This course provides a comprehensive introduction into the principles and study of human development. Topics include research methods and design, the contexts and theories of development, and the sequence of development from conception to birth. Students examine the development of the child during the first two years of life. 

Communication Techniques will assist students in developing some of the communication skills necessary to succeed both in the post-secondary academic environment and in the professional world.  The students will learn how to research a topic, document sources using the MLA method, draft and present a research paper outline, and write a formal research paper. Emphasis will be placed on the concepts of academic integrity and the avoidance of plagiarism. Students will also focus on how to communicate and present information both one on one and in a large group setting.

Students learn the principles and guidelines educators use to design developmentally appropriate and inclusive programs for young children. Special emphasis is placed on the roles of play, creativity and literacy in curriculum development to address all areas of children’s physical, social/emotional and cognitive development. Students explore curriculum components and plan experiences for children up to age two. 

In order to begin Field Placement I, it is important that students understand the responsibilities they must undertake in order to be successful.  Students need a clear understanding of the evaluation process and the tasks to be completed.  Field Placement Preparation gives students the tools and background necessary to begin their first field placement experience.

Elective general education courses appear in your program of study as GNED 0000. This is called a “placeholder.” This placeholder is replaced by an actual course that you will select from a list of available "elective" general education courses when you register in the relevant semester.

Please note that the type and number of elective courses available will vary from semester to semester and from year to year.

Please visit the General Education website for more information.

This course helps students understand early childhood education from historical, theoretical, practical and political points of view. Identification of the needs of young children and their families helps students understand and evaluate existing child-care services and determine the early childhood educator’s role.

Psychology is the study of human behaviour. This course is designed to increase student understanding of the basic principles that underlie behaviour.  Through practical examples, students will be introduced to important psychological concepts and key research findings.  The course examines such processes as: biology and behaviour, sensation and perception, learning and memory, emotion and motivation, consciousness, and social psychology.

Students will be introduced to the three major areas of children’s wellness, health care, safety and nutrition. Theory and practice are combined to offer the student a working knowledge of children’s’ wellness issues and an opportunity to practise some of the elements required for the effective care and nurturance of young children.

This course continues the study of the principles of human development. Part one introduces students to the “play years” (from two to six); part two examines the “middle years” (6 – 12).

Students use the principles and guidelines of curriculum development to design developmentally appropriate and inclusive programs for preschool and school-aged children. Emphasis is on the roles of play, creativity, literacy and planning for the holistic development of children. Students explore a variety of subject areas relating to physical and social/emotional development.

This is a supervised ECE field experience that students undertake in an assigned setting. Students are expected to demonstrate beginning ability in all performance areas related to facilitating children’s growth and development. 

The Field Placement Preparation II course will introduce Year 1 students to the Early Childhood Education placement process. Students will participate in the course which is designed to ensure their success in the first and subsequent community child care placement experiences. Topics covered will relate to the process of Field Placements I, II and III and will include responsibilities, expectations and evaluation.

This course is a combination of individual and group sessions with students and their field placement supervisors. The sessions help students gather and share placement experience information.

Students learn about the social and emotional needs of young children and examine the role of adults and how the physical environment affects young children’s behaviour. Positive ways of dealing with children’s behaviour are explored.

Students use direct observation to gather information about young children. As well, students apply what they learn in this class by observing children’s behaviour in child-care settings.

Students design developmentally appropriate and inclusive programs for preschool and school-aged children. Emphasis continues on the roles of inclusiveness, play, creativity and literacy in curriculum design, which addresses children’s physical, cognitive and social/emotional development. Cognitive development in the areas of science, math, literature and construction is emphasized.

This supervised ECE field experience takes place in an assigned setting. The field placement helps students demonstrate increased competence in all performance areas. CURR 2501 and FWK 2301 are prerequisites.

This course is a combination of individual and group sessions with students and their field placement supervisors. The sessions help students gather and share placement experience information.

This course introduces students to special education, inclusive education and the principles and methods of meeting individual needs. Students explore the major categories of exceptionality and how they can meet the needs of children with exceptionalities and their families. Child Development I (CHLD 2300) is a prerequisite.

Sociology is the study of people and how they interact with each other and various social groups. This course deals with the study of people's lives, their relationship to society as a whole, and how people are affected by the society in which they live. The concepts, theories and methods of the discipline will be introduced and discussed, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of Canadian society and Canadian social problems.

This course is designed to give students an understanding of the administrative procedures and the supervisory functions required to operate a child care program. Emphasis will be placed on the development of technical and interpersonal skills that ensure an efficient operation.

In consultation with faculty, students choose an ECE placement setting that meets the student’s needs and interests. As well, students demonstrate consistent competence and comfort in all performance areas. FWK 4307 and CURR 3501 are prerequisites.

This course is a combination of individual and group sessions with students and their field placement supervisors. The sessions help students gather and share placement experience information.

Students examine various philosophical approaches to early childhood education to help them develop and articulate their own philosophies. Topics include historical and current factors in the development of theoretical perspectives and the comparison of radically different theories in early education approaches.

This course introduces students to the subject of child abuse—what it is, why it happens, and what the indicators and consequences of abuse are. Students will also learn about the educator’s role in preventing, identifying and treating child abuse. Throughout the course students are exposed to current research, audiovisuals and case studies. This information will help students to make informed decisions about reporting abuse. FIELD PLACEMENT I (FWK 2301) is a prerequisite.

This course focuses on the professional and ethical responsibilities of early childhood educators. Students explore issues and develop strategies to determine the nature of their professional responsibilities. Introduction to ECE (ECE 1301) is a prerequisite.

This course is designed to assist students in working effectively with parents. The dual role of parents as a resource and client will be examined. In addition, the role of child care as a resource and support system to families will be identified.