Early Childhood Care and Education banner image Early Childhood Care and Education banner image Early Childhood Care and Education banner image

Early Childhood Care and Education


Start Date: September


Location: Prince of Wales Campus


Length: 2 Years


Credential: Diploma, Early Childhood Educator


Program Availability: Fall 2024 Term

Canadian Applicants: Waiting list

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Waiting list

Other International Applicants: Closed


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.

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Care and Education program at Holland College, Graduates will:

  1. Engage in collaborative professional relationships with children, families, colleagues and communities demonstrating reliability, accountability, flexibility, and initiative.
  2. Meet the legal, occupational, and ethical standards of the early childhood sector.
  3. Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning and improvement.
  4. Use observations to identify if additional supports may benefit the child in early learning environments.
  5. Create and maintain meaningful and inclusive learning opportunities, rooted in child development, that support the child including the role and value of play; and the importance of health, safety, nutrition, and well-being.
  6. Design equitable, accessible, and developmentally appropriate programming for children and maintain child-focused documentation and assessment.
  7. Identify and respond to diverse child and family needs including respect for confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, and implementing guidance practices that promote the dignity of the children.

DEGREE PATHWAYS


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, Saint John, N.B. Bachelor of Applied Management Graduates with a 70% average receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Management degree.
  • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
  • Grade 12 academic English, minimum of 65%
  • Grade 11 or 12 academic or general math, minimum 60%
  • Grade 11 or 12 academic or general science, minimum of 60%
  • Application could be enhanced by volunteer experiences in traditional early learning spaces and in other organizations that work with children, youth and families, such as camps, Scouting, Guides, and Sunday School 
  • Two letters of reference, one personal and one from an employer or a teacher, not from a family member (this is a PDF and will open in a new window)
  • Standard First Aid and CPR Level C from a recognized First Aid/CPR provider. This training must be taken in person, NOT online.
  • Current Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) certificate
  • Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program

Notes:

  • Preference will be given to applicants with academic credits.
  • Child growth and development, computer, and home economics courses would be an asset.
  • Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check:
    Before attending any practicum or clinical portions of the program, a student must submit a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check. If the check indicates that a record exists, the student may not be able to complete portions of their program that are required for graduation. Any associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
  • Don’t have the courses you need to get into this program? Upgrade, earn high school credits, or get your GED in Adult Ed. It’s free!
  • If your first language is not English please review our English Language Requirements page.

2023/2024 Academic Year

Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. International tuition includes the International Student Fee.

1st Year

Canadian

International

Tuition $4,293 $9,393
Fees $757 $1,507
Other Costs $2,200 $2,200
Total $7,250 $13,100

2nd Year

Canadian

International

Tuition $4,136 $9,136
Fees $797 $1,547
Other Costs $1,050 $1,050
Total $5,983 $11,733
/

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition Fees

First Year

Second Year

Tuition $4,293 $4,136
Student Union $172 $172
Health Insurance Fee $445 $445
Food Safety $60 -
Graduation Fee - $100
Fitness Centre Fee $80 $80
     Total payment to Holland College $5,050 $4,933
     
1st installment due first day of first semester $ 2,982 $ 2,420
2nd installment due first day of second semester $ 2,068 $ 2,513
     

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

First Year

Second Year

Books $1,300 $250
Materials/Supplies $300 $200
Equipment/Tools/Teaching Aids $600 $600
     Total $2,200 $1,050
     
Grand Total $7,250 $5,858

 

International Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

First Year

Second Year

Tuition* $9,393 $9,136
Student Union $172 $172
Health Insurance Fee $1,195 $1,195
Food Safety $60 -
Graduation Fee - $100
Fitness Centre Fee $80 $80
     Total payment to Holland College $10,900 $10,683
     
1st installment due first day of first semester $ 8,832 $ 8,170
2nd installment due first day of second semester $ 2,068 $ 2,513
     

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

First Year

Second Year

Books $1,300 $250
Materials/Supplies $300 $200
Equipment/Tools/Teaching Aids $600 $600
     Total $2,200 $1,050
     
Grand Total $13,100 $11,733

*Includes the International Student Fee.

