Early Childhood Education

Your Career

A growing body of research tells us that what children learn and experience in the first five years of life can make an impact that lasts a lifetime. Early childhood is a period of significant advances in mental, physical, emotional and social development. You can contribute to supporting the well-being of children and families in the field of early childhood education.

As a graduate of Humber's ECE program, you are able seek employment as an early childhood educator, early years resource worker, home child-care provider, educational assistant, toy and book sales representative, children's programming director, preschool nursery school teacher, before-and-after school provider, camp counsellor/ director or parent educator. Opportunities are also emerging for those who want to work for themselves or to be an entrepreneur in child-care consulting, alternative care giving (after-hours care), and tutoring.

Our Program

Humber's Early Childhood Education program produces dedicated early childhood community leaders.

Our program gives you the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively with children (birth to 12 years), families and other partners in a variety of settings such as a licensed child care, one of our on-site lab schools, an Ontario Early Years Centre, or a community program. Theoretical course work and practical field components are integrated throughout each semester.

Our highly qualified and experienced faculty have a range of specialties, including infant care giving, learning in natural environments, social justice, community partnerships, professional development and advocacy.

*Note: At the Humber North Campus, there are three program entry points each year. The September intake (fall semester) runs for the standard four semesters with a summer break between semesters two and three. The January entry (winter semester) provides students with the opportunity to study for 16 continuous months. There is also a May intake (summer semester). The Humber Orangeville Campus offers the standard four semesters with a summer break.

Our Facilities

Our program has the benefit 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. The daily operation of the resource centre is possible through student involvement, providing students with the opportunity to develop organizational and leadership skills, while working with peers. Both the Resource Centre and the Child Care Centres hire students throughout the year.

Work Placement

Students are required to complete approximately 700 work placement hours within the four semesters. Placements are assigned by faculty. During the four semesters you may have work placements working with families and children (various age groups) in licensed child care or preschool settings, family resource programs, community programs, hospitals, kindergarten programs or home-based child-care programs. A different placement each semester ensures a range of experiences prior to graduation. Each semester offers a block week for an intensive opportunity to become immersed in the role of the ECE. The fourth semester internship offers a longer and more in-depth experience to the graduating student in preparation for entering the workforce.

Our Industry Partnerships

Industry partners include licensed child-care centres, Ontario Early Years Centres, home-based child-care agencies and related community organizations and services across Toronto, Peel, York, Halton and Durham regions.

Professional Accreditation, Endorsement and Recognition

The Early Childhood Education program is a professional preparation program, recognized by The College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario. As such, the program is demanding both in terms of academic work and expectations for professional behaviour.

Your Future Study Options

Qualified graduates of this program may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study at many postsecondary institutions. Many students go on to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees and Humber has established transfer agreements with Canadian and international universities. For detailed information, visit our website at humber.ca/transferguide or refer to the Humber Transfer Guide.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U). If English is not your first language refer to the English Language Proficiency Policy in this publication.
Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, U or M courses in addition to those listed above
Applicants who do not possess the required courses may complete admission testing to determine equivalencies. Invitation and booking of admission testing is done using the email address provided on the online application.

Note: Refer to the Selection Procedures for more information

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Additional Requirements

Students must be in good physical and mental condition and meet the same physical and immunization requirements as those for the staff employed by the agency/facility where the practicum is taking place.
Complete immunization record
Valid Heartsaver AED (C) and Standard First Aid certificates
Police Record Check: Students in programs or occupations involving direct contact with vulnerable persons are required to undergo a Police Record Check. Refer to the Admission Information section in this publication. Humber reserves the right to deny admission to this program based on an unpardoned criminal record that would be relevant to the academic or placement requirements of the program. The Police Record Check may have to be renewed every three to six months thereafter. For more information and application instructions regarding the Police Record Check, visit healthsciences.humber.ca/field-clinical-placement/prc.

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.

Fees

The 2009/2010 fee for two semesters was
- domestic $3,052.70
- international $11,730.

For further information, refer to Fees and Financial Assistance in this publication.

Financial Aid

Additional Costs

Textbooks and supplies cost approximately $750 per year. Transportation costs to and from field placement are the student's responsibility.

Alternative Course of Study

Humber offers the Early Childhood Education diploma program 07911 on a part-time basis through continuing education.

Curriculum

Semester 1
COURSE Code	Course	Credits
COMM 200	College Writing Skills	3
ECE. 011	Responsive Relationships in Inclusive Environments	4
ECE. 012	Development: Across the Lifespan	2
ECE. 013	Children, Play and Creativity	3
ECE. 014	Child Development: Prenatal to 2 ½ Years	2
ECE. 015	Promoting Health and Safety	3
ECE. 016	Field Practicum 1	4
HUMA 024	Humanities: An Introduction to Arts and Science	3

Semester 2
COURSE Code	Course	Credits
COMM 300	Business Writing Skills	3
ECE. 021	The Role of the Early Childhood Educator 1	2
ECE. 022	Social Justice: Nurturing Communities	3
ECE. 023	Curriculum Design	3
ECE. 024	Child Development: 2 to 6 Years	3
ECE. 025	Understanding Children Through Observation	2
ECE. 026	Field Practicum 2	4

Semester 3
COURSE Code	Course	Credits
ECE. 031	The Role of the Early Childhood Educator 2	3
ECE. 032	Creating Inclusive Environments	3
ECE. 033	Family Perspectives	3
ECE. 035	Transforming Practice Through Observation	2
ECE. 036	Field Practicum 3	8
GNED 000	General Education Elective	3

Semester 4
COURSE Code	Course	Credits
ECE. 041	The Reflective Professional	2
ECE. 042	Community Collaborations	3
ECE. 043	Advocacy and Leadership in Early Childhood	2
ECE. 044	Child Development: 6 to 12 Years	2
ECE. 046	Field Practicum 4	8
GNED 000	General Education Elective	3

Application Program Code: 07911

Diploma