Three Benefits of Becoming an Early Childhood Educator

A career as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) is one that is both rewarding and fun. You will find that you’re career is truly unique. It’s unique in the sense that your office is a playground, a playground of not only endless play for the children who are in your care, but also a playground of endless learning.

The early childhood program swap the suit and tie for crayons, sandboxes, paint, toys and juice stains and not one would ever change their work environment because this setting, whether it be a daycare or a elementary classroom, is where not only the children thrive, but where the ECE thrives as a teacher.

The children who are in your care look to you for guidance, nurturing and affection; to them you are their learning resource.

Focus on Shaping Young Minds

You will be learning how to approach children with respect and consideration. That behavior will be reciprocated to you and the children will learn that they have value and worth. This will help build an environment open to knowledge.

The children will feel comfortable in your care, giving not only them ease, but their parents as well. The children will feel comfortable to express themselves through play, which will in turn help them learn and grow.

Children see endless possibilities when they create with open-ended materials. Learning becomes an innate part of their experimentation. Children learn concepts of math, science and language through their discoveries.

Educators know of the importance of children learning and absorbing, the education is the most vital at the ages of zero from five years old. Under their teachings and guidance, children from all backgrounds and diverse abilities, grow and learn through acts of play and socialization which helps them prepare for their educational career in the years to come.

For the Love of Children

Children always have a look of wonder in their eyes. The world is a big place for them and they are more than ready to explore. The workdays get a little brighter, minds get enlightened by the day and the love for your career continues to blossom. One must love children and all of their differences, be it characteristic differences or physical differences. One must want to make an impact of the lives of these young people and make a difference with lasting value.

It’s a messy job (paint stains, markers on your hands, sand in your hair, the list goes on.) You might want to bring a change of clothes, literally. But the small mess is worth the rewards.

Working in a Supportive Environment

Another perk about being in the Centennial ECE program is the supportive environment surrounding you. From administrators who are helping you grow as a teacher, to your peers who you will constantly be learning from, to the children you inspire, to the parents that you ally with as a nurturing figure to their little one.

The environment is always one that is positive, friendly and motivating.

Fast facts about the field in Canada

• The number of children 0-5 years has increased,rising from 2,093,000 children 0-5 years in 2009 to 2,230,000 in 2012.
• The 0-4 age group has been growing at the highest rate in 50 years (11% since 2006).

According to http://childcarecanada.org/sites/default/files/StateofECEC2012.pdf

Sounding like a career of interest? Wondering what background knowledge you’ll need?

The School of Community and Health Studies at Centennial College is highly respected, as it will teach you to take responsibility for observing the needs of children and create well-planned and stimulating programs suited to meet their needs.

Facilitated from Progress Campus, the Early Childhood Education program is a hands-on offering that will include real-world experience at Centennial College’s two early childhood education centres. Used as lab schools, these centres will allow you to experience and understand high quality childcare.

Let Centennial help you get into a career, not just a job, that you will love. One that not only will be rewarding to you, but rewarding to your community at large.

Early Childhood Educators - A Quick Career Guide

Early childhood education is a specialized discipline that is concerned with taking care of and teaching young children, considering their individual needs and likings, in the period before the start of compulsory formal education. It is considered that the former two years of a child's life are very crucial in the development of their sense of self and others. The emphasis is on developing the child's ability to determine how they should behave or function in relation to other students.

This type of education focuses on understanding specific developmental needs of children, crafting individualized programs and maintaining responsive relationships with children. A great emphasis is laid on learning through play, where children get to interact with each other and develop sense of self and others. Moreover, games or play activities keep them physically active, socially responsive and emotionally fit.

What Do Early Childhood Educators Do?

The main job responsibility of early childhood educators is to take care of the social, physical, emotional and educational needs of infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school-age children. They are responsible for creating a comfortable, friendly and enriching learning environment to ensure high standards of quality care to children of different ages and with varied requirements.

They use various observation techniques to enhance work with children and make them feel comfortable at the child care centre Toronto. Upon successfully observing their needs, the professionals plan a tailored curriculum and implement it to meet all specific needs of children. They also communicate with the families, maintain records, prepare and plan learning material, discuss the behaviour and development of children with their parents.

Career in Early Childhood Education

Before begin to work as early childhood educators, individuals need to have undergone at least a post-secondary diploma in early childhood studies. As it is a specialized discipline, aspiring professionals need to develop specific skills and attitude to effectively work with children.

Centennial College's two-year post secondary ECE program prepares high school graduates for employment with well-established nursery schools, kindergarten classrooms, drop-in centres, children and parent resource centres, shelters for women and child care centres in Toronto.

