Year 1 Fall Intake
This certificate program ladders in to the Human Services Diploma option.
Year 1 Fall Intake
Course of Studies
Semester 1
Semester 2
Course Descriptions
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.
Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 12 or equivalent or LPI level 4.This course provides students with practical experience in observing and recording children’s individual abilities and interests over time. The course is designed to integrate theories and practices in the ECCE field. Students observe and participate in child care programs in the region. Reflective practice and professional conduct are developed.
ECCE 178: Foundations of Professional Practice I examines the role of the professional in early childhood care and education in both historic and current context. Learners will be supported in examining personal and professional values, beliefs and assumptions about young children, families and services for children and families. An ecological approach will be used to explore issues such as diversity, personal and professional ethics, legal requirements and other factors relating to children, families and child care environments.
The focus of this course 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; diapering and toileting; accident prevention and hazard identification; medication; illness management and assessment; modeling healthy practices and utilizing community health resources.
This course provides opportunities to learn about warm, caring, responsive relationships and emotionally safe child-centered environments. Students explore the areas of art, music, movement and drama within the conceptual frameworks of developmentally appropriate practice, the competent child, diversity, child-centered environments, sensory motor exploration, emergent curriculum and creativity.
HSER 174: Interpersonal Communications provides the student with an opportunity to examine personal goals, values and attitudes; develop and practice listening and responding skills, and become more aware of personal strengths and limitations. This course is designed to help students gain self-understanding in order to be more effective in working with people.
PSYC 100: Introductory Psychology I is an introduction to the methods, theory and practice of psychology as a science. Among others, topics will include motivation and emotion, learning and memory, biological foundations, sensation and perception. Other topics are added at the discretion of the individual instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.
Prerequisites: ENGL 12 or equivalent with a grade of C or higher.
ECCE 169: Clinical 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.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all fall semester ECCE courses. Corequisites: ECCE 186, ECCE 193, and PSYC 240This course provides an overview of the field of early childhood education from a philosophical perspective. An ecological approach is used to explore issues such as diversity, personal and professional ethics, legal requirements and other factors relevant to children, families and child care environments. Students examine anti-bias principles and approaches to working with young children. By exploring their own adult role in play environments, learners will integrate thinking regarding philosophies of least restrictive environments and inclusionary practices.
This course 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-centered environment. Students learn ways of supporting and extending the interests, understandings and problem-solving abilities of young children.
In this course, learners reflect upon values, beliefs and attitudes towards 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 autonomy and maximize potential.
This course provides the learner with practical experience in an early childhood centre. Students integrate learning and demonstrate skills in interpersonal communication, observing and recording children’s responses and abilities, program planning, guiding and caring and growing professional awareness. Seminars are scheduled for reflective discussion of practicum learning.
Corequisites: FAM 180 and ECCE 193
FAM 180: Family Dynamics is designed to provide students with a variety of theoretical perspectives to
understanding families. It considers the diversity of families through the lenses of the life course perspective and
political policies. Family formation, parenting, separation and divorce and aging are all examined. Family issues
are also considered, including marriage and death rituals, work and poverty, same sex relationships, disabilities
and immigrants. Policies that affect families are explored through an examination of violence in the family and
political trends. The course is intended to be a foundation for further study of families.
*The fall semester of FAM 180 is in the classroom, the winter semester offering is via distance learning.
Prerequisites: Must be done concurrently with or after completing English 110. Corequisites: Must be done concurrently with or after completing English 110.PSYC 240: Child Development is an introduction to normal child development. This course explores selected aspects of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and moral development of children from birth to adolescence, and examines the major theories of child development.
Prerequisites: PSYC 100 or PSYC 101 or equivalent.
In 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.
Practicum for 6 weeks in April/May
In this course, 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.