Early Childhood Care and Education - Certificate

ENGL 110 College Composition is about thinking and writing. You will learn how to develop and express informed opinions on issues that matter. You will also learn about research, editing, and expository and persuasive academic writing forms.

ECCE 168 Observing and Reflecting Practicum I is an experiential course with field placements and lectures integrating theories and practices in the early years. Through engagement with early childhood educators in practicum learners will participate in professional practice; plan and evaluate a developmentally appropriate program that meets the observed needs of children. Learners will explore how pedagogical narrations inform practice through observing, collecting traces, collaborating and reflecting. Utilizing a ‘common world’s’ framework, including indigenous world views, learners will have opportunities to explore the interrelationship of living and non-living things.

ECCE 178 Professional Practice I provides an overview of the field of early childhood education from a theoretical perspective influenced by both historical and current contexts. Learners will have the opportunity to engage with a variety of program models and structural components such as the BC Childcare Licensing Regulation, the Early Learning Framework of BC and the Occupational Standards for Early Childhood Educators. Using these guiding frameworks and theories learners will demonstrate an understanding of standards of practice and childcare administration.  

ECCE 186 Child Health and Safety is on personal wellness and the planning, establishment and maintenance of a safe and healthy environment in programs for children from birth to school age. Topics include: food preparation and handling; planning nutritious snacks and meals; universal precautions; diapering and toileting; accident prevention and hazard identification; medication; illness management, assessment and reporting; modelling healthy practices and utilizing community health resources.

ECCE 169 Observing and Reflecting Practicum II is designed to integrate theories and practices in the ECCE field. Students will observe and participate in regional early childhood programs off campus. The clinical practicum provides opportunities to practice observing and recording children's individual abilities and interests over time, and, reflective practice and professional conduct.

ECCE 179 Professional Practice II examines early childhood care and education in a historic and current cultural context. Using a variety of theories, including the bioecological approach learners will reflect on the impact of their personal values and attitudes on their professional practice.

The principles of inclusive practice when working with young children and families will be examined, and the importance of play in learning will be identified through exploring the theory and its benefits. By the end of the course learners will have gained a sense of professionalism and will be able to advocate for the profession of early childhood care and education. Current frameworks and theories will be used to develop positive, compassionate and ethical professional values.

ECCE 189 Planning with Young Children II builds on the concepts and theories of ECCE 188 with an emphasis on play theory, social relationships and skills, and creative and cognitive processes in children ages three to six years.  Learners examine the interface of adults and children in a child-centred environment.  Learners study ways of supporting and extending the interests, understandings and problem-solving abilities of young children in the areas of mathematics, science and social studies.  The focus will extend to the programming context with a holistic approach to the practitioner as planner and adult within the play environment and address variations in development, abilities, issues, and risk factors.

ECCE 193 Child Centered Partnership I, learners reflect on values, beliefs and attitudes toward building warm relationships with children. Understanding of self within the guiding relationship is developed. With the use of problem-solving techniques, students learn the skills of guiding and caring for children and creating emotionally safe, respectful environments that are empowering and that enhance friendships, responsibility, self-discipline, self-worth, and maximize potential.

ECCE 293 Child-Centred Partnerships II, concepts and skills of ECCE 193 are further developed and enhanced; for example, understanding of self within the guidance relationship, creating emotionally safe and respectful environments and enhancing autonomy. Students examine guiding relationships and apply principles and skills to complex situations. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the various community partners and their role in supporting young children.

ECCE 294 Practicum II, students synthesize learning with practical application. The focus is on collaboration with families and community in the creation of inclusive, responsive, culturally-sensitive child-centered environments for young children. Learners continue to engage in the process of self-reflection and individual goal setting regarding exemplary professional practice. Seminars are scheduled for reflective discussion of practicum learning.