The program offers the right mix of theory and practical through classroom lectures and industry field placements. Students study a wide range of subjects and gain understanding of the learning environment: the third teacher, the healthy development of the whole child, observable child development, guidance and the individual children, principles of psychology, empowering children's independence, understanding and communicating with families, inclusion of children with specific needs, advocacy and emerging professional and child abuse.

This is an intensive program that focuses on providing students with the strong grounding in childhood education fundamentals and latest trends in the field. The program also incorporates hands-on experience through industry field placements. The aim of the program is to make students career-ready even before they graduate.

Students who have complete their secondary education and possess minimum required score in English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent can apply for this program. Once they are accepted to this program, they will need to obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening, complete valid first aid and CPR certificates and provide a clear medical report.

A Quick Guide on Early Childhood Education in Toronto

Early childhood education is a discipline which is concerned about teaching young children, observing their specific needs and talents, and creating well-planned and stimulating programs suited to their needs. The aim is to involve children in acquiring basic physical, emotional linguistic and cognitive competence via group learning in a favourable environment.

Individuals interested in building careers in this discipline are expected to possess deep understanding of stages of child development, role of care givers in shaping their mind set, importance of friendly interactions with children, significance of concepts of attachment and reciprocity, forms of child behaviour, and development needs of children.

Early Childhood Education Toronto

In order to work with young children in Toronto, you will need to have undergone a specialized education and training. A college diploma in early childhood studies is the basic requirement to seek employment in this field. It's a two-year program that provides you with in-depth understanding in child psychology, infant and toddler care, health and wellbeing of young children, healthy development of the whole child, guidance and the individual child, empowering children's independence, inclusion of children with special needs, child abuse and advocacy and emerging professional.

The ECE program at Centennial College Toronto is highly regarded and helps you develop competencies in planning curriculums based on thorough understanding of child development, planning and implementing individual programs suited to each child's needs, utilizing a variety of observation techniques to study children's needs, maintaining responsive relationships with children and remaining fair and unbiased with children.

In addition, you also gain hands-on experience through field visits and industry field placements. You get to work with infants, toddlers, pre-school and school-aged children and understand how to provide an enriched learning environment for them. The college also operates two early child care centres in Toronto as lab schools, which allow you to experience and understand what high quality child care is all about.

Opportunities upon Graduation

This is a highly regarded field in Canada. The employment prospects are bright and are expected to grow further in the coming years. As a program graduate, you can easily find employment in child care centres Toronto, well-established nursery schools, shelters for women and children, parent resource centres, kindergarten classroom and drop-in centres.

Those who are looking for more advanced career opportunities may consider enrolling in advanced education program at the university. The program graduates can apply their academic credits towards further studies at partnered universities and institutes.

Program Eligibility

For being able to apply to this program, you will need secondary school diploma and scores in English Grade 12 C or University, or equivalent. However, this doesn't guarantee your admission in this program. Admission to this program is highly competitive and the program coordinator thoroughly assesses your application before granting you admission.

Once you enroll in the program, you will also need to obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening and a clear medical report. In addition, you will need to complete valid First Aid and CPR certificates.

Students at Centennial College's Early Childhood Education Benefit from Real World Experiences

Today, it isn't only nursery schools or childcare centres that require the know-how of childcare professionals. Places such as drop-in centres, shelters for women, and children and parent resource centres are also employing men and women with expertise in this area.

Centennial College's Early Childhood Education is a full-time program that teaches students the know-how they need to provide high standards of quality care to children and their families. This is achieved in a proactive way, with all four semesters of training featuring hands-on practice and a curriculum that reflects current trends and directions in the ECE field.

In fact, one of the standout aspects is the amount of hands-on practice that students receive during their time in the offering. The useful experiences include practical application in two, on-campus early childhood education centres that serve as lab schools, which allow students to witness and understand what high quality childcare is all about.

As a result of the thorough training students receive in the ECE program, graduate employment, graduate and employer satisfaction have all consistently remained above 80 per cent for several years. Among the employers hiring students are: Aisling/ Discoveries Centre for Children & Families, Friends Day Care, Toronto Board of Education and the YMCA.

Among specific program courses are: An Introduction to Early Childhood Education: A solid base is vital for success in early childhood studies. As such, this overview course is offered in the first semester to give students grounding in the history of the profession from a global perspective and the exploration of various service delivery models and theoretical approaches to working with young children and their families.

The Child at the Centre of the Curriculum: Children's interests must be recognized in the development of a curriculum and this course teaches students to construct and implement experiences that are responsive and enhance the development of the whole child. As a hands-on component, students use Emergent Curriculum principles to construct, implement and document a variety of experiences that enhance children's learning in a range of curriculum content areas.

