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Early Childhood Education (Certificate)


Location(s):  Prince Albert    Regina    Saskatoon    Distance Learning Option

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 and emotional development. You will also develop an understanding of the importance of play as a vehicle for learning.

The program meets the license requirement ECE II classification of the Child Care Regulations, 2001, Early Learning and Child Care Branch, Ministry of Education.

Professional Affiliation: Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association

Length: 38 weeks


Career Opportunities

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.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

  • early childhood educators
  • educational associates
  • family home providers
  • nannies

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

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Admission Requirements


Note

  • Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of a criminal records 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 records check. If you do not complete the practicum, you will not graduate from the program. The cost of the criminal records check is your responsibility.

  • Your immunization record and current Mantoux (Tuberculin) testing is required for your practicum placement.



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. You must review the details and program specific documentation concerning Special Admission.


The majority of SIAST programs have established ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post-Secondary Success Requirements. Depending on the program, additional specific admission requirements may still need to be met.


ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

70Reading
70Sentence
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies or completion of eight Early Childhood courses (minimum 60%) that must include HUMD 100, HUMD 183, ECE 100, ECE 101, ECE 181, and must not include PRAC 104


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The 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.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Clinical/Practicum
    • The practicums take place in a variety of caring, secure and stimulating environments where you will have opportunities to demonstrate your skills in planning and conducting developmentally appropriate activities for children of all ages.
      Home Study
      Work-based Training

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

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 Fact Sheet. 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 and Future Study Options

  • Graduates are eligible to receive nine credit hours in the Bachelor of Education degree program in Elementary Education at the University of Regina.

  • Graduates may enter the Early Childhood Education Diploma Program (offered at Kelsey Campus, Wascana Campus and Woodland Campus).

  • SIAST also offers the Early Childhood Education Orientation (ECE 1001), which meets the minimum training requirements of the Early Learning and Child Care Branch, Ministry of Education, for an orientation course for early learning and child care professionals. If you successfully complete the Early Childhood Education Orientation and are admitted into the Early Childhood Education Certificate program, you may apply for credit for Child Guidance 1 (HUMD 183), Health, Safety and Nutrition (ECE 142) and Role of Play (ECE 106).


  • COM_ 105  Effective Communication Skills
  • The course provides you with the opportunity to develop professional skills in written and verbal communication. Your studies will focus on presenting a professional image to colleagues, parents, and the public. You will receive instruction and practice in correspondence, public speaking, telephone techniques. You will acquire job search and interview skills.


    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 153   


  • 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 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.


    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • 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 and explore how the values are demonstrated in the role of the early childhood educator. Through classroom and practicum experience, you will demonstrate these values.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • 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 to meet the creative needs of children. Your studies will examine how programming for creative arts is accommodated through the Project Approach.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    ECE 100 Minimum Grade of 60 and ( HUMD 100 Minimum Grade of 60 or HUMD 181 Minimum Grade of 60) and ECE 181 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ECE_ 103  Programming for Language Development
  • You will examine the development of language and receive instruction and practice in planning curriculum to meet the language needs of children. You will explore language play, language games, creative, drama, puppetry, poetry, story reading and story telling. 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   ECE 183   

    Prerequisites:
    ECE 100 Minimum Grade of 60 and ( HUMD 100 Minimum Grade of 60 or HUMD 181 Minimum Grade of 60) and ECE 181 Minimum Grade of 60


  • 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. You will explore mathematical concepts and scientific concepts such as categorization, sequencing, comparisons based on similarities and differences. You will be introduced to the cognitive processes of young children and learn to plan curriculum that is developmentally appropriate. Your studies will examine how programming for cognitive development is accommodated through the Project Approach.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   ECE 185   

    Prerequisites:
    ECE 100 Minimum Grade of 60 and ( HUMD 100 Minimum Grade of 60 or HUMD 181 Minimum Grade of 60) and ECE 181 Minimum Grade of 60


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    ECE 100 Minimum Grade of 60 and ( HUMD 100 Minimum Grade of 60 or HUMD 181 Minimum Grade of 60) and ECE 181 Minimum Grade of 60


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   HUMD 182   


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   ECD 142   


  • 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 observational information and to use information to understand children's development.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   ECD 122    ECD 181   


  • 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • HUMD 183  Child Guidance 1
  • You will examine the strategies of developmentally appropriate child guidance. The role of the adult in anticipating and preventing inappropriate 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.

    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • HUMR 186  Interpersonal Skills
  • You will be introduced to the importance of interpersonal skills in the human services professions. You will develop effective listening and speaking behaviors that facilitate client interactions.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 291    COMM 295    NURS 114   


  • PRAC 104  Practicum 1
  • Building on the skills and knowledge that you have developed through your courses, you will be introduced to the role of the early childhood educator in a practical setting. You will use the skills developed in previous courses to observe and record the behaviour of children, to interact with children and adults in a supportive and positive manner, and to guide children's behaviour using positive guidance strategies.

    9.0 Credit Units
    128.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    ECE 100 Minimum Grade of 60 and ( HUMD 100 Minimum Grade of 60 or HUMD 181 Minimum Grade of 60) and HUMD 183 Minimum Grade of 60 and ECE 181 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PRAC 105  Practicum 2
  • Building on the skills and knowledge that you have developed through your courses, you will demonstrate your ability to interact positively with children and adults. You will use your observation skills to develop developmentally appropriate curriculum. You will implement the curriculum and guide children's behaviour effectively.


    13.0 Credit Units
    194.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    ECE 101 Minimum Grade of 60 and COM 105 Minimum Grade of 60 and ECE 102 Minimum Grade of 60 and ECE 103 Minimum Grade of 60 and ECE 104 Minimum Grade of 60 and ECE 105 Minimum Grade of 60 and ECE 106 Minimum Grade of 60 and ECE 142 Minimum Grade of 60 and HUMR 186 Minimum Grade of 60 and PRAC 104 Minimum Grade of P



    NOTE: Some courses have specific prerequisites that include a minimum grade requirement. See ECE 102, ECE 103, ECE 104 and ECE 105 descriptions above.

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