Early Childhood Education Ontario College Diploma program

Program Overview

Georgian College's Early Childhood Education Diploma prepares students to work with children from birth to 12 years old. The program emphasizes holistic development, experiential learning, and collaboration with families and professionals. Graduates are equipped for careers in various early learning settings and can pursue further education to become Registered Early Childhood Educators.

Program Outline

Extracted Information about the Early Childhood Education Diploma Program at Georgian College:

Degree Overview:

• What you will learn: This program prepares students to work with children (birth to 12 years old) and their families, focusing on holistic development, facilitation, and adaptation to daily challenges.
Students develop caregiving skills while respecting diversity and family rights. The program emphasizes experiential learning through playful activities, creative expression, and science/technology integration. Students learn about partnerships with families, professionals, and community programs for effective collaboration in the early learning and care field.
• Approach: The program reflects the view that children are naturally curious, capable, and learn within diverse social, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds.
Students gain practical experience through two field placements, engaging with children and adults in community settings. The program builds key abilities and best practices for success in diverse early childhood educational environments.
• Program Highlights:
• Engaging faculty
• Project-based learning
• Hands-on experience in the field
• Emphasis on outdoor learning and play
• Focus on diverse learning environments

Outline:

• Program Duration: 2 years
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• Delivery: Full-time + Part-time
• Delivery methods: In person
• Course components:
• Program-specific courses (21)
• Communications courses (2)
• General education courses (3)
• Field placements (2)
• Course structure:
• Semester 1: Focus on academic courses
• Semesters 2 & 3: Opportunities for direct work with children
• Semester 4: Classes with a unique placement offering various settings
• Course selection:
• Faculty: Described as engaging and dedicated to student success.
• Uniqueness: The program emphasizes the importance of play in children's development and offers a range of hands-on learning experiences.

Careers:

• Career paths: Graduates may work in various early learning settings, including licensed childcare programs, before-and-after school care, family home child care, early years resource centers, mental health agencies, private home childcare, kindergarten programs, and more.
• Job opportunities: Growth is expected in contractual and self-employed settings.
• Further options: Graduates can apply to become Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE) with the College of Early Childhood Educators.

Other:

• Part-time study option: Available with flexible registration and payment.
• Admission requirements:
• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Mature student status could be considered
• Additional details available at www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/
• Accreditation: The program has several articulation agreements with universities offering various transfer options to students.
This extracted information provides a comprehensive overview of the Early Childhood Education program at Georgian College.