Child Development - Theoretic Perspective: Freud, Piaget, Erikson and Vygotsky have significantly affected the understanding of child development. Their contributions are studied in this course as the framework and foundations that define ‘quality' experiences in the early years.

Advocacy and the Emerging Professional: Accessibility, affordability, flexibility, and quality child-care issues impact children, family life and the roles and responsibilities of caregivers. In this course, students examine current trends and issues in the field of early childhood education, including relevant legislation, policies, procedures, and regulations, within a changing social context.

Centennial College students compliment their on-campus experience with field placements at child care centres in Toronto under the supervision of faculty members. These instructors visit agencies at pre-arranged times to observe students in action with the children, clarify student expectations and responsibilities and provide feedback regarding strengths and needs. Final grades are assigned based upon the competencies and grading system outlined in the field manual.

Jobs with Early Childhood Studies Diploma

Jobs providing for the needs of infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school-age children are not going to diminish in near future. In fact, there is a huge demand for qualified and experienced professionals who are able to provide an enriched learning environment to children. Most parents, who cannot be with their children during working hours, utilize the services of day care schools, drop-in centres, child care centres and nursery schools to take care of their children.

Studying Child Care in Canada

A diploma in early childhood studies is required to enter the world of work. Centennial College's two-year ECE course curriculum helps individuals gain an understanding of physical and psychological development of children and how environment plays a crucial role in developing their psyche. They also learn how to develop a safe and friendly environment that contributes to the healthy development of the whole child.

The primary aim of an early childhood education program is to develop sensitivity towards children and their needs and understanding the psyche of children with special needs. Individuals need to be reflective in their thoughts and must be able to utilize a variety of observation techniques to enhance work with children.

Program Content

The program covers a wide selection of subjects, including The Learning Environment, The Healthy Development of the Whole Child, Observable Child Development, Guidance and the Individual Child, Health and Wellbeing of Children, Empowering Children's Independence, Preschool and School Curriculum, Child Abuse and School-Age Specialized Field Practicum. It also incorporate industry field placement, allowing students put their classroom learning into practice.

The graduates of this program can choose to either pursue their careers or apply their credit rewards towards further studies at associated universities. An advanced course will help them seek better career opportunities.

Enrolment Guide

The ECE program is open for all the students who have completed their secondary education. Interested students may send their completed application forms to the college with all required supporting, including secondary school diploma certificate and scores of English Grade 12 C or University, or equivalent.

Careers with an ECE Diploma

Child care is one of the fastest growing areas of employment. An ECE course opens doors to numerous career opportunities for graduates in kindergartens, nursery schools, child care centres in Toronto, community service centres, and children and parent resource centres and shelters for women. Opportunities exist in both private and public sectors.

Teaching Positions

The graduates may consider assuming a teaching position in child care centres Toronto after course completion. This includes planning and implementing individual curriculums based on the specific needs of children. It also includes using observation techniques to enhance work with children, and developing and maintaining effective oral, written, non-verbal and electronic communications with children and their families. Job advancement depends on individual experience and qualifications.

Non-Teaching Jobs

Exciting opportunities exist in administration, and supervision. Individuals in these positions are responsible for establishing and maintaining safe and healthy environments, meeting the standards established by regulatory bodies. They are also responsible for maintaining continuous communication with parents and informing them about the developments of their children.

Building a Career in Child Care in Canada

Child care professionals are responsible for taking care of and nurturing children, while creating a customized learning environment for every child. These professionals play a vital role in children's general and psychological well being, through well-structured curriculums, play activities, effective communication and responsive relationships.

Child care professionals may have to take care of infants, toddlers, preschoolers or school-age children, depending upon the organization they are employed with. However, they must be sensitive towards the needs of children, and should be able to plan and implement individual programs and curriculum to meet development needs of children and help them develop good habits, regardless of their job profile and employment setting.

Becoming a Child Care Professional in Canada

In order to become a child care professional in Canada, it's essential to undergo a formal early childhood education. Only those individuals who are qualified to work with young children and their families can enter this field. This program can help interested individuals equip them with the knowledge, understanding and skills to work with children. It is a two-year post-secondary full-time program that focuses on helping students gain an in-depth understanding of fostering physical, adaptive, emotional, social and cognitive development and learning in young children.

The early childhood studies program blends diverse fields of study, including

• Principles of psychology
• Child development
• Health and well-being of young children
• Development of children with special needs

The goal of an ECE program is to help students become sensitive towards the needs of young children, reflective in their practice, unbiased in their approach and aware of relevant legislation, procedures and policies and regulations to early childhood programs in social context. The program blends classroom studies and hands-on training in early childhood education lab schools, live projects and field placement at a child care centre Toronto.

