Early Childhood Education in Canada - Program Details

A post-secondary program in early childhood studies helps students experience and understand what high quality child care is all about. It provides them an in-depth understanding of child development, child psychology, children with special needs and importance of early childhood education in Toronto.

The program generally runs for two years and covers a wide range of subjects including the learning environment – the third teacher, the healthy development of the whole child, observable child development, the child at the centre of the curriculum, guidance and the individual child and health and well-being of young children.

It also includes principles of psychology, empowering children's independence, child development and theoretical perspectives, pre-school field practicum, preschool and school curriculum, child abuse and specialised field practicum.

The program is designed to equip them with ability to:

• Utilize a variety of observation techniques
• Understand the individual needs of each child
• Develop and maintain effective communication with children
• Plan a curriculum based on the understanding of individual needs of a child
• Implement and monitor individual programs and curriculum to meet developmental needs of children
• Maintain responsive relationships with children and parents
• Establish and maintain safe and healthy environment for children
• Overseeing physical facilities at the child care centre
• Administrating the medications if required
• Adhere to professional and ethical standards in child care
• Follow principles of fairness and equity to ensure effective learning and development of children
• Monitoring their play activities
• Serving meals to children

The graduates of this program gain employment with child care centres in Toronto, kindergarten classrooms, well established nursery schools, drop-in centres, shelters for women, community service centers and children and parent resource centres.

Enrolling in an Early Childhood Education Program

The post-secondary ECE program is a highly respected program. In order to apply for this program, you will need:

• Secondary school diploma
• English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent

Applicants currently attending schools can also apply for this program. Their midterm and final term grades will be directly transmitted to the college.

In addition to this, you will also need to:

• Provide a clear medical report
• Obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector cleaning
• Provide valid first aid and CPR certificates

Choosing the Right College

Although there are a large number of colleges in Canada that offer post-secondary programs in ECE but not all offer hands-on-experience, which is a prerequisite to enter the world of work. Centennial College's ECE course is a full time program that allows students gain theoretical understanding of child psychology and practical experience in dealing with children. The college operates two early childhood education centres as lab schools where students can actually observe and communicate with children.

In addition, the curriculum at the college reflects current trends and directions in ECE field and interaction with lab child care centres Toronto to see and practice high quality care. Graduates of this program can choose to either pursue their careers or opt for high education. They can apply academic credit rewards earned in this program towards further studies.