and upon registration with the College of ECE, you may refer to yourself as an Early Childhood Educator and work in a variety of roles and settings.
These include but are not limited to:
- Half day and full day infant, toddler, preschool and after-extended day school programs which are licensed by the Ministry of Education.
- Ministry of Education Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten programs
- Parent Family and Child resource centre programs
- Inclusive settings with children who have diverse development/disabilities.
- Head Start ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù
- Child Development Specialist
- Ministry of Education Licensed home childcare
- An educational assistant or literacy educator for the school boards
- So many other additional roles that work with children and families.
You are also encouraged to seek certification through your professional organization - the Association of Early Childhood Educators, Ontario (AECEO). For more information and membership requirements, contact the AECEO.
Fees & Costs
| Domestic | International | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Ancillary | Tuition | Ancillary |
| $2,648.20 | $1,150.00 | $15,120.30 | $1,800.00 |
These fees are for the 2024-2025 academic year (year 1 of study), and are subject to change. Please visit your Student Portal to view your Schedule of Fees.
Important links
Contact
Program Coordinator: Dominique Lachapelle, (705) 759-2554 ext 2633, dominique.lachapelle@saultcollege.ca
September and January intakes are available for this program. Please contact the Registrar`s Office for further information.