Program Content

The two year program covers a wide range of subjects, including The Healthy Development of the Whole Child, The Learning Environment, Observable Child Development, Guidance and the Individual Child, Health and Wellbeing of Young Children, Principles of Psychology, Empowering Children's Independence, Understanding and Communicating with Families, Inclusion of Children with Special Needs, Preschool and School Curriculum, Advocacy and Emerging Professional and Child Abuse.

The students are prepared to plan individualized curriculum based on a thorough understanding of child development, utilize a variety of observation techniques and develop an effective communication and responsive relationship with children.

The graduates can work with nursery schools, child care centres, shelters for women, drop-in centres, children and parent-care centres, kindergarten classrooms, and child care centres Toronto.

Studying Early Childhood Studies in Canada

Centennial College Toronto offers both full-time and part-time programs in this field. The best part is that the college offers a great exposure to students by allowing them to experience and understand what high quality child care is about at their early childhood education centres. Practical experience is essential to finding employment after graduating from the college. Further, the program curriculum reflects current trends and directions in the ECE field. Apart from this, the program graduates can also apply their credits towards further studies at the university.

In order to apply for this program, interested individuals send their applications to the college along with a copy of secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent and scores of English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent. They also need to obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening, and valid certificates in CPR and First Aid and a clear medical report.

Early Childhood Studies Explores a Career in Teaching and Program Coordination

Do you have a passion for teaching or working with young children? If you think you have the energy to take on the task, then you must acquire the right mindset, skills, and knowledge to become an Early Childhood Educator. Early childhood studies can enhance your outlook on childhood development, and practice on your patience, empathy, and other traits, while training you to be a competent and skilled Early Childhood professional.

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) can be found in different job settings where infants, toddlers, and young children are found. Elementary schools, community centres, and child care centres in Toronto hire ECEs to manage early learning programs. Here is what students can expect in their career:

• Collaborate with the teachers and staff to plan and implement educational programs to support and encourage progressive development of children
• Supervising a group of children during the program, school time, extra-curricular activities, and field trips
• Organize classroom and workshop sessions to stimulate learning activities and ensure a clean and safe place for playing and learning
• Preparing nutritious snacks for the children, keeping in mind any allergies and intolerances
• Monitoring and assessing a child's development, supporting them as needed, and completing reports and parental interviews when required
• Knowledgeable of the Day Nurseries Act and organization's policies and mandate
• Physically and emotionally demanding

With the capacity of child care centre Toronto offers, employers are seeking the graduates from accredited early childhood programs in Ontario's educational system. Postsecondary students can complete such program within two years while gaining sufficient working experience to apply in the profession and complete day-to-day activities with confidence. Centennial College offers the Early Childhood Education program located at Progress Campus.

In anticipation of the extensive workload of Early Childhood workers, Centennial prepares their students to meet the profession's demands with the right knowledge, skills, and industry practices. The Early Childhood Education program at Centennial College teaches each student the following learning outcomes:

• Students will learn each process in becoming a third teacher. First, they must understand the stages in child development and how internal and external factors will a child's growth. They will get hands-on practice in creating, developing, and executing various programs that will children learn and grow.
• Children are very dependent on adults to lead them and help them with daily activities. Students must be mindful of every child and must have keen eye on details. Additionally, a child's welfare is the student's top priority, especially when it comes to health and safety concerns. Students will learn to identify and respond to health and safety needs of children.
• In order to communicate effectively with parents and guardians, ECE students need to learn to collaborate with them for the benefits of the children. They will learn to empathize and become understanding of parental perspectives and provide recommendations to help parents enhance their relationships with their children.
• Early childhood educators are advocates of a child's well-being, and they are to be knowledgeable on trends, policies, and laws surrounding children and childcare. Students learn relevant legislation and procedures as well as the issues that affect children. Furthermore, they are trained to be watchful of signs of child abuse and the process to take if it is suspected.
• Students will apply their knowledge to field placements, where they will gain experience with children of all ages and levels, including infants, school-aged children, and children with special needs.

Centennial College prepares future Early Childhood Educators to support the ever-changing needs of a child and to anticipate and solve problems. The Early Childhood Education program provides in-depth academic and practical training, with the foundations of childhood development, exercises in program planning, and three separate field placements. Graduates were hired in various work environments, including in elementary schools, kindergarten programs, community programs, and daycares.

