Early Learning and Child Care

Applicants may be admitted into the Early Learning and Child Care program based on one of the following pathways: academic, previous early childhood studies, and mature student/experiential pathways.

Academic Pathway

Applicants may be considered for admission who have

• A passing grade in English 10-2

Applicants who have completed the Aurora College Occupations and College Access Program (OCAP) in the Early Learning and Child Care Pathway may also be considered for admission if they have:

• A passing grade in English 140

Equivalencies and other post-secondary education may be considered.

Previous Early Childhood Studies

Applicants who have previously completed courses or programs successfully through Aurora College or other post-secondary institutions will be considered for admission.

Students who have successfully completed part-time courses in the Aurora College Early Childhood Development or Early Learning and Child Care program will be considered for admission.

Mature Student/Experiential Pathway

Applicants 20 years or older, who have been out of school for at least one year, and have relevant work/life experience such as working in the early childhood field may be considered for admission individually. Eligibility for the program may be determined through an interview and/or a placement test. The applicant may be required to submit a resume or other evidence of relevant work/life experience. Knowledge of an Indigenous language and culture may be considered an asset for admission.

Regardless of the pathway for admission, all applicants must submit:

• Official transcripts from high school and post-secondary education, as applicable.
• One letter of interest written by the applicant that demonstrates their interest and experience in a career in the early child care and education field.
• Two letters of reference which demonstrate initiative, a positive attitude, and a genuine interest in working with young children
• A satisfactory* Criminal Records and Vulnerable Sector Check
• A copy of immunization records showing proof of compliance with the NWT Immunization Schedule published by the Department of Health and Social Services, and evidence of tuberculosis screening (per GNWT Child Day Care Standards Regulation).

* A record of certain offences may prevent candidates from completing all elements of the program, in particular, working with children, securing work practicum placements (see Aurora College Policy C.21 Practicums/Internships). As the program is experientially based, including embedded work with young children, a satisfactory Criminal Records and Vulnerable Sector Check is mandatory for admission to the program.

Depending on the applicant’s pathway, they may be requested to submit:

• A resume or other evidence of relevant work/life experience.
• Evidence of knowledge of an Indigenous language or culture.

Applicants must complete an Aurora College application form, submit official transcripts (high school and post-secondary), provide the results of a recent Criminal Records and Vulnerable Sector Check, provide evidence of current appropriate immunizations, submit a letter of interest, and two letters of reference.

Applicants who are currently enrolled in the required academic course for admission are encouraged to apply early and provide transcripts that demonstrate that they are currently registered in these courses. Applicants may receive a conditional acceptance that is dependent on their successful completion of the required courses (50 percent or higher). Applicants who are conditionally accepted will be required to provide a final transcript upon completion of the required courses to be fully accepted.

Students who have already completed post-secondary course work in Early Learning and Child Care or related courses may have transferability into this program. Post-secondary transcripts and course syllabi/outlines will be required for evaluation. Students seeking transfer credit will be required to follow the process defined in the Aurora College Policy C.01 Transfer Credit.

Applicants will be admitted to the program based on how well they meet the program eligibility requirements and on space availability.
Priority may be given to applicants who have successfully completed at least four part-time in person or distance courses in the Aurora College Early Childhood Development or Early Learning and Child Care program to permit them to complete the certificate and/or diploma requirements.

Additionally, applicants who are currently enrolled in the Aurora College Occupations and College Access Program (OCAP) at Aurora College will be given priority in the selection process if they have submitted a complete application before April 1. Priority consideration for admission will not be considered for applications received on or after April 1. Applications will be processed based on the date that their application is complete.

The Early Learning and Child Care Program is two years in length. Students will earn a Certificate after successfully completing 11 courses in the first year. Students can then obtain a Diploma by completing a second year, which also consists of 11 courses.

As part of a uniquely Indigenous and Northern culture-based program, opportunities to gain knowledge about NWT cultures and languages are presented throughout the program.
The Early Learning and Child Care Program may be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, either in person or through distance delivery. Successful completion of the Program requires hard work, time management skills, organizational skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to deal with stress.

