Start Date: September
Location: Prince of Wales Campus
Length: 2 Years
Credential: Diploma, Early Childhood Educator
The Early Childhood Care and Education program is grounded in a theoretical understanding of early childhood development. You will learn how to design and implement a curriculum that inspires young minds, helps children develop socially, emotionally, and physically, and promotes inclusiveness. You will discover how much work goes into creating child’s play—and experience the joy that comes with it!
Part of your training will be in the early learning centre located on our Prince of Wales Campus.
You will study the historical roots of child care, education, growth and development, and the connections between these factors. You will develop an understanding of relationships and how play and the learning environment contribute significantly to a child’s development. Through study and practical application, you will experience the thrill of making a difference in the lives of children and their families.
This program is located in the Charlottetown Centre. Take a virtual tour.
This program has degree pathways and articulation agreements, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For more information, visit the Degree Pathways page.
This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.
| Partner Institution | Credential | Details of Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Brock University, St. Catherines Ontario | Bachelor of Early Childhood Education | Graduates with a 70% average can complete a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education degree in apprioximately two and a half years. |
| Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, N.S. | Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies | Graduates can complete a Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study) with only two years of additional study. |
| University of New Brunswick - Fredericton, |
Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education | Graduates with a minimum of 70% in all their program courses gain entry into third year of the Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education program. |
| University of New Brunswick - Saint John, |
Bachelor of Applied Management | Graduates with a 70% average receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Management degree. |
Notes:
Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. International student fees are due on the first day of class.
| 1st Year | Canadian | International |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $5,354 | $11,104 |
| Other Costs | $2,200 | $2,200 |
| Total | $7,554 | $13,304 |
| 2nd Year | Canadian | International |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $4,808 | $9,958 |
| Other Costs | $1,050 | $1,050 |
| Total | $5,858 | $11,008 |
| Tuition Fees | First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,622 | $4,036 |
| Student Union | $172 | $172 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $420 | $420 |
| Food Safety | $60 | - |
| Graduation Fee | - | $100 |
| Fitness Centre Fee | $80 | $80 |
| Total | $5,354 | $4,808 |
| 1st installment due September 6 | $ 2,902 | $ 2,356 |
| 2nd installment due January 9 | $ 2,452 | $ 2,452 |
| Other Costs | First Year | Second Year |
| Books | $1,300 | $250 |
| Materials/Supplies | $300 | $200 |
| Equipment/Tools/Teaching Aids | $600 | $600 |
| Total | $2,200 | $1,050 |
| Tuition & Fees | First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $9,622 | $8,436 |
| Student Union | $172 | $172 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $1,170 | $1,170 |
| Food Safety | $60 | - |
| Graduation Fee | - | $100 |
| Fitness Centre Fee | $80 | $80 |
| Total | $11,104 | $9,958 |
| 1st installment due September 6 | $ 8,652 | $ 7,506 |
| 2nd installment due January 9 | $ 2,452 | $ 2,452 |
| Other Costs | First Year | Second Year |
| Books | $1,300 | $250 |
| Materials/Supplies | $300 | $200 |
| Equipment/Tools/Teaching Aids | $600 | $600 |
| Total | $2,200 | $1,050 |
Course Code:SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.
Credit Values:0
Course Code:COMM-1025
This course explores verbal, non-verbal, and written communication knowledge and skills. Students investigate humanistic theory, choice theory, behaviour, motivation, communication techniques, issues of responsibility and accountability, and conflict resolution. Variations in culture and understanding are examined.
Hours:3
Course Code:ECCE-1000
Exploration of early childhood care and education and self as a practitioner. Students examine the historical beginnings of the field including the theorists and philosophers who have contributed to our understanding of growth and development of young children. Current trends in North America and other areas of the world are explored.
Hours:3
Course Code:ECCE-1011
Examine the process and outcomes of socialization and develop a broader sensitivity to unique family needs. Key areas of study include parenting styles, the family within a societal context, and how to build relationships with families.
Hours:3
Course Code:ECCE-1030
Recognizing the environment as a significant factor in early childhood education. Students explore various components of play, investigate their role as a facilitator of play, and consider the connection between play and the learning environment. Students create an environment that will encourage optimal learning for children.
Hours:3
Course Code:ECCE-1070
Attain the knowledge and skills to establish and maintain healthy and safe environments and to provide healthy and nutritious food for young children. Key topics include prevention, universal precautions, working in partnership with families and community resources.