Becoming a Child Care Professional in Toronto

Before you consider a career in child care, it's important to gather an in-depth understanding of their job duties and every work life. This is because child care in Canada is not baby sitting or just taking care of infants, toddlers, preschoolers or school-age children in the absence of their parents.

The job responsibilities include much more than this. Child care professionals in Canada work with a well established nursery schools, child care centres and drop-in centres, shelters for women, and children and parent resources centres. They are responsible for

• Identifying individual needs of each child
• Keeping a record of their daily observations
• Communicating with children and developing a friendly relationship with them
• Planning and developing a curriculum based on their individual needs
• Implementing and monitoring these curriculums
• Overseeing physical facilities at the child care centre
• Ensuring complete comfort of children
• Administrating their medications if required
• Monitoring their play activities
• Serving them food
• Offering multiple opportunities to them that support their physical, mental, social and cognitive growth
• Helping them express their feelings

The major responsibility of child care professionals is to make children feel supported, encouraged and loved, while ensuring their physical and emotional well-being and safety.

Everyday Work Life

The child care professionals are expected to remain attentive, energetic and motivated throughout the day. As they have to take care of children and support their physical, emotional and social development, they need to be completely engaged in their work. Besides this, they need to act friendly, no matter how stressful, tiring or irritating their work may seem.

The professionals are also expected to act in a manner consistent with principles of equity, fairness and diversity to support the development of children. They are supposed to provide highest level of quality care to children at all times. The job of a child care professional is very challenging and extremely demanding.

Educational Prerequisites

Only those students who really love being with children and taking care of them should consider entering this profession. However, this is not the only requirement. The minimum requirement to become a child care professional is to having a formal, post-secondary education in early childhood studies.

Centennial College's two-year post-secondary ECE program prepares you to take care of children by helping you learn to provide an enriched learning environment for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

The early childhood education program combines in-class learning and hands-on exposure in college's lab schools. You are prepared to provide high standards of quality care to children and their families in child care centres in Toronto.

The program also offers you an in-depth understanding of health and well-being of young children, child psychology, child development, and empowering children's independence. Besides this, you also learn to develop curriculums based on the individual needs of children.

Enrolment Guide

To apply for this program, you will need:

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

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

Build a Rewarding and Satisfying Career in Child Care in Canada with an ECE Program

The first few years of a child’s life make an extremely sensitive period. This is the time when the foundation for their personality and physical health is laid. How they are treated and what they are taught play an important role in shaping their character and behavior.

Nursery schools, day care facilities and child care centres in Toronto have an active role to play in the formative years of children. They are responsible for observing the needs of each individual child creating a customized learning environment for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

Childcare Professionals

High standards of quality care can be provided only by experts who are sensitive to the needs of children and can develop responsive relationships with them. Graduates in early childhood education are the right people who can provide them with an enriched learning environment. They can develop and implementing individual programs and curriculum to meet the developmental needs of children.

The professionals have thorough understanding of child development and are capable of working closely with young children. They utilize a variety of observation techniques to understand specific needs of each child. They develop effective communications with children and take care of them within the framework of professional and ethical standards.

They understand that children are very sensitive and they should be treated with fairness and equality, regardless of what background they come from. Not only this, the child care professionals also make comprehensive reports related to the development of each child.

The professionals after completing a formal post-secondary diploma in early childhood studies can find employment with nursery schools, day care centres, drop-in centres, children and parent resource centres, kindergartens and shelters for women.

Early Childhood Programs in Canada

An ECE program in Canada is considered to be highly respected, so is the profession. It is a two-year full time program post secondary education that prepares students to provide quality care to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. They are taught to establish and maintain a healthy and safe environment for children, making them feel secured and comfortable.

The program aims to help students develop a thorough understanding of the healthy development of the whole child, health and well being of children, principles of child psychology, empowering children’s independence, understanding and communicating with children, understanding children with special needs and child abuse.

The program combines theoretical sessions, interaction with lab child care centres and field training with child care centres Toronto. This helps you in putting your classroom learning into practice and gain valuable contacts.

How to Enroll in an ECE Program?

You will need to submit your secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent and English Grade 12 C or University scores while filling the application for admission. Students currently attending high school can also apply for this course. Their grades will be automatically transferred to the college.

Child care is a highly respectable and responsible job. You may have to go through police screening and obtain an annual check. Additionally, you may also require providing valid first aid and CPR certificates and a clear medical report at the time of admission or anytime during the course.

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.

Early Childhood Education program develops students knowledge in childhood development

Do you like caring for young children? Take your interest to a new level by turning it into a career in early childhood education (ECE).

