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PROGRAM: 016 - Early Childhood Development
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| Department: |
School of Education |
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To Apply, Contact:
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Yellowknife North Slave Campus - Yellowknife
Registrar's Office
Toll Free: 1-866-291-4866
Phone: (867) 920-3030
Fax: (867) 873-0333
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| Delivery Method: |
Distance |
| Program Contact: |
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| Program Duration: |
Various (Part time study) |
| Start Date: |
various throughout the year |
| End Date: |
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| Credential: |
Certificate |
| Delivery Location: |
| Yellowknife North Slave Campus - Yellowknife |
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Program Description
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The Early Childhood Development Program is designed to train students to work with children from infancy to the age of six, with an emphasis placed on the preschool years. It offers a balance between classroom discussion, lectures, practical training and many opportunities to develop teaching materials and guidance skills.
The Early Childhood Development Program will develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to promote the well-being of children, families and communities. The primary focus is on promoting the growth and development of healthy children. This program also trains people to design, deliver and/or evaluate programs and services in the community. Principles of the program include:
- Addressing the needs of children pre-natal to six years of age;
- Enhancing child, family and community development;
- Supporting the role of parents/guardians by being family-centred;
- Stressing wellness and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle;
- Following a holistic approach to foster a healthy environment for children and families;
- Community-based and community-sponsored early childhood development;
- Offering an introduction to the services available in the community, region and territory;
- Adhering to culturally appropriate traditions guided by Aboriginal perspectives;
- Stressing practical application of classroom theory; and
- Developing and relying on community support systems for the student.
Students who successfully complete the Early Childhood Development Certificate may find work as assistants in daycare centres, nursery schools, playgroups, or as operators of their own daycare homes, or seek employment with Bands, Hamlets, Municipalities, Regional Health and Social Services, health-related fields, Aboriginal organizations, community agencies or the Government of the Northwest Territories. The demand for trained early childhood teachers is great and is connected to many leadership roles.
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Program Eligibility
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People entering the Early Childhood Development Program may come from a broad range of social development fields or be interested in child development with a focus on healthy children.
Applicants will be admitted into the program based on the following criteria:
- Completion of an Aurora College application form; 18 years of age or older;
- Completion of Aurora College ABE English 140 and Math 130 or NWT High School English 23 or 20-2 and Math 13 or Math Pure or Applied 10;
- Two letters of reference to demonstrate initiative and attitude; and Knowledge of an Aboriginal language is an asset.
Before students enter their field placements:
- They must have current proof of any immunization required by a health care professional (as per the GNWT's Child Day Care Standards Regulations); and
- A criminal record check is required. A record of certain offences may prevent candidates from completing all elements of the program, in particular, securing work practicum placements (see Aurora College Policy C.2 1 Practicums/Internships).
If a student has completed four courses on a part-time basis in the Early Childhood Development Program and wishes to obtain an Early Childhood Development Certificate, he or she must apply for admission to the program and meet the above criteria.
Mature students with relevant work/life experience will be considered on an individual basis. Those who are 20 years or older and have been out of school for at least one year can apply as mature students.
Applicants who do not meet the academic entrance requirements may be admitted into the program on a probationary basis and must meet certain academic goals to continue their studies. They may also be required to take supplementary academic upgrading courses.
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Applicant Assessment
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Applicants with good Aboriginal language and English language skills are given preference. An interview with the Program Coordinator to explore the applicant's interest in working with children may be required. A general medical certificate of fitness is required. A one-page written statement giving reasons for wanting to study Early Childhood Development must be submitted. Two letters of recommendation, one from an educator and one from a member of the community attesting to the applicant's honesty, reliability and suitability, are required.
Note: Anyone convicted of an offence for which they have not been pardoned may be ineligible for field placements, and thus may not be able to fulfill completion and graduation requirements of the program.
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Program Admission
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Applicants will be admitted to this program based on the program's eligibility requirements, the applicant's assessment results, and whether or not they display a genuine interest in young children. The ability to communicate effectively with other adults and children and the ability to work as part of a team is also seen to be critically important.
If you have already completed the first year, or part of a first year, of an Early Childhood Program elsewhere, courses may have transferability into this program. Your school transcript, course outlines, and an interview will be evaluated for advanced standing.
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Program Objectives
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Upon successful completion of the program the student will be able to:
- Recognize and describe normal patterns of growth and development in infants, toddlers, preschoolers and young school-age children
- Plan safe and appropriate living and playing environments for children in group care
- Set up and maintain a secure, healthy home daycare environment for young children
- Develop and practice the skills necessary for the operation and management of home child care
- Understand and implement GNWT Legislation and standards for family home care, including
First Aid and CPR
- Be knowledgeable of basic child health and safety practices and promote them
- Support healthy children by identifying, developing and designing appropriate programs and services
- Recognize that traditional knowledge, language and values are important for the growth and development of healthy children
- Understand the skills for working with families and building strong centre-home ties
- Be knowledgeable of needs identification and intervention techniques
- Learn about the various agencies, their roles, responsibilities and the partnerships which exist at the local, regional, territorial, national and international levels
- Develop appropriate communication skills (facilitation, counseling, report and letter writing) and use problem-solving strategies.
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Courses Within the Program
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Completion Requirements
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For Certificate completion, students registered in the program before September 2005 must successfully complete the eight core courses; 14 additional credits; and First Aid and CPR-C. For Certificate completion, students registering in the program from September 2005 forward must successfully complete the eight core courses and five additional courses, for a credit total of 38, and First Aid and CPR-C. Overall, the Certificate consists of 13 courses, including a communications or English course and two practicum placements.
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Credential Details
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Aurora College Certificate
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Program Information
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It may be possible for students to transfer from the Aurora College Early Childhood Development Program to the Yukon College Program in some circumstances. For example, students who complete the Certificate program with Aurora College may be able to transfer into the Diploma program at Yukon College under certain conditions. Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information.
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