Early Learning

About this programme

Learn to support children and families in the early years of development and growth. Be an agent of change in the field of Early Learning! The vision of the Early Learning (EL) program (formerly Early Learning and Child Care) is to meet the needs identified by the community for the educational preparation of early childhood educators. Students develop the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to provide early learning opportunities and child care for young children and families. Throughout the program, students learn to assist children in all areas of growth and development. Theory courses for the EL program offer the option of either face-to-face or video/online delivery. The EL diploma program may be pursued on a full- or part-time basis. It consists of 60 credits and including a communications requirement and three practicum placements. To accommodate students wishing to complete the diploma program, courses in EL are restricted to program students. The first year of the EL program is focused on providing time and space for emergent learning, deconstructing prior learning experiences, and reconstructing a learning pathway steeped in inquiry, relationship, and professional life-long learning. Student achievement in Year 1 will be based on the Emerging, Developing, Practicing, and Wondering Assessment Framework. Students are expected to remain mainly in the emerging and developing stages as they progress through the core courses. For the purposes of transcripts, Year 1 courses will be recorded as Pass/Fail and awarded credit but have no impact on student GPA.