Here are some reasons to start a career in ECE:

• Help advance the future of the growing generations by assisting children in their cognitive learning and emotional development.
• Enter a field with increasing opportunities as the government creates more jobs in ECE due to demands in roles to promote the benefits of learning at an early stage in life.
• Job growth is expected to stay positive. According to Service Canada, college graduates make up the majority of the labour pool, and employment outlook remains very good in years to come.
• Birth rates continues to increase, says Service Canada, which means that there will be clienteles to be helped by ECE workers.
• Benefits of early childhood education is becoming more prominent to parents and guardians, so demand for Early Childhood Educators will continue to grow.

Many ECE workers start their career in child centres. Centennial College has child care centres in Toronto to help provide its students and the public manage their school and work life with their personal commitments. The Centennial College child care centre in Toronto is located near the Centre for Creative Communications while the Scarborough location is at the college’s main site at Progress Campus. The professional workers in those daycares must be registered in the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE).

In addition to its childcare centres, Centennial College also offers an ECE program that will lead to careers, not only in child daycare centres but also in educational institutions, community centres, and women and children’s resource centres. The Early Childhood Education (at Progress Campus) 1221 program is a two-year program located at Progress campus, preparing students to become Early Childhood Educators. They can become Kindergarten Teachers, Tutors, Assistant Teachers, Day Care Supervisors, and Pre-school Support Workers. Before that, they must be graduate from the two-year program designed to improve their understanding in childhood development and apply programs for children in an educational and safe manner.

The Early Childhood Education program at Progress Campus proves to be highly competitive, so spots will fill out quickly. Centennial College recommends their prospective students to apply early before the deadline at the Ontario Colleges website. Its early childhood studies involves academic training and a field placement starting on second semester. Students will continue to put their knowledge into practice with a field placement on the third semester in a childcare setting, under the supervision of a qualified early childhood educator. Graduates will relish the skills and training gained at college as they enter the workforce as Early Childhood Educators.

Child Care Centres In Toronto With a Dual Purpose

Child care centres in Toronto at Centennial College serve two essential services: They provide child care for the students of the institution and become an essential tool for students in programs such as Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Assistant.

Many of Centennial College’s students are also parents and knowing that their child or children are close by while they further their education can be a comforting thought. That’s why these childcare centres are such an important aspect of the services the institution offers to its students. The first of the two child care centres in Toronto is located at Progress Campus, which is the school’s largest location. The second meanwhile, is in East York, not far from The Centre of Creative Communications (CCC), which houses programs such as Journalism, Fine Arts Studio, Graphic Design – Media, and many others. Additionally, each facility is equipped to care for children of specific ages. The child care centre in Toronto at Progress Campus provides care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The CCC Early Childhood Education Centre accepts infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. It is also worth noting that like many other child care centres in Toronto, Centennial College’s has a fee for child care based on the child’s age but the facilities are licensed and approved to provide subsidized care.

As living labs, these child care centres in Toronto serve as hands-on practice for students of Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education Assistant programs. So while the centres are staffed by fully-qualified early childhood education professionals and assistants, students also work with the children, under the supervision of centre staff.

For those in Early Childhood Education, working at the child care centres in Toronto means applying the basic principles of practice that they learn in the classroom. During this experience, students begin to develop a sensitive awareness of each child’s uniqueness by offering time for uninterrupted play, the opportunity to make choices, and the freedom to explore and interact with others. ECE program faculty supervisors, who visit agencies at pre-arranged times, observe students in action with the children, clarify student expectations and responsibilities, and provide feceedback regarding strengths and needs.

Meanwhile, Early Childhood Education Assistant students who partake in practicum at these child care centres in Toronto focus on developing the skills they need to work with infants and toddlers in group care settings. As such, they work with infants and toddlers, to observe the stages of development, to notice what infants and toddlers do and to learn how to respond to them. A qualified Early Childhood Educator is responsible for role modeling, supervising appropriate interactions with the children, co-workers and parents, and provide feedback. A Centennial College ECE program faculty field supervisor also supports the students’ early childhood studies by observing at the agency, offering feedback and assigning a grade for the placement.

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.

A Launching Pad for a Career in Early Childhood Education

Are you looking to attend one of Canada's college-level early childhood programs that will allow you to either pursue further education or enter the field right away? If so, look no further than Centennial College’s early childhood education program, which focuses on offering students the know-how to become Early Childhood Assistants. As such, after two semesters students can enter the field and find work as: child care assistants in child care centers, child care providers with licensed child care agencies, independent child care providers, and in-home nannies. If on the other hand, these students want more education in early childhood education, they may enter Centennial College’s two-year ECE program. In fact, between 10 and 33 per cent of graduates from the Early Childhood Assistant offering do 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.

