Program Courses

• Student Success Strategies [BC-SSSD]

  • Students will gain a better understanding of themselves through an exploration of their personal attributes, transferable skills and learning styles. This course will introduce techniques for time, conflict, and stress management and develop interpersonal communication skills. Fundamental study and motivation skills will be covered, preparing students to excel in their program of choice. Students will also prepare a professional resume and learn how to write effective cover letters.

• Introduction to Computers [ITC4]

  • This course is a broad-based introduction to using a personal computer. It teaches the fundamentals of an operating system and the most popular application software including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. You will also learn about the Internet, Web browsers, electronic mail and antivirus software. The course is based on the Windows 7 operating system, Microsoft office 2013 and a variety of popular software programs for the Internet-related and security-related applications

• Introduction to Early Childhood Education [ECE1100]

  • This module will detail the history of the ECE environment in British Columbia including an overview of the licensing agency and acts and regulations responsible for childcare facilities and childcare facility staff. Students complete assignments to build practical understanding of licensing, staff qualifications, educator/child ratio, and activities. As the course is aptly named, several important regulations, philosophies, and common themes are introduced here and are reinforced throughout the program as well: British Columbia Child Care Sector Occupational Competencies; British Columbia Early Learning Framework; Child Care Licensing Regulation; Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC) Code of Ethics; Child Care BC Act; Community Care and Assisted Living Act; Child Care Subsidy Act; Child Care Subsidy Regulation; Safe Play Space Standard of Practice; Family Child Care Standard of Practice; StrongStart BC early learning programs; Writing across the curriculum; Pedagogical narration and peer review; Creating portfolios; Teaching theories (e.g Reggio Emilia approach, Montessori, etc.).

• Developing Activity Plans [ECE1160]

  • The focus of this module is on the development and implementation of age- and stage-appropriate activities. Students will learn how to set learning objectives and design and evaluate activities and lessons. Ideally this course is studied in the early phase of the program, as the skills learned apply to assignments and study of various subject areas of curriculum covered in the ECE program.

• Learning Through Play [ECE2110]

  • In play, children represent and transform the world around them, providing other children and adults with a window into their thoughts and perceptions and often helping adults to the see world in new ways. This guiding principle, a key point in the Early Learning Framework and supported by HealthyFamiliesBC, is enveloped into the full ECE program with a comprehensive introduction in this course. This module focuses on the development of strategies based on theories of play to enhance the value of constructive and positive play in the childcare environment.

• Communities, Families and Support Networks [ECE1110]

  • Professional responsibilities and the roles of Early Childhood Educators will be explored. The hierarchy and communication among family-based team members as well as the role of staffing will be addressed. Students will also learn about legal and ethical practice issues, the role of confidentiality, acceptable behaviours, and standards of care. Special topics will include practices of ECE for immigrant and refugee children in BC, application of the Code of Ethics, and the function of the Child Care Resource & Referral Program in communities across BC.

• Communication and Interpersonal Relationships [ECE1120]

  • This module will introduce students to positive communication skills, verbal and non-verbal, in an ever-changing diverse and multicultural environment. Communication, conflict resolution, and issue understanding are key elements explored in this module.

• Child Growth and Development I [ECE 1131]

  • This module is an in-depth study of all aspects of child development from infancy to early childhood. Students will look at theories of human development and how these theories affect the practices of early childhood educators. The purpose of this module is to give students thorough background knowledge of child growth and development. As a result of this module, students will be able to identify the unique developmental needs of children and cater their early childhood programs to meet those needs. Students are eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certificate after successful completion of this course; this will enable a student to elect to work in the field while completing their ECE education.

• Language Study Observation Practicum [ECE 1135]

  • During the classroom portion, a key area of coverage is ‘Observing and Recording: Theory and Practice' to prepare students for observation and practice education components. Students are eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certificate after successful completion of this course; this will enable a student to elect to work in the field while completing their ECE education.

