Early Childhood Education Certificate Delivered part time – courses vary based on location
The Early Childhood Education Certificate program provides knowledge and skill development in establishing a safe, secure, and stimulating environment for children. You will develop an understanding of children’s varying physical, social, cognitive, creative, emotional development, and the importance of play as a vehicle for learning.
This accredited program meets the license requirement ECE II classification of the Child Care Regulations, 2001, Early Learning and Child Care Branch, Ministry of Education.
Graduates are prepared for employment as early learning and child care professionals in group care and education settings with children from birth to age 12. These settings include child care centres, pre-school centres, Kids First/Aboriginal Head Start, schools, family day homes and private homes.
Admission Requirements:
- Grade 12 with English Language Arts A30 and B30
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Students must be registered and accepted to the ECE program by SaskPolytechnic
Courses in this program:
COMM 291 Interpersonal Communication
You will develop employ-ability skills through the study of interpersonal communications theory and applications in the workplace. Learning outcomes include the importance of self-awareness and self-esteem, perception problems, verbal and nonverbal messages, listening skills, creating positive communication climates, and resolving interpersonal conflict.
ECE 100 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
You will study the values, roots, and the practice of early childhood education from an historical and global perspective. A holistic view of the child (including emotional, social, cognitive, creative, spiritual, and physical development) will be emphasized. The course provides an introduction to a variety of early childhood education models that are seen in Canada and in Saskatchewan. Building on this foundation, you will be introduced to the Project Approach and Emergent/Negotiated Curriculum as a basis of planning curriculum and the various ways they are implemented.
ECE 106 Role of Play in Early Childhood Education
You will learn about the role of play in the development of skills and abilities of young children. You will focus on the value of play in early childhood development programming and the role of the early childhood educator in expanding the play opportunities for children.
ECE 142 Health, Safety and Nutrition
Your studies will focus on creating environments and practices that contribute to the health, safety, and nutritional needs of children. You will study the physical development of children. You will also receive information that will assist you in identifying and addressing health and safety issues including abuse and neglect.
ECE 181 Observation of Children
The course combines theory and practical application to assist you in developing skills in observing and recording the behaviour of children. You will learn how to organize observations and document children’s interests, learning and development.
HUMD 100 Child and Adolescent Development
Your studies will focus on the period of development from conception to adolescence. You will receive information about the effects of heredity and the environment on the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development of children and adolescents. The course also provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, and methods of studying human behaviour
HUMD 183 Child Guidance 1
You will examine the strategies of developmentally appropriate child guidance. The role of the adult in anticipating and encouraging appropriate behaviour is emphasized. You will practice techniques for intervening with children while encouraging a co-operative attitude, a sense of autonomy, and a positive self-image.
ECE 101 Roles and Values of the Early Childhood Educator
The course focuses on the supporting values of the early childhood educator. You will examine the common values that include respect for human dignity and diversity. You will demonstrate through classroom and practical experience, responsibility, caring, compassion, and teamwork. These are qualities that form the basis for personal and professional ethics of an early childhood educator
ECE 102 Programming for Creative Arts Development
The course focuses on the expressive media of visual arts, music, and creative movement. You will examine the role of the creative arts in an early childhood education program. You will receive instruction and practice in the arts and in planning curriculum that is responsive to children’s interests in artistic expression. Your studies will examine how programming for creative arts is accommodated through the Project Approach
ECE 103 Programming for Language Development
You will examine the development of language and receive instruction and practice in planning curriculum to respond to the language needs of children. You will explore language play, language games, creative drama, poetry, story reading, and storytelling. Your studies will help you recognize quality in children’s literature. You will examine the use of the Project Approach in facilitating language and literacy development
ECE 104 Programming for Cognitive Development
You will study the cognitive development of children and acquire skills in planning curriculum to meet the cognitive needs of children. Utilizing a holistic approach, you will be introduced to the cognitive processes of young children. You will plan curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and design effective learning environments. The curriculum strategies include creating invitations to learning experiences with sensory materials such as sand, water, and blocks; and the incorporation of mathematical and scientific concepts into daily activities. Your studies will examine how programming for cognitive development is accommodated through the Project Approach.
ECE 105 Programming for Social and Emotional Development
The course will examine the development of social and emotional skills in early childhood. You will receive instruction and practice in planning curriculum to meet the social and emotional needs of children. You will explore how children respond to different social and emotional situations and the role of the early childhood educator in facilitating healthy social and emotional development.
EMPL 180 Employability Skills
You will receive instruction and practice in written communication skills needed for the workplace. You will develop effective job search strategies. Emphasis will be placed on communicating a professional image.