Current Size: 100%
Early Childhood Education – Advanced Studies in Special Needs |
School of Health Sciences |
2012/2013 Program AvailabilityNorth Fall: Open |
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Type:
Ontario Graduate Certificate Postgraduate
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Campus:
North
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Program Code:
07901 |
Length: Two semesters, beginning in September |
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CONTACT INFORMATION: Sally Kotsopoulos, program co-ordinator | 416.675.6622 ext. 4339 | sally.kotsopoulos@humber.ca
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This Early Childhood Education 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-centred 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 Advisory Committee provides regular review and input of our curriculum ensuring our program is always on the cutting edge of industry developments.
Our program has the benefits of two on-site inclusive child-care facilities for children from 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.
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.
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 special needs – physical, intellectual, social and emotional challenges – will benefit even more from early intervention and inclusive programming.
As a graduate of Humber’s Early Childhood Education – 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.
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.
Note: For more information visit Selection Procedures.
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 2011/2012 fee for two semesters was
– domestic $5,041
– international $12,200.
Amounts listed are the total of tuition, lab and material fees, student service and auxiliary fees for the first two semesters of the 2011/2012 academic year.
Fees are subject to change.
For more information visit Fees and Financial Assistance.
Textbooks, resources and supplies cost approximately $700 per year. Transportation costs to and from field placements are the student’s responsibility.
Semester 1 | ||
| Course Code | Course | Credits |
| ECAS 500 | Perspectives in Special NeedsPerspectives in Special NeedsCourse Code: ECAS 500 Credits: 2 This course is designed to familiarize the student with specific issues and trends in the field of special needs. Historical, traditional and emerging perspectives, challenges and approaches will be explored. Students will examine the variety of models for providing education for families and their children with special needs. Emphasis will be on a variety of models for resource consultants. Legislation pertinent to the field will be examined. The research component of the course will include the value of research to education, how to access a variety of databases, develop different research formats and how to critically evaluate research relevant to the area of special needs. | 2 |
| ECAS 502 | Field Practicum 1 - ECASField Practicum 1 - ECASCourse Code: ECAS 502 Credits: 8 Students will integrate theory and practice by working with a resource teacher/consultant or other professional in settings, which provide services to children and adults with special needs and their families. Students will observe and analyze the role of the resource teacher, consultant or related role in the community. They will work as a team member to assess and program for children and adults with special needs and their families. Students will learn to work closely with families, interprofessional teams and the community to develop family support plans and to facilitate the process of inclusion. | 8 |
| ECAS 503 | Effective Resource TeamworkEffective Resource TeamworkCourse Code: ECAS 503 Credits: 2 This course explores a number of techniques and strategies to enhance the student's performance in the field of special needs. By working in a team approach, students will gain experience in developing effective communication, leadership, and teamwork skills essential to this role. Emphasis will be placed on identifying the skills necessary to function effectively in the role of a resource teacher/consultant or related position in the community. | 2 |
| ECAS 504 | Adapting Curriculum 1Adapting Curriculum 1Course Code: ECAS 504 Credits: 3 In this course, students will apply the developmental model to facilitate the development of gross motor, fine motor and self-help skills. The effect of the environment and teaching strategies on inclusive programming will be explored. Students will utilize problem solving and task analysis techniques in order to develop and adapt curriculum for children and adults with a variety of special needs. The identification of prerequisite skills, appropriate positioning and adaptive equipment will also be examined. | 3 |
| ECAS 514 | Programming: Consultation and CollaborationProgramming: Consultation and CollaborationCourse Code: ECAS 514 Credits: 3 This course explores various approaches to programming and interprofessional practice.
