Early Childhood Education Program Geared Towards Mature Students

Did you know that by attending one of Centennial College's early childhood programs, which is called Early Childhood Assistant, you may go on to find work as: a child care assistant in child care centers, a child care provider with licensed child care agencies, an independent child care provider and an in-home nanny? The best part is that the program takes just one year to complete, results in a respected Ontario College Certificate and allows for a seamless transition to further education (should you want to continue your studies).

To apply for this specific early childhood program, students must already possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older); and English Grade 12 or skills assessment. Applicants are also required to attend a program admission session. It should be noted that this early childhood education program is designed specifically for mature students, ESL students and those with learning disabilities.

Because of the type of students to which this early childhood education program caters, it offers a mature learning environment that promotes inclusiveness and encouragement from faculty members who are hands-on and teach small-sized classes. This set up allows for one-on-one time as well as peer-to-peer interaction.

Specific topics covered within the program’s early childhood education courses include: infant and toddler development, preschool and school-age learning, the learning environment, health and wellbeing, guiding children’s behaviour, professionalism, and more. These topics are taught through one or two major assignments, a mid-term and a final test per course as well as presentations, small group assignments and in-class workshop participation.

The in-class studies are a great lead-up to the two field placements in Centennial’s two early childhood education centres, which allow students to experience and understand what high quality child care is all about. Some field placement agencies require a criminal reference check prior to student placement. Certain criminal convictions may disallow placement in these agencies and program completion may not be possible. Students must also have a clear medial report to participate.

Because of Centennial Colleg's thorough early childhood program, graduates are comfortable with: planning and implementing individual programs and curriculum to meet the developmental needs of children; utilizing a variety of observation techniques to enhance work with children, families and co-workers; maintaining responsive relationships with individual children and groups of children; establishing and maintaining safe and healthy environments that best meet the requirements of current legislation, regulatory bodies and program policies; and more.

Students who wish to further their early childhood education after completing this program, may enter Centennial College’s two-year ECE program — with between 10 and 33 per cent of graduates doing so. Many of these students are exempt from some ECE courses as a result of attaining a high level of success in the ECA program. ECA graduates who have successfully completed the ECE program have also been accepted into Ryerson University or York University.