• Child Study Observation Practicum [ECE1140]

  • This is a two-week observation practicum supervised by a certified early childhood educator (sponsor supervisor) with additional observation and evaluation by an ECE faculty member from the college. The focus will be on workplace conduct, routines and environment, working with children individually, and parent-teacher partnerships, as well as working on a child study of one child focusing on the developmental stages and behaviours of the child.

• Guidance, Caring and Behaviour Management [ECE 1151]

  • This module will develop practitioner skills necessary to provide a positive, safe, and nurturing environment. Strategies for guidance, discipline, and conflict will be examined through in-class work and observation assignments. The course includes a two-day observation for the assignment ‘Guidance Observation'. Students are eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certificate after successful completion of this course; this will enable a student to elect to work in the field while completing their ECE education.

• Arts and Creative Development [ECE1170]

  • This module is centred on understanding and facilitating hands-on arts and crafts experience. Students have the opportunity to place developmental theories into practice throughout this module. Assignments include learning to record the behaviour and actions of children involved in the drawing process (pedagogical narration) as well as building resource files for future use and preparing activity plans.

• Music and Movement [ECE2120]

  • This module deals with physical, social, and emotional growth through a variety of structured music and movement programs. Students record and describe the ways in which children are exposed to music and how it can be utilized to set atmosphere, ease transitions and waiting periods, and guide and redirect behaviour. This course also introduces resources from organizations such as LEAP BC™, that promote healthy child development through physical movement while integrating activity and play with literacy and education during engagement with young children in programs like Move™ and Hop™.

• Program Planning and Implementation [ECE2170]

  • Students learn to create program plans that include the setting of short and long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional goals for clients. This module takes a holistic view of assisting in the fulfilment of client needs.

• Language and Literature [ECE1180]

  • This module aims to develop student understanding about the acquisition of language and the benefits of exposure to literature. Strategies to introduce children to age and content appropriate literature will be covered through the study of early childhood experiences in language arts. The language study observation practicum (part of ECE1130) usually follows this course to apply theory to practice.

• Drama and Creative Expression [ECE2130]

  • Diverse lifestyles, multi-cultural experiences, and varied social settings are explored through the construct of imaginative play environments. Assignments include the development of play prop boxes that can be used to encourage drama in a childcare facility.

• Introduction to Practicum [ECE1190]

  • Expectations, documentation, policies, and procedures highlight this module as preparation for practicum placements. Students meet with sponsor supervisors at placement sites to build their comfort level and discuss facility procedures, practicum assignments, and other requirements. Students also have the opportunity to outline personal goals and objectives and how they expect to achieve them. There is also an open and supportive forum to discuss potential fears and concerns students may have as they anticipate their practicum experience. This course is included in the practicum hours as approved by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

• Foundation Practicum I: Language and Art [ECE2100]

  • This is a formative, three-week integrated community-based practicum, supervised by a certified early childhood educator (sponsor supervisor) with additional observation and evaluation by ECE faculty members from the college. This is an opportunity to put theory into practice in a child-care facility in order to develop competency levels. Emphasis at this formative stage of the program is on language and art.

• Science and Math [ECE2140]

  • This module will enable students to build and incorporate science and math activities into the childcare environment. Students will complete assignments to further their exploration and understanding of science and math learning activities. A component of this course also introduces technology applications in the early childhood environment.

• Social Studies [ECE2150]

  • Students focus on key features of social study activities into planning for children. Universal family units, social sensitivity, and multiculturalism are covered in detail. Students will complete assignements to further their exploration and understanding of social studies learning activities.

• Planning Indoor and Outdoor Play Environments [ECE 2181]

  • The purpose of this module is to help students develop the knowledge needed to create early childhood environments that enhance learning and further development. This module will aid students in understanding that quality environments for children are conducive to optimal growth and development. At the end of this module students will be prepared with the necessary skills and knowledge to plan and arrange a childcare environment that nurtures the whole child. Students will be able to evaluate the functional, physical and aesthetic components of space for children. This module may include a two-day observation in a child care center.

