Basic Early Childhood Education Program
The Native Education College trains early childhood educators and care providers with a specialized Aboriginal cultural perspective. In the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, students learn the basic skills for working with young children and developing day care activities which build age-appropriate skills. The childcare centre practicum allows each student to practice professional skills developed through the classroom component of the program.
Students who have successfully completed the courses can begin working under the supervision of a licensed Early Childhood Education provider. Upon completion of 500 hours of paid or volunteer work, they can apply to the Early Childhood Educators of BC for certification. The certificate courses are also transferable to the second year ECE programs in Infant and Toddler Care and Special Needs Educator offered at many local colleges.
Basic Early Childhood Education
Program Content
| Semester I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| COM100 | Communications for the Human Services | 3 |
| ECE 101 | Human Growth & Development I | 3 |
| ECE 102 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 103 | Creative Arts for Children | 3 |
| ECE 104 | Observing & Recording Young Children | 3 |
| ECE 105 | Practicum Preparation Seminar I | 1 |
| ECE 106 ECE | Observation Practicum | 1 |
| ECE 107 | ECE Block Practicum I | 3 |
| Semester II | Credits | |
| ECE 110 | Creative Movement & Music | 3 |
| ECE 111 | Guiding and Caring For Young Children | 3 |
| ECE 112 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| ECE 113 | Health Safety & Nutrition (includes First Aid) | 3 |
| ECE 114 | ECE Individual Study | 1 |
| ECE 115 | Practicum Preparation Seminar II | 1 |
| ECE 116 | ECE Block Practicum II | 3 |
| Semester III | Credits | |
| ECE 120 | The Learning Child | 3 |
| ECE 121 | Interpersonal Skills & Community Relations | 3 |
| ECE 122 | Socials, Science & Math | 3 |
| ECE 123 | Language & Literature | 3 |
| ECE 124 | ECE Individual Project | 1 |
| ECE 125 | Practicum Preparation Seminar III | 1 |
| ECE 126 | ECE Block Practicum III | 3 |
| Total Certificate Credits = 58 |
Course Descriptions
COM 100
Communications for the Human Services
Credits: 3
This course will focus on professional communication skills appropriate to a First Nations cultural context. Students will learn how communication differs across cultures and with traditional cultural values. Learning activities will help develop observation skills and objective analysis. Students will practice making positive recommendations and writing reports and letters used in a daycare context.
ECE 101
Human Growth & Development I
Credits: 3
This course examines the genetic and environmental factors that affect the growth and development of children from birth. Special attention is given to developing language skills and other factors important to promoting mental and social skills in the daycare setting.
ECE 102
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Credits: 3
Students will study the historical and theoretical roots of Early Childhood Educators and their impact on the current issues and trends in this field. Students will gain further understanding of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal cultural approaches to caring for young children.
ECE 103
Creative Arts for Children
Credits: 3
This course is designed to provide students with theoretical and practical insights into developing creative experiences in art. Students will learn how to use Aboriginal art and crafts with young children. Projects include developing indoor and outdoor learning activities.
ECE 104
Observing & Recording Young Children
Credits: 3
Activities will develop the student’s skills in observing the behavior and personal development of infants, toddlers and preschool children. The course will examine the ethics of child study and methods for comparing behavior to established norms.
ECE 105
Practicum Preparation Seminar I
Credits: 1
Students review the process for setting up a practicum placement and the goals of the observation practicum.
ECE 106
ECE Observation Practicum
Credits: 1
During this placement in a daycare setting, students will practice and refine their skills in observing the behavior and personal development of infants, toddlers and preschool children.
ECE 107
ECE Block Practicum I
Credits: 3
During this placement in a daycare setting, students will participate in daily activities and re p o rt on the elements of a childcare environment.
ECE 110
Creative Movement & Music
Credits: 3
This course will explore individual and group activities for learning through movement and music, including Aboriginal songs and dances. Students learn how to help meet individual children’s goals in communication and physical development.
ECE 111
Guiding and Caring For Young Children
Credits: 3
The emphasis in this course is on developing knowledge and skills for guiding children in developmentally appropriate ways. Students will learn how to implement guiding techniques and strategies in early childhood programs.
ECE 112
Human Growth & Development
Credits: 3
This course continues an in-depth look at the factors that influence the development of a child. Students will observe and record interactions with adults and peers, dramatic play and behavior. Special attention is given to developing language skills and other factors important to promoting mental and social skills in the daycare setting.
ECE 113
Health Safety & Nutrition
Credits: 3
In this course, a wholistic approach to the well being of the child is developed. Personal care, including procedures to handle illness and accidents, and food preparation activities are part of this course. Basic first aid training, food safe training and daycare safety issues will be included in this course.
ECE 114
ECE Individual Study
Credits: 1
This course will encourage students to do research on topics that are of interest to them. They will become familiar with internet research and access resources such as the Family Violence Resource Centre and Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre.
ECE 115
Practicum Preparation Seminar II
Credits: 1
Students will practice their theoretical and practical knowledge in an ECE setting in the community, with a special emphasis on gaining experiences in curriculum planning.
ECE 116
ECE Block Practicum II
Credits: 3
During this placement in a daycare setting, students will practice and refine their skills in planning and carrying out learning activities in art and music for infants, toddlers and preschool children.
ECE 120
The Learning Child
Credits: 3
An introduction to understanding the importance of learning through play. Students will plan indoor and outdoor play environments that promote child development. In another project, students will design a learning tool that is a p p ropriate for children between the ages of three and six.
ECE 121
Interpersonal Skills and Community Relations
Credits: 3
This course examines the philosophy of working with parents while addressing the diversity of families and childcare issues today. It will introduce the student to practical techniques in building positive relations with parents and the community as a whole. Special emphasis will focus on Aboriginal values and the interpersonal respect that stem from living in small communities and extended families.
ECE 122
Socials, Science & Math
Credits: 3
In this course students will develop learning activities in the early academic development of math, science and social studies skills, including First Nations Studies.
ECE 123
Language & Literature
Credits: 3
Students will develop an understanding of how children acquire language and the importance of culturally and developmentally appropriate language and literacy. Traditional Aboriginal language instruction and bilingual daycare will be discussed.
ECE 124
ECE Individual Project
Credits: 1
Students will develop new skills and knowledge for early childhood education and care through researching and presenting a relevant project. The topic may include a specialized area of curriculum or best practices in Aboriginal childcare.
ECE 125
Practicum Preparation Seminar III
Credits: 1
Seminar discussions will focus on different philosophies of Early Childhood Education and build basic employment skills for working in a childcare centre.
ECE 126
Block Practicum III
Credits: 3
During this placement in a daycare setting, students will refine their program planning skills further developing their professionalism in guiding the personal development of infants, toddlers and preschool children.
