Early Childhood Education - Advanced Studies in Special Needs - Humber College

Our Program

This Early Childhood Education (ECE) 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 familycentred 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.

Your Career

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 in ter ventionists, early childhood resource teachers, teacher therapists, community consultants, intensive resource support professionals, educational assistants, home sup port/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.

Our Facilities

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.

Work Placement

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 communitybased/ 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 at your placement site.

For further information, visit healthsciences.humber.ca/resources/pre-placement-requirements/fieldclinical-placement.

Our Industry Partnerships

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.

Admission Requirements

An Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma or degree or a diploma or degree in a related discipline such as Psychology or Family Sociology with a minimum grade average of 70 per cent. Applicants must be able to demonstrate child development coursework.
Submission of a detailed resumé and covering letter outlining your experience working with children with special needs and their families, and your interest in applying to this program
If English is not your first language, refer to the English Language Proficiency Policy

Note: For more information, refer to Selection Procedures.
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 – for more information, visit the School of Health Sciences website at healthsciences.humber.ca
Valid HeartSaver Automated External Defibrillator (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 (Vulnerable Sector Screening). 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 six months to one year thereafter. For more information and application instructions regarding the Police Record Check, visit the School of Health Sciences website at 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 / Scholarships

The 2013/20143 fee for two semesters is

domestic $5,554.54
international $13,500.

Amounts listed are the total of tuition, lab and material fees, student service and auxiliary fees for the first two semesters of the 2013/2014 academic year. Fees are subject to change. For more information, refer to Fees and Financial Assistance.

Additional Costs

Textbooks, resources and supplies cost approximately $700 per year. Transportation costs to and from field placements are the student’s responsibility.

Curriculum (View the 2012/13 Curriculum)

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name
ECAS 5000	Perspectives in Special Needs Perspectives in Special Needs Course Code: ECAS 5000 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.
ECAS 5001	Effective Resource Teamwork Effective Resource Teamwork Course Code: ECAS 5001 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.
ECAS 5002	Adapting Curriculum 1 Adapting Curriculum 1 Course Code: ECAS 5002 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.
ECAS 5003	Field Practice 1 Field Practice 1 Course Code: ECAS 5003 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.
ECAS 5004	Family Centred Practices Family Centred Practices Course Code: ECAS 5004 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.
ECAS 5005	Programming; Consultation and Collaboration Programming; Consultation and Collaboration Course Code: ECAS 5005 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.

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name
ECAS 5500	Advocacy and Community Resource Advocacy and Community Resource Course Code: ECAS 5500 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.
ECAS 5501	Consultation and Case Management Consultation and Case Management Course Code: ECAS 5501 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.
ECAS 5502	Independent Research Study Independent Research Study Course Code: ECAS 5502 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.
ECAS 5503	Adapting Curriculum 2 Adapting Curriculum 2 Course Code: ECAS 5503 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.
ECAS 5504	Resource Strategies for Special Needs Resource Strategies for Special Needs Course Code: ECAS 5504 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.
ECAS 5509	Field Practice 2 Field Practice 2 Course Code: ECAS 5509 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.

May 2013 Program Availability

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