• Health, Safety, and Nutrition [ECE2160]

  • This module will address proactive measures for reactive methods of addressing illness prevention, disease transmission, abuse, and childhood behaviours such as bullying. Assignments may include practical application such as menu evaluations, shopping assignments, and Occupational Health & Safety Regulation applications, as well as topics related to nutrition, healthy eating programs, and the Canada Food Guide. Students will also take a one-day Emergency Child Care First Aid and CPR program through external certification. Students also will be trained in FoodSafe™ - Level I certification (8 hours). Students should note that some of the training covered in this course will require more than five hours of class time on specific days in the schedule. Students are eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certificate after successful completion of this course; this will enable a student to elect to work in the field while completing their ECE education.

• Daycare Administration [ECE3100]

  • During this module, students will have the opportunity to debrief on their earlier practicum and observation experiences and review the application and development of skills and core concepts learned throughout the program. Basic centre administration will be covered including budgeting, scheduling, centre structure, and organization, as well as other management skills. A guest speaker (licensing officer) is normally scheduled for this course.

• Career & Employment Strategies [CES4]

  • This course looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview: how people find jobs; employer expectations; presenting an enthusiastic attitude; focusing on the right job; transferable skills; the job interview; effective resume preparation; cover and thank you letters; effective telemarketing; tapping the hidden job market; handling objections; job search management; self-confidence and self-esteem building; mock interviews (video-taped); and individual counselling and coaching.

• Practicum II: Summative Practice [ECE2190]

  • During this practicum, students will undergo work-based experience in which they plan and deliver childcare. Students will have numerous opportunities to complete prepared activity plans, observe children at play, observe, and evaluate typical and challenging behaviours. There will be supervision by a certified Early Childhood Educator (Sponsor Supervisor). During this competency-based practicum, students will also be observed and evaluated by an ECE Faculty member from the college.

• Advanced Child Growth & Development [ECE 4000]

  • Students will review typical development from birth to six years of age. This module includes a focus on recognition of children who require additional support with an emphasis placed on current theory and research. Students will apply their knowledge of child growth and development and individual differences using a case study approach.

• Interacting with Families, School, & Community [ECE 4010]

  • This module examines the knowledge, strategies, and competencies needed by the early childhood educator to collaborate effectively with families of infants, toddlers, and children who need additional support. The ethics of empowerment of families, professionals, and children is also examined. Students will review the family systems approach, communication skills, and the family-centred care model.

• Administration Skills for Child Care Centres [ECE 4050]

  • This module prepares students in the administrative duties of a pre-school or daycare. Topics such as program philosophy and policy design, financial management, organizational structure, staff development, and relationships with families and community will be highlighted.

• Advanced Health, Safety, & Nutrition [ECE 4060]

  • This module equips the student with knowledge and skills for planning, implementing, and evaluating health practices for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children who need extra support in integrated and infant-toddler settings.

• Foundations of Working with Children with Special Needs [ECE 4070]

  • This module is designed for those requiring specialized skills in the care and guidance of working with children who require additional support. Students will explore the selection and use of appropriate assessment materials and intervention techniques for working with children who have special needs. A family-centred approach, which focuses on promoting social interactions among children, will be taken.

• Program Planning for Special Needs Children [ECE 4080]

  • The emphasis of this module is on adaptation of special care needs and curriculum development to the various group care environments. Child development principles will provide the basis for program planning and implementation.

• Special Needs Practicum (Full-Time) [ECE 4091]

  • A six-week integrated community based practicum, supervised by a Certified Special Needs Educator with additional observation and evaluation by ECE Faculty from the College. This laboratory course provides the student with opportunities for the development and implementation of comprehensive projects that demonstrate advanced professional knowledge and practice.