Course overview
Learn the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to work on the front lines in various early childhood education settings. An early childhood education professional's role will involve establishing safe, respectful, and inclusive play environments, nurturing young children, as well as supporting their families and considering community engagement to sustain learning and growth. Students will gain a holistic understanding of early childhood education and care for children from newborn to age 12. This hands-on program lets students learn through a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience working with children, families and ECE professionals in community settings. Through this engaging learning environment, students can cultivate a foundational understanding of child development, effective strategies and best practices, as well as an ability to plan and design responsive, relationship-based learning environments. Students will become familiar with Flight (Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework), while gaining fundamental communication, observation and documentation, digital literacy, behavior management, problem-solving and collaboration skills essential to supporting the holistic development and well-being of children in their care. Students will come away with a broader perspective of what wellness, development, equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, ethics and child-centred learning means within an early childhood education environment.
