Early Learning and Child Care Diploma

Program Overview

The Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with children with exceptional needs and abilities, develop appropriate programming strategies, and implement developmentally appropriate guidance. Graduates qualify for Level 3 Early Childhood Educator certification and can pursue careers in early childhood education and care settings.

Program Outline

Course ID: ECEA209 Hours: 45 Credits: 3 This course provides learners with knowledge of various types of exceptionalities and with skills to assist in developing appropriate programming strategies for children with exceptional needs and abilities. The student will learn appropriate intervention techniques and how to utilize these when working individually with children and in integrated settings. Inclusive education is studied as it relates to Alberta classrooms.

ADVANCED STUDIES IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Course ID: RSER201 Name: ADVANCED STUDIES IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Hours: 45 Credits: 3 This course builds on RSER 101 and focuses on developing a greater understanding and appreciation for the multifaceted aspects of developmental disabilities.

EARLY LEARNING CHILD CARE CURRICULUM

Course ID: ELCC212 Name: EARLY LEARNING CHILD CARE CURRICULUM Hours: 45 Credits: 3 This course will cover developmentally appropriate practice, the history of early learning, and planning developmentally appropriate activities. Students will also gain an understanding of guiding language and literacy in diverse families.

EARLY CHILDHOOD FOUNDATIONS

Course ID: ECEA201 Name: EARLY CHILDHOOD FOUNDATIONS Hours: 45 Credits: 3 This course focuses on the historical perspectives which have contributed to and have influenced the current philosophies and practices in the early childhood field today. With an emphasis on Alberta Education and Early Childhood Services and initiatives, this course explores various contemporary program models.

SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY

Course ID: ECEA206 Name: SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY Hours: 45 Credits: 3 This course will provide the learner with knowledge of Family types from the lone parent to the combined families; trends and issues that affect Canadian Families; family development from courtship through marriage; factors that affect the family unit including aging, divorce, second marriages, work responsibilities, and others; and social factors such as poverty, alcoholism, and abuse that may impact the family. Course ID: ELCC203 Hours: 140 Credits: 2 Practicum provides students with the opportunity to apply and enhance their skills and knowledge in relation to working with children in a variety of child care and school settings.

CHILD HEALTH

Course ID: ECDE210 Name: CHILD HEALTH Hours: 45 Credits: 3 This course is designed to provide basic knowledge and skills for maintaining and enhancing individual health and wellness for the educator and child. A look at the holistic approach with the concept of wellness and health will be studied. Health issues such as safe administering of medication, nutrition and meal planning, illnessprevention and treatment, provision of personal care, healthy living including obesity, physical activity and maltreatment, agencies and procedures related to these, safety both at the workplace and outdoors, policies, and good hygiene are reviewed.

DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE GUIDANCE

Course ID: ELCC211 Name: DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE GUIDANCE Hours: 45 Credits: 3 This course will cover the planning and designing of early learning environments and implementing developmentally appropriate guidance. Students will also gain an understanding of management of persistent problem behavior and interacting with diverse families and parents.

INTRODUCTION TO DAYCARE ADMINISTRATION

Course ID: ELCC215 Name: INTRODUCTION TO DAYCARE ADMINISTRATION Hours: 45 Credits: 3 This course will cover information specific to operating a child care program including licensing regulations and requirements, funding options, staff supervision, record keeping, and program evaluation.

LANGUAGE GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Course ID: ELCC222 Name: LANGUAGE GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT Hours: 45 Credits: 3 In this course students learn the role of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in early learning. Skills covered include early language intervention, application of oral language skills, speech strategies, and speech technologies. Students will develop materials and teaching strategies to effectively assist children with speaking and listening. Course ID: ELCC233 Hours: 280 Credits: 4 Practicum provides students with the opportunity to apply and enhance their skills and knowledge in relation to working with children in a variety of child care and school settings.

Careers:

Graduates of the Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program qualify for Level 3 Early Childhood Educator through Child Care Staff Certification, Government of Alberta, Children Youth Services. Students who obtain 45 hours in an Early Childhood course can apply for Level 1 Early Childhood Educator Certification from the Government of Alberta, Children and Youth Services