Education and Early Learning: Early Childhood Education (Diploma) - Diploma
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Program Overview
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| Length:
38 weeks
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Overview
The Early Childhood Education Diploma program builds on the knowledge, attitudes and skills developed in the Early Education Certificate Program (offered at Kelsey Campus, Wascana Campus and Woodland Campus). You will further enhance your knowledge by studying expanded theory. You will have opportunities to demonstrate your increased skill and independence in a variety of child care situations.
The program meets the license requirement ECE III classification of the Child Care Regulations, 2001, Early Years Branch, Ministry of Education.
Professional Affiliation: Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for employment as early learning and child care professionals in group care settings with children from birth to age 12. They may specialize in programming for infants and children with diverse abilities, school age children or work in administration. They may find employment in child care centres, preschool centres, Kids First/Aboriginal Head Start, schools, family day homes and private homes.
For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.
Program Details
Start Date(s): SeptemberTuition and Fees
- For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.
Admission Information
Admission Requirements
- Early Childhood Education Certificate (Kelsey Campus, Wascana Campus or Woodland Campus)
- English Language Requirement
Note
- Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check prior to entering required coursework with children. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check. If you do not complete the practicum, you will not graduate from the program. The cost of the Criminal Record Check is your responsibility.
- Your immunization record and current Mantoux (Tuberculin) testing is required for your practicum placement.
Special Admission
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.ACCUPLACER©
- See Certificate program
Post-Secondary Success
See Certificate program
Admission Method
First Qualified/First AdmittedThe First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.
Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Factsheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.
Transfer Credit
Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.
Courses
| Code | Course Name/Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ADMN 204 | Administrative Skills for Early Childhood Educators You will be introduced to the administrative knowledge and skills that are useful as an early childhood educator. You will study the operating structure of early childhood programs, policies and procedures, and Saskatchewan Child Care regulations. You will become familiar with regulations that govern First Nations early childhood programs. You will develop skills in using program evaluation tools, managing money and accurate recordkeeping. You will become familiar with the rights and responsibilities for employees within the Saskatchewan Labour Standards Act. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 45 Prerequisites(s): PRAC 105, PRAC 181 Equivalent Course(s): ADMN 249 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group  | 3 |
| COMM 294 | Teamwork Skills You will learn how to become an effective member of an early childhood educator team. The course content focuses on determining individual interaction styles and personality styles, assertion skills, conflict management and group problem solving. You will practice communicating in an effective and professional manner. Credit Units: 2 Lecture Hours: 20 Lab Hours: 10 Prerequisites(s): PRAC 105, PRAC 181 Equivalent Course(s): COMM 246 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group | 2 |
| ECE 200 | Play Environments The course is a continuation of Play in Early Childhood Education. You will use play theory to plan developmentally appropriate programs, plan indoor play environments, and to examine outdoor play environments. Credit Units: 2 Lecture Hours: 30 Prerequisites(s): PRAC 105, PRAC 181 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 2 |
| ECE 201 | Program Planning for Early Childhood Education Programs The course is a culmination of the diploma program. You will use information on developmentally appropriate practice, child development, and holistic planning to plan curriculum for young children. You will incorporate information on children with diverse needs, multi-age groups, and diverse cultures to plan both individual and group programs. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 45 Prerequisites(s): PRAC 105, PRAC 181 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| ECE 202 | Programming for Infants and Toddlers You will examine the development of infants and toddlers in more specific detail. Using that information you will plan programs including activities and environments that will encourage the holistic development of infants and toddlers. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 45 Prerequisites(s): PRAC 105, PRAC 181 Equivalent Course(s): ECE 225 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| ECE 220 | Programming for Diversity Your studies will focus on the beliefs and issues related to providing respectful child care and education for various cultural and diversity groups. An emphasis will be placed on understanding cultural practices of First Nations and Metis people. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 40 Prerequisites(s): PRAC 105, PRAC 181 Equivalent Course(s): Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| ECE 221 | Observation and Assessment You will learn advanced observation techniques and be introduced to common assessment tools. Using information from observation and assessment tools, you will develop individualized programs for children. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 40 Prerequisites(s): PRAC 105, PRAC 181 Equivalent Course(s): Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| ECE 226 | Programming for School Age Children You will examine the characteristics of school age children and the program activities that may be designed to accommodate them. You will also discuss the role of the caregiver and the child care issues distinctive to this age. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 30 Other Hours: 10 Prerequisites(s): PRAC 105, PRAC 181 Equivalent Course(s): Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Lab, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| HUMD 200 | Child Guidance 2 The course is a continuation of Child Guidance 1. You will learn advanced techniques of guiding children that can be applied to more challenging behaviours. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 40 Prerequisites(s): PRAC 105, PRAC 181 Equivalent Course(s): MGMT 281 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| PD 240 | Professionalism in Early Childhood Education Your studies will focus on the role of the early childhood educator and professionalism as it relates to issues, advocacy, leadership, and professional development. The course provides an introduction to your role as an advocate in the field of early childhood education. The course content includes instruction and practice in identifying issues, advocating, seeking professional development, and preparing for a career as a professional in the early childhood field. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 40 Prerequisites(s): PRAC 105, PRAC 181 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| PRAC 244 | Practicum 3 The course provides you with an opportunity to gain competence working with children, families and communities in early childhood education programs. You may focus on working with children with diverse abilities, children in infant programs, school age programs, or multi-age group programs.. Credit Units: 13 Other Hours: 194 Prerequisites(s): ECE 200, ECE 202, ECE 221, SOCI 142, SPSY 279 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Clinical/Practicum | 13 |
| PRAC 245 | Practicum 4 The course provides you with an opportunity to gain competence working with children, families and communities in early childhood education programs. You may focus on working with children with diverse abilities, children in infant programs, school age programs, or multi-age group programs.. Credit Units: 13 Other Hours: 194 Prerequisites(s): ADMN 204, COMM 294, ECE 201, ECE 220, ECE 226, HUMD 200, PD 240, PRAC 244, SOCI 142, SPSY 289 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Clinical/Practicum | 13 |
| SOCI 142 | Family and Community Relations You will acquire the knowledge and develop the skills needed to build partnerships with families. Your studies will focus on describing community, family and diversity. The course content includes strategies to respect diversity and differences within communities and families. Identifying strategies to support families will be emphasized. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 40 Equivalent Course(s): Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| SPSY 279 | Children with Diverse Abilities 1 The course provides an introduction to the study of children with diverse abilities and needs. You will examine practices related to identification, intervention and prevention of specific diverse abilities. You will also discuss historical and current approaches, trends, and issues. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 45 Prerequisites(s): PRAC 105, PRAC 181 Equivalent Course(s): SPSY 281 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
| SPSY 289 | Children with Diverse Abilities 2 The course continues the study of children with diverse abilities by addressing developmentally appropriate programming for young children with diverse abilities. You will study assessment, individualized planning and program planning in inclusive settings. Credit Units: 3 Lecture Hours: 45 Prerequisites(s): SPSY 279 Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Print Distance Individual, Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group | 3 |
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