Programs & Courses
Two semesters, beginning in September
Given that early learning experiences help shape children's development and set the stage for them to be healthier, happier, more productive adults, some economists estimate that for every $1 spent on programs for children, there is a $2 social and economic benefit to Canada. Children with a range of physical, intellectual, social and emotional challenges will benefit even more with early intervention and inclusive programming.
As a graduate of Humber's Advanced Studies in Special Needs program, you are able to seek employment in programs working with children with special needs and their families in both community-based/government services and agencies. Humber graduates have secured employment as resource consultants, early interventionists, early childhood resource teachers, teacher therapists, community consultants, intensive resource support professionals, educational assistants, home support/respite workers, early years' specialists, outreach workers, intensive behaviour interventionists, communicative assistants and infant development workers. Graduates of this program are recognized as dedicated professionals and leaders in the field of special needs and resource consultation.
This program offers university and college graduates a unique opportunity to pursue an exciting and challenging career working with children with special needs and their families. Through the practical skill-based curriculum you will develop an understanding of the realities of working in the field of special needs; how to work with a team of early childhood educators and other professionals to facilitate inclusion; the ability to advocate and facilitate community outreach for children and their families; develop an awareness of your professional role and skills to support families; negotiate a self-directed learning contract for a specialization in the field; and the ability to conduct independent research in a chosen area of interest.
All faculty are highly qualified professionals with extensive experience in early childhood education, specifically working with children with special needs and their families. Faculty have a range of specialties, including family centered approaches, programming, inclusive practice, advocacy, team development, community capacity building, social justice, adaptive technology and leadership. This is an intensive graduate certificate program and faculty are committed to student success.
Our program has the benefits of two on-site inclusive child care facilities for children birth to six years of age and an ECE resource centre full of educational materials, books and equipment to be used for in-class assignments or field placement experiences. Both the resource centre and child care centres hire students throughout the year.
Students are required to complete approximately 500 field placement hours within the two semesters. Placements are assigned by faculty. During the two semesters, you may be assigned a placement in community-based/government services and agencies such as a treatment centre, hospital, mental health agency, child care centre or community association. You may have a full year placement, which allows you to become fully immersed in the agency or a different placement each semester, which ensures a variety of experiences. Each semester offers a block week for an intensive opportunity to become immersed in the role of the resource consultant.
Our industry partners include programs for children with special needs and their families in both community-based/government services and agencies throughout Toronto, Peel, York, Halton and Durham regions.
Note: Refer to the Selection Procedures for more information
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
It is important that potential students understand that the above requirements may impede them from successful admission, completing their full program, and/or securing employment. Humber reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse student access to children placed in its care.
The 2009/2010 fee for two semesters was
- domestic $4,390.96
- international $11,730.
For further information, refer to Fees and Financial Assistance in this publication.
Textbooks and supplies cost approximately $700 per year. Transportation costs to and from field placement are the student's responsibility.
| COURSE Code | Course | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECAS 500 | Perspectives in Special Needs | 2 | |
| ECAS 502 | Field Practice 1 | 8 | |
| ECAS 503 | Effective Resource Teamwork | 2 | |
| ECAS 504 | Adapting Curriculum 1 | 3 | |
| ECAS 505 | Family Centred Practices | 3 | |
| ECAS 506 | Transition to Reflective Practice | 1 | |
| ECAS 514 | Programming: Consultation and Collaboration | 3 |
| COURSE Code | Course | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECAS 507 | Advocacy and Community Resources | 2 | |
| ECAS 508 | Consultation and Case Management | 3 | |
| ECAS 509 | Field Practice 2 | 8 | |
| ECAS 510 | Independent Research Study | 2 | |
| ECAS 511 | Adapting Curriculum 2 | 3 | |
| ECAS 512 | Resource Strategies for Special Needs | 3 | |
| ECAS 513 | Career and Portfolio Development | 1 |