Compiling data for the purposes of writing observations, interpretations, strengths, summaries, goals, objectives, strategies, recommendations and reports will be the major focus. Professional writing, case sharing, resources and working collaboratively in development of assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating various consultative approaches will be explored. This course assumes a basic knowledge of child development and an understanding of responsive, inclusive practices in a variety of settings. Due to the dynamic nature of the consultation process, each student?s course of study will reflect the unique nature of the field practicum. Students will be expected to adapt course content. | 3 |
| ECAS 505 | Family Centred PracticesFamily Centred PracticesCourse Code: ECAS 505 Credits: 3 This course focuses on working with families of children with special needs. Students will examine their personal and professional values in working with families. The students will demonstrate awareness of factors/influences that affect families such as poverty and isolation. Students will demonstrate empathy and support for families in coming to terms with their child's special needs as well as effective communication techniques. Students will demonstrate an understanding of empowerment and family centered practice in developing strategies to support families. | 3 |
| ECAS 506 | Transition to Reflective PracticeTransition to Reflective PracticeCourse Code: ECAS 506 Credits: 1 This course is designed to engage students in the process of reflective practice as they transition to their new role as community resource consultants. Students will assess their learning strengths and needs; explore personal and professional resources; and develop a self-directed learning plan in order to establish future career pathways. | 1 |
Semester 2 | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| ECAS 507 | Advocacy and Community ResourcesAdvocacy and Community ResourcesCourse Code: ECAS 507 Credits: 2 This course will focus on the role of the advanced studies student as an agent of change. Students will explore ways to advocate with families and community members demonstrating an understanding of how to assist others to become advocates for themselves and their children. The concept of advocacy as a form of self-knowledge and social action will be a central theme. Students will develop skills in seeking out and investigating resources and providing liaison between the family, school and community. | 2 |
| ECAS 508 | Consultation and Case ManagementConsultation and Case ManagementCourse Code: ECAS 508 Credits: 3 This course will focus on the consultation aspect of case planning and co-ordination for children with special needs and their families. Students will apply their understanding of family-centred practice and individual program planning by developing and writing an individualized family support plan. They will demonstrate effective report writing skills in composing and evaluating a variety of professional reports. Students will be expected to demonstrate leadership and facilitation skills with other team members concerning the individual program planning process. Students will observe a variety of community groups, evaluating and demonstrating effective group process. | 3 |
| ECAS 509 | Field Practicum 2 - ECASField Practicum 2 - ECASCourse Code: ECAS 509 Credits: 8 Students will integrate theory and practice by working with a resource teacher/ consultant in settings, which provide services to children and adults with special needs and their families. Students will observe and analyze the role of the resource teacher in direct and/or consultant roles. They will work as a team member to assess and program for children and adults with special needs and their families. Students will learn to work closely with families, child-care teams and the community to develop family support plans and to facilitate the process of inclusion. They will facilitate problem solving, and mutual decision-making throughout the consultation process. Students will take an active role in developing community networks and educational resources. | 8 |
| ECAS 510 | Independent Research StudyIndependent Research StudyCourse Code: ECAS 510 Credits: 2 This course is designed to enhance the students' research skills. They will consult with faculty and peers as they explore issues and methods related to research on their chosen area of specialization. Seminars and presentations will permit students to demonstrate effective means of accessing resources and presenting information clearly and concisely in a professional manner. Each student will conduct an in-depth, independent research project relating to their area of specialization. Based upon this investigation, students will develop a comprehensive project, which could be used as resource by the community. Ongoing postgraduate professional development will be highlighted. | 2 |
| ECAS 511 | Adapting Curriculum 2Adapting Curriculum 2Course Code: ECAS 511 Credits: 3 In this course, students will develop and adapt programs to facilitate the development of social emotional, cognitive and speech and language skills. Students will utilize problem solving and task analysis techniques in order to develop and adapt curriculum. Students will research and analyze the effectiveness of a variety of programming approaches to meet the needs of children with special needs and their families. | 3 |
| ECAS 512 | Resource Strategies for Special NeedsResource Strategies for Special NeedsCourse Code: ECAS 512 Credits: 3 This course is designed to reflect and enhance the student's own work experiences. Topics will include: team building, time management, oral and written communication skills, and accessing resources in the community for children with special needs and their families. Each student's area of interest will be the focus for course work, assignments and student presentations. Students will utilize an enquiry-based approach to investigate current issues in the community. | 3 |
| ECAS 513 | Career and Portfolio DevelopmentCareer and Portfolio DevelopmentCourse Code: ECAS 513 Credits: 1 This course is designed to reflect and enhance the student's own work experiences. Topics will include: team building, time management, oral and written communication skills, and accessing resources in the community for children with special needs and their families. Each student's area of interest will be the focus for course work, assignments and student presentations. Students will utilize an enquiry-based approach to investigate current issues in the community. This course will provide opportunities for students to develop skills in creating a professional portfolio and job search techniques for this unique field. Students will examine their own skills, attitudes and knowledge through reflective practice and participate in sessions that will allow them to apply theoretical concepts to practice. As a result, this course will provide the student with a competitive edge in the workplace and increase their overall employability skills. | 1 |
