Early Childhood Education

South Campus - Windsor (B101)
Thames Campus - Chatham (K240)

Two Year - Ontario College Diploma

September

Chatham
Brenda Huff
(519) 354-9714, ext. 3252
bhuff@stclaircollege.ca

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus:

• Grade 12 English - ENG4U, ENG4C, EAE4C or EAE4U.

Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.

PROGRAM GOAL
Graduates of this program can be part of the child care team supporting young children in developing thinking, learning, communication, physical, social and emotional skills. Early Childhood Educators design and provide curriculum that is based on the interests and the developmental level of each child.

This program will appeal to students with a strong love for children and a highly developed work ethic. They must be tolerant and understanding, with a great deal of patience and physical stamina. Practitioners in the field of Early Childhood Education work closely not only with children, but also with families and other professionals, so excellent communication and social interaction skills are also required.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Opportunity for further learning experiences through co-ordination with the Learning Commons office assisting in tutoring, test writing and physical accommodations
• Three field placements in licensed community based child care facilities or JK/SK classrooms
• Graduates are able to apply for certification to the Association for Early Childhood Education Ontario
• Graduates must register with the College of Early Childhood Educators to practice in the profession

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Positions are available in community and municipal OEYC (Ontario Early Years Centres) based child care, corporate child care centres and in-home care. There are also positions available in Boards of Education as Early Childhood Educators in Junior/Senior Kindergarten classes as well as international opportunities for nannies or child care providers on cruise ships.

FIELD PLACEMENT
Employers who provide our field placement settings require a clear POLICE RECORD CHECK for criminal offences with vulnerable sector screening before accepting a student into the field placement setting. The record check MUST be obtained by the student at the student's expense. If you are unable to obtain this police clearance by mid September, you jeopardize the opportunity to complete either of your field placements.

In the event of a shortage of placements or internship sites, you may be required to perform your placement or internship duties on off hours, which may include evenings and weekends.

NOTE: Standard First Aid and CPR C Certification must be obtained PRIOR to Field Placements.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Accepted applicants must supply proof of a satisfactory medical examination and immunization prior to program entry.

Please be advised that lack of documented immunizations may result in the restriction of clinical placement and therefore may delay and/or prevent completion of the prescribed program.

DEGREE COMPLETION
ECE graduates are eligible to participate in the Articulation Agreement with Griffith University. Contact the Program Coordinator for details.

TRANSFER AGREEMENT
ECE graduates are eligible to participate in a Transfer Agreement between the Child and Youth Worker or the Developmental Service Worker programs and take an “accelerated” one year program to earn their CYW or DSW diploma. Contact the Program Coordinator for details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Program Physical Demands Analysis: B101 / K240
• College of Early Childhood Educators

YOUR INVESTMENT
Fees are subject to adjustment each year. The standard tuition and compulsory fees for 2011 are as follows:

$3,172.69 (Windsor)
$3,122.69 (Chatham)
$600 - $800

For a breakdown of tuition and other compulsory fees for Canadian, U.S. and International students, see Tuition & Fees.