  • Early childhood centres
  • Organizations with child and family related programs
  • Nursery schools
  • Play groups
  • Recreation programs
  • Family resource centres
  • Developmental preschools

DEGREE PATHWAYS

Many Holland College programs have degree pathway agreements with other post-secondary institutions. You can receive credit for your Holland College diploma toward a university degree or other post-graduate credential, saving you time and money! Find out more on the Degree Pathways page.

Course Code

Course Name & Description

Credit Values


Course Code:SAFE-1005

PEI Occupational Health and Safety

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 Value:0


Course Code:COMM-1025

Communications: Self and Others

Explore verbal, non-verbal, and written communication knowledge and skills. Students investigate humanistic theory, choice theory, behaviour, motivation, communication techniques, and issues of responsibility and accountability. Variations in culture and understanding are examined.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:ECCE-1000

Foundations of Early Childhood Care and Education

An 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.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:ECCE-1011

The Contemporary Family

An examination of the process and outcomes of socialization. Students develop a broader sensitivity to unique family needs, including parenting styles, the family within a societal context, and how to build relationships with families.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:ECCE-1030

Learning Environment As the Third Teacher

Recognize 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.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:ECCE-1070

Health, Safety and Nutrition

Attain the knowledge and skills to establish and maintain healthy and safe environments and to provide healthy and nutritious food for young children. Prevention, universal precautions, working in partnership with families and community resources are explored.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:ECCE-1200

Positive Child Guidance

Understand children's needs and behaviour and what it means to use a positive guidance approach in supporting children's social and emotional development. Explore environmental and developmental factors that influence behaviour. Positive guidance strategies that enhance the child's self-esteem and support emotional intelligence, co-regulation, and self-regulation are examined. Developmentally appropriate self-management techniques, and conflict resolution strategies used to create an environment of respect, cooperation, and social competence in early childhood settings are examined.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:ECCE-2012

Partnering With Families

Examine 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.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:ECCE-2020

Supporting Children With Exceptionalities

Students explore the individual needs of children experiencing exceptionalities. Support of children and their families within a community setting is explored.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:ECCE-2036

Inclusion, Diversity and the Child

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.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:EDUC-1000

Curriculum I: Play is Learning

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.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:EDUC-1005

Curriculum II:The Planning Cycle

Students plan and implement programs for young children addressing the full planning cycle. From the formulation of outcomes based on observations and children's interests, to implementing emergent curriculum plans that encourage each child's potential.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:EDUC-2000

Curriculum III: Strategies and Assessment

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 and learn how and why to employ various instructional and assessment strategies.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:EDUC-2005

Curriculum IV:Programming in Action

Students critically reflect on and evaluate program plans to solidify knowledge and skills in all aspects of curriculum and program planning. Students use identified gaps and patterns in their previous program plans to develop a sustainable action plan for growth.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:NCPR-1000

Food Service Sanitation Certificate

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.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:PRAC-1000

ECCE Practicum I

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.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:PRAC-2020

ECCE Practicum II

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.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:PRAC-2025

Practicum III

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.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:PROF-2030

Ethical Practice and Professionalism

An examination of 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, in relation to future employment.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:PSYC-1005

Prenatal Through Toddler Development

Examine 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 are explored. Students practice observing and recording behaviour and development.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:PSYC-1010

Preschool Development

An exploration of 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.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:PSYC-2000

School Age Development

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.

Credit Value:3


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Graduating from Holland College is one of the most meaningful and exciting experiences in my life! I met amazing people in my program, people that now I call friends. All the teachers showed their passion about their job and that they really care about their students and our growth. I finally found the field that I truly love and where I want to serve for the rest of my life!

Karen, Class of 2021

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