The Early Learning and Child Care Program is designed to prepare students to become educators of young children in a variety of early childhood settings, including community early learning centers, home day cares, preschool programs, and Junior-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms. Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work with families, community partners and other professionals to support children’s learning and development. Emphasis is on the development of inclusive play-based curriculum for children from birth to age six with a focus on adapting Indigenous languages, cultures and traditions across the entire curriculum core and delivery models. Students benefit from opportunities to observe the application of best practices and to apply their knowledge in real-world settings as they participate in applied learning courses and in field placements.
The Early Learning and Child Care Program at Aurora College uses a competency-based model where the fundamental goal of student learning is skill development and application of knowledge, rather than rote memorization of concepts. Courses are graded using competencies instead of tests and exams. A competency is a combination of skills, behaviours, and knowledge needed to perform specific tasks related to the course and the field of early childhood education. Instructor(s) design the course to allow students to practice these competencies through hands-on experiences, assignments, projects, field work, and collaborations with fellow students, faculty and community organizations and partners.
Students will be developing the following competencies throughout the program:

Integrity as an Early Childhood Educator

1. Meet professional and ethical responsibilities.
2. Identify and set personal and professional goals.
3. Practice strategies for well-being and resilience.
4. Follow policies, procedures, and regulations.
5. Enhance personal and professional communication skills.
6. Establish professional identity and personal pedagogical philosophy.
7. Recognize impacts of personal perspectives and biases.

Indigenous Cultural Competency

1. Build skills for working with Indigenous children, families and communities.
2. Learn the history and relevant contemporary issues Indigenous people in Canada, the NWT, and their impact on ELCC.
3. Build knowledge and understanding on how to address the unique rights and needs of Indigenous children and their families.
4. Establish partnerships with local Indigenous communities, Elders and knowledge holders
5. Provide culturally safe care to Indigenous children to support the development of strong cultural identities.
6. Create safe environments for Indigenous children and families by integrating Indigenous knowledge, pedagogy and curriculum into daily practices.

Child Development and Learning

1. Effectively utilize early childhood development and learning theories.
2. Recognize and value each child for their uniqueness.
3. Understand and respect that child development and learning happen within multiple contexts.
4. Recognize and utilize the different stages and types of play.
5. Consider the different learning styles and types of intelligence.
6. Recognize the developmental domains (language, cognitive, social, emotional, physical, spiritual) and how they impact child development.
7. Promote and apply Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles.
8. Know and understand different ELCC philosophies.

Developmentally Appropriate Teaching Practices and Pedagogy

1. Design and implement appropriate early learning experiences for young children.
2. Use positive behaviour guidance to facilitate the development of social-emotional competence in children.
3. Co-design and maintain inclusive early learning environments.
4. Establish caring, reciprocal, and trusting relationships with children.
5. Establish an understanding of your role as an early childhood educator in the learning and development of children.

Partnerships with Families and Community Connections

1. Value and respect the diversity of families.
2. Make connections between home and classroom to support the learning and development of children.
3. Create connections within the community to support children, families, and professional relationships.
4. Establish respectful, inclusive relationships with families and collaborate with them to foster children’s development.
5. Work collaboratively with educators, support staff, and professionals from various disciplines to promote children’s well-being and development.

Reflective and Ethical Assessment

1. Practice ethical assessment using research, data collection and documentation.
2. Engage in observation techniques and maintain records.
3. Engage in reflective practice to positively impact children, families, and colleagues.
4. Access resources to enhance practice.

The Early Learning and Child Care Program provides students with an opportunity to acquire a Certificate (a one-year program) and a Diploma (a two-year program).

1. Students must complete all course work. The passing mark for each course will be 50 percent. However, students must maintain a minimum cumulative average of 60 per cent in the Early Learning and Child Care Program to receive a credential.
2. In each year, students must successfully complete 11courses as specified in the curriculum.

Aurora College Early Learning and Child Care Certificate

Aurora College Early Learning and Child Care Diploma

• ELCC 0112 | Applied On the Land Learning I
• ELCC 0214 | Applied On the Landing Learning II
• ELCC 0111 | Applied Play-Based Learning I
• ELCC 0213 | Applied Play-Based Learning II
• ELCC 0103 | Child Growth and Development
• ELCC 0105 | Child Observation and Assessment
• ELCC 0209 | Critical Issues in Early Learning and Child Care
• ELCC 0101 | Cultural Competency in Early Learning and Child Care I
• ELCC 0201 | Cultural Competency in Early Learning and Child Care II
• ELCC 0206 | Ecology of the Family and Community
• ELCC 0110 | Field Placement I
• ELCC 0212 | Field Placement II
• ELCC 0106 | Guiding Young Children
• ELCC 0104 | Health, Safety and Nutrition
• ELCC 0207 | Inclusion in Early Learning and Child Care
• ELCC 0107 | Interpersonal Communication Skills
• ELCC 0102 | Introduction to Early Learning and Child Care
• ELCC 0210 | Leadership, Teambuilding and Administration for Early Learning
• ELCC 0108 | Learning Through Play
• ELCC 0205 | Philosophy of Early Learning and Child Care
• ELCC 0202 | Planning for Play I (Early Years)
• ELCC 0203 | Planning for Play II (School Years)