Hours:2
Course Code:ECCE-1200
This course is designed to help students understand children's needs and behaviour and what it means to use a positive guidance approach in supporting children's social and emotional development. The course will explore environmental and developmental factors that influence behaviour. Emphasis will be placed on positive guidance strategies that enhance the child's self-esteem and support emotional intelligence, co-regulation, and self-regulation. Developmentally appropriate self-management techniques, and conflict resolution strategies used to create an environment of respect, cooperation, and social competence in early childhood settings will be examined.
Hours:4
Course Code:ECCE-2012
Examination of significant impacts of family life on children in an early childhood learning situation. Students examine their role in assisting families and effective communication with other professionals and agencies concerned with children and families.
Hours:3
Course Code:ECCE-2020
Students explore the individual needs of children experiencing exceptionalities. Emphasis will be placed on how to support children and their families within a community setting.
Hours:3
Course Code:ECCE-2036
Students are introduced to techniques that foster diversity and inclusion in their practice through exploration of the social attitudes and historical practices in early childhood education.
Hours:3
Course Code:EDUC-1000
An introduction to curriculum in Early Childhood Education settings. Students are exposed to curriculum structures, approaches and frameworks of learning through play. Students create teaching tools and develop their own spirit of playful learning.
Hours:4
Course Code:EDUC-1005
Addressing the full planning cycle, students plan and implement programs for young children. From the formulation of outcomes based on observations and children's interests to implement emergent curriculum plans that encourage each child's potential.
Hours:3
Course Code:EDUC-2000
Students demonstrate how observation, interpretation and assessment guide early childhood practice, specifically in relation to planning, creating, adapting and sustaining inclusive early learning experiences. Students explore methods and roles of assessment in planning. Students learn how and why to employ various instructional and assessment strategies.
Hours:3
Course Code:EDUC-2005
Students critically reflect on and evaluate program plans to solidify knowledge and skills in all aspects of curriculum and program planning. Students will use identified gaps and patterns in their previous program plans to develop a sustainable action plan for growth.
Hours:3
Course Code:NCPR-1000
Students attend a food service safety course featuring a presentation on safe food preparation, how food poisoning happens, and how it can be prevented. Students will learn how to prevent food preparation mistakes that lead to disease outbreaks and possible damage to operator reputation. Students gain confidence that food handling practices are in keeping with recommended practices.
Hours:0
Course Code:PRAC-1000
Students participate in and provide daily activities within an early learning centre with a focus on core educator behaviours and practices. Students begin to plan and implement programming, document and assess children's experiences and progress, and explore elements of effective relationships with children, families, and team members.
Hours:6
Course Code:PRAC-2020
Students will gain confidence, integrate knowledge, and demonstrate acquired skills in a learning-related work setting. Students plan and implement programming, document and assess children's experiences and progress, and build effective relationships with children, families, and team members.
Hours:6
Course Code:PRAC-2025
This is the final work placement for the ECCE program, where students demonstrate the integration of skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for success in a learning-related work setting. Throughout the practicum, students are expected to plan and implement programming, document and assess children's experiences and progress, and build effective relationships with children, families, and team members. Towards the latter part of the practicum, the student also becomes responsible for the flow of the day.
Hours:6
Course Code:PROF-2030
Students examine ethical behaviour and professional practice in the field of Early Childhood Care and Education. Students develop an awareness of the provincial and national codes of ethics, as well as the national occupational standards. These topics are explored in relation to the students' future professional employment.
Hours:3
Course Code:PSYC-1005
Examining key areas of study in child growth and development from prenatal through toddler stages, including biological and environmental factors. Current research on brain development as well as milestones in all developmental areas will be explored. Students practice observing and recording behaviour and development.
Hours:4
Course Code:PSYC-1010
Students explore factors and their effects on a child's development in the preschool years: ages 2 to 5. Knowledge of milestones in all developmental areas are connected to theorists who have contributed to our understanding of these areas. Students practice observing, documenting and communicating behaviour and development.
Hours:4
Course Code:PSYC-2000
A survey of the growth and development of children from 5 to 12 years. Students study the developmental milestones and the theories contributing to the understanding of children of this age. Particular concentration on literacy, cognitive advances and social/emotional development.
Hours:3