This early childhood education program is designed specifically for mature students, ESL students and those with learning disabilities. Thanks to this design, classrooms are small, there is a hands-on approach and faculty members encourage a learning environment in which support is offered to students on an on-going basis.

This Centennial College early childhood education offering boasts 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. Specific topics covered within the early childhood education courses include: professionalism, infant and toddler development, the learning environment, health and wellbeing, guiding children's behaviour, preschool and school-age learning, and more. All of these learning elements work together to prepare students for two practicum experiences. 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.

As a result of the early childhood program, students have the knowledge to: plan and implement individual programs and curriculum to meet the developmental needs of children; utilize a variety of observation techniques to enhance work with children, families and co-workers; maintain responsive relationships with individual children and groups of children; establish and maintain safe and healthy environments that best meet the requirements of current legislation, regulatory bodies and program policies; develop and maintain effective written, oral, non-verbal and electronic communications with children, families, co-workers, employers and individuals/ agencies; apply relevant legislation, policies, procedures and regulations to early childhood education programs and settings in a changing social context; and more.

If you are interested in applying for this specific early childhood program, you are required to have completed 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.

Train as an Assistant and Go onto Take Early Childhood Education

Do you have learning disabilities, possess a workplace destination level high-school diploma, are a mature student (over the age of 19), and/ or have a first language other than English? Do you have an interest in working in early childhood education? In addition do you possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or are 19 years of age or older; and the compulsory English 12 credit or skills assessment or equivalent? If so, you may be eligible to apply for the early childhood program at Centennial College known as Early Childhood Assistant. In addition to these academic requirements, applicants may also be required to complete a questionnaire, provide references and attend a program admission session as part of the admissions process.

The reason this early childhood education offering is so ideal for those with learning disabilities, mature students and ESL students is that it was specifically designed to support the needs of such students through small classes, a hands-on approach to learning and encouragement from professional faculty members who have been in the industry for years.

Once accepted, students will discover a few distinct benefits. First, most early childhood education courses include one or two major assignments, a mid-term and a final test. Secondly, assignments include presentations, small group assignments and in-class workshop participation. Thirdly, both semesters contain field placement experiences.  Specific early childhood education courses include: Communicating with Families, Preschool and School-Age learning, Guiding Children’s Behaviour, Health and Wellbeing, Infant and Toddler Development and more. To supplement in-class training, students of the early childhood program, partake in two practicum experiences. This hands-on practice allows students to apply what they have already learned and gain new insight. 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.

By the end of the program students are able to: plan and implement individual programs and curriculum to meet the developmental needs of children; utilize a variety of observation techniques to enhance work with children, families and co-workers; maintain responsive relationships with individual children and groups of children; establish and maintain safe and healthy environments that best meet the requirements of current legislation, regulatory bodies and program policies; develop and maintain effective written, oral, non-verbal and electronic communications with children, families, co-workers, employers and individuals/ agencies; apply relevant legislation, policies, procedures and regulations to early childhood education programs and settings in a changing social context; and more.

Each year, between 10 and 33 per cent of graduates from this early childhood program go on to study in Centennial’s two-year Early Childhood Education (ECE) program. 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.

Early Childhood Education Allows You To Assist in a Childcare Setting

Many parents today are left with no choice but to put their children in daycare. This can be an unsettling experience as horror stories of unsatisfactory daycare care do exist. However, when a parent goes to check out a daycare, he or she can meet not only the Childhood Educator but also the Early Childhood Assistants who ensure that parents feel comfortable leaving their children at the daycare.

Through their understanding of personal and social development as well as health and safety needs, combined with practical training, early childhood assistants are able to effectively support children as they grow through their early years. In order to be eligible to enter the field, Early Childhood Assistants must obtain an early childhood education. Such an endeavour can be completed at Centennial College in Toronto, Ont.

To apply for the Early Childhood Education Assistant program, you should possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. There is also a requirement of compulsory English 12 credit or skills assessment or equivalent. Aside from the academic necessities, students are required to complete a questionnaire, provide references and attend a program admission session as part of the admissions process. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this early childhood program.

Specifically, the program is designed to support students who have learning disabilities, have a workplace destination level high-school diploma, are mature students (over the age of 19), and/ or students who have first languages other than English. This design is facilitated through small classes, a hands-on approach to learning and support from professional faculty members who have been in the industry for years. One year in length, the program features course such as: Communicating with Families, Preschool and School-Age learning, Guiding Children’s Behaviour, Health and Wellbeing, Infant and Toddler Development and more. In addition to the early childhood education courses, students also participate in English Communications, The Learning Environment, Professionalism, and more. Within these courses, there are usually two major assignments, a mid-term and a final test as well as presentations, small group assignments and in-class workshop participation.

