Early Childhood Assistant (Sept 2025)

This is a required course in the Early Childhood Assistant program which offers an introduction to professional interpersonal communication skills which will be further developed and practiced in subsequent courses. This course explores topics related to professional communication, reflective practice, and collaboration. As a result of the learning outcomes of this course, students will gain the skills necessary to establish inclusive relationships within the ECE community.

Students develop a comprehensive understanding of child development from conception through early childhood. They take a dynamic perspective on developmental theories that apply to early childhood education. With a focus on whole child development and education, the course will also examine the three major domains of young children’s physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development as well as connect to the developmentally appropriate practice to promote children’s development.

This course introduces the role of the observer and various approaches to observing development. Ethical standards for surveillance and documentation are discussed. Writing concise, accurate and objective observations are introduced along with many observation tools.

This course covers health, safety & nutritional needs of children and early childhood educators. Students recognize the importance of safe learning environments to support & promote children’s health & well-being. Health promotion, prevention of illness, occupational health and safety are discussed, and exploration focuses on the impact that educators and childcare settings have on health & nutrition of children. Students review current legislation in the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014.

Students study ways of forming positive partnerships between families & educators. Strategies facilitating family involvement, effective collaboration & communication skills with parents are defined. Current theories of parent education & issues in child rearing are examined. Students understand children & families are unique. They explore how to react & have an inclusive, welcoming & anti-bias environment for different family structure, culture, socio-economic status, religion & ethnicity.

This course introduces students to the language & practice of sociological inquiry. It examines basic concepts, research and theories in sociology, & uses them to explore our everyday life experience & their relation to the cultural communities & social institutions, in Canadian society. Students develop an appreciation of key groups & issues such as family, ethnic group, class, community, school, childcare, social change, women’s issues, social organizations, multiculturalism & immigration.

Students explore the foundations of play-based curriculum specific to young children in early learning & care environments to foster & facilitate inclusive, holistic learning & development. Students examine how an early learning curriculum framework guides curriculum planning. Strategies are explored to support the design of creative arts & sensory experiences. The course addresses planning for play. Knowledge & skills prepare students for their practicum experiences & professional practice.

This course provides theory related to language acquisition in the early childhood years. Students learn the implementation of teaching techniques within a play-based curriculum. They examine the importance of early experiences, such as social, cultural & linguistic diversity interactions for facilitating the development of language & literacy skills. Students apply language development theory to program planning for young children & establish rich language & literacy practices.