Early Childhood Education

Program Overview

St. Lawrence's online Early Childhood Education program prepares students to work with children from birth to age 12 in various settings. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, graduates gain a deep understanding of child development, inclusive learning environments, and professional relationships. The program emphasizes observation, reflection, and advocacy, equipping students for successful careers in early childhood education.

Program Outline

Early Childhood Education (Online Full-time) - St. Lawrence

Degree Overview:

This online program prepares students to work with children (from birth to age 12) and their families in a variety of early childhood settings. Graduates gain a firm understanding of human development, learn to create responsive and inclusive play-based learning environments, and acquire the skills to establish professional relationships with families and colleagues. The program emphasizes observation, reflection, and the preparation of pedagogical documentation.

Objectives:

• Develop a strong understanding of human development from birth to 12 years of age.
• Gain knowledge and skills to create responsive, inclusive, play-based learning environments.
• Build professional relationships with families, other professionals, and colleagues.
• Advocate on behalf of families and the field of early childhood education.
• Maintain health and safety standards.

Outline:

Program Length:

• Must be completed within 4 years or 48 months

Delivery:

• Online

Program Structure:

The program consists of five semesters, with each semester divided into two parts. Students take three to four courses per semester.

Course Schedule:

The course schedule is available online.

Modules:

The program includes a variety of modules, including:

Semester 1

• Child Development 1
• Communications for College
• Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• Arts-Based Curriculum
• Philosophies of Curriculum
• Health and Safety

Semester 2

• ECE Teaching Practice 1
• Child Development 2
• The Learning Environment
• Support Self-Regulation and Well-Being
• Plan/Learn with Young Children
• Observation and Documentation and Writing Workshop

Semester 3

• Inclusive Practices in ECE
• Support Self-Regulation and Well-Being 2
• Planning and Learning with Kinder & School Age Children
• Partnerships with Parents and Families
• ECE Teaching Practice 2a
• ECE Teaching Practice 2b

Semester 4

• ECE Program Administration
• Communication Skills 3 - Career Prep
• ECE Teaching Practice 3a
• ECE Teaching Practice 3b
• Arts-Based Curriculum 2

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the course, but may include:

• Assignments
• Exams
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Fieldwork

Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty who are passionate about early childhood education.
• The faculty uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group work, and hands-on activities.
• The program offers a supportive learning environment where students can ask questions and get help from their professors and classmates.

Careers:

Graduates of the program may find employment in a variety of settings, including:

• Licensed child care agencies
• Full-day Kindergarten classrooms
• EarlyON Child and Family Centres
• Parenting and family literacy programs
• School-age child care programs
• Home child care
• Domestic or international nannies
• Community programs
• Camps
Graduates are also eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario.

Other:

• The program is offered online, which allows students to study from anywhere in the world.
• The program is flexible, so students can balance their studies with their personal and professional commitments.
• The program has a strong focus on practical experience, with five field placements throughout the program.
• The program is affordable, with competitive tuition fees.
• The program has a high graduate satisfaction rate, with graduates reporting that they are well-prepared for their careers in early childhood education.