To round out training, the early childhood program also sees students participating in a two-day-a-week field placement. This hands-on practice allows students to apply what they have already learned and also gain insight from the field. You should be aware that 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. You must also have a clear medial report to participate.

This one-year undertaking prepares students for two things: a career as a childhood assistant or entry to the school’s Early Childhood Education program. Should students choose to pursue a career right away, they will be responsible for providing care and skilled support that helps children with personal and social development. They also ensure the safety of the children in childcare centres, licensed childcare agencies, independent childcare centres and in private settings (as nannies). The skills they will leave with include: Planning curriculum and activities that are based on an understanding of child development, creating nutritious meals, maintaining responsive relationships with children, establishing environments that meet requirements of current legislation, and maintaining communication with the children’s parents.

Help Nurture Our Future as an Early Childhood Educator

Did you know that employment for teachers, including those in early childhood education, is expected to grow by 13 percent between 2008 and 2018, with particular demand expected in urban areas? Now is a great time to get into this field that specializes in the instruction of children from birth to age eight. Although the term “early childhood educator” typically refers to a teacher, it can also be applied to teacher assistants, specialists, and administrators. The responsibilities of these early childhood educators depend on the children’s age. For example, teachers of young children create lesson plans, administer discipline and evaluate progress of students, emphasizing the aspects considered crucial to successful physical, cognitive and emotional development. The one thing that all of these professionals have in common is a post-secondary education such as Centennial College’s Early Childhood Education program.

This two-year undertaking is conducted out of the college’s Progress Campus, which is centrally located and ideal for networking. In order to apply, students must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition they must have completed the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. English proficiency will also be considered in the admissions process.

During their time in the Early Childhood Education program, students participate in courses such as The Healthy Development of the Whole Child, Guidance and the Individual Child, Health and Wellbeing of Young Children, Principles of Psychology, Understanding and Communicating with Families, and many more. As you can see, the focus of the program is very clearly on the child. That’s because the first priority of Centennial Early Childhood Educators is to provide high standards of quality care to children and their families. In addition these in-school courses, the ECE program at Centennial College’s Progress Campus offers a field placement. This gives the students a chance to apply what they have learned, and encounter situations that they will most likely experience upon graduation. Please note that in order to complete the field placement you must: have an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening and obtain a valid first aid and CPR certificates (prior to the beginning of second semester). Also, transportation costs involved in some field experience assignments is the responsibility of the student.

Students graduate with an extensive body of skills. First, they are able to plan curriculum that is based on a thorough understanding of child development and implement individual programs and curriculum to meet the developmental needs of children. Centennial College grads also know how to utilize a variety of observation techniques to enhance work with children, families and co-workers. Another way of enhancing their work is through developing and maintaining effective written, oral, nonverbal and electronic children, families, co-workers, employers and individuals/agencies. This goes hand-in-hand with establishing and maintaining safe and heath environments that meet the requirements of current legislation, regulatory bodies and program policies, so that parents are assured their children are safe. For more benefits of the Early Childhood Education program at Progress Campus, check out its benefits page.

Centennial College offers Full time Early Childhood Assistant Program

In today's competitive job market, employers are seeking to hire graduates that are highly specialized and well trained. You can't afford to waste your time with an education that wont help you get the job you want. At Centennial College, all our programs are geared for success.

As part of your program, you will not only learn how to use the latest cutting edge tools, but you will also learn how to apply the latest principles from business professionals. To compliment your classroom learning, you will also get hands-on experience in the labs.

Centennial's staff not only believe in providing students with the best teaching experience possible, but also to offer the best guidance and career advice.

Admission Requirements

Centennial College expects students applying for admission to certificate or diploma programs to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Academic Requirements

Compulsory English 12 or skills assessment, or equivalent

Non-academic Requirements

Applicants are required to complete a questionnaire, provide references and attend a program admission session as part of the admissions process
English proficiency will be considered in the admissions process

Field Placement Requirements

Some field placement agencies may 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
Clear medical report
Questions regarding criminal reference checks may be directed to the program contact by calling 416-289-5303

Monetary Requirements

Costs for this program are approximately $2,200 each semester
There is an incidental fee of about $80 to cover in-class materials and handouts. The fee does not include textbooks or related supplies

Synopsis

Early childhood program deals with care and support for child's requirements by skilled person through the child's understanding of personal and social development. Also, health, safety of child's needs are combined with practical training, early childhood assistants are imparted to enhance their ability towards effective of children at their early age.

For more information on early childhood education Courses visit centenialcollege.ca