Early Childhood Education (Diploma)

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Program code
DPECES
Discontinued
No
Program
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Early Childhood Education
Credential type
Diploma
Transcript title
ECED Dipl - Special Needs
Date of first offering
Start term
202310
End term
202330
Credential
Diploma in Early Childhood Education - Special Needs
Length of program
Four semesters
Credits
60.00
Admissions requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:

  • General College Admission Requirements
  • Be age 18 by December 31st of the year you enter the program.
  • Suitability is determined on the basis of an overview of an applicant's emotional stability, physical health, formal education, the ability to work in a team setting and life experience.
  • Two letters of reference from individuals who are not related to you (character references from reputable community members and/or individuals familiar with your experience in working with young children). Reference letters should not be written by the person who completes your volunteer verification form. If you have an ECE basic license to practice, you would complete a work history form which includes references.
  • Complete and show evidence of 20 hours of volunteer or work experience in a licensed Early Childhood Education setting with children from birth to age six. The 20 hours documentation of volunteer or work experience form must be complete and submitted prior to enrollment in practicum courses.
  • Complete a Criminal Record Check (information will be provided by Enrolment Services).
  • Complete a medical declaration or assessment indicating a satisfactory level of physical and emotional health. The workload of the programs and the close contact with individuals in practical settings require students to be in good mental and physical health.
  • NOTE:  Applicants who have completed 9 or more post-secondary credits must be in good academic standing (with a minimum GPA of 1.5) for admission to any ACS program.
Curriculum framework

Graduation Requirements:

  • Successful completion of 60 credits
  • 25% (15 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College

Course Requirements:

Course Number Course Title Credits
Semesters 1 and 2
ECED 1155 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 1.50
ECED 1241 Positive Guidance in Early Childhood Environments 3.00
ECED 1125 Promoting Healthy Practices in Early Childhood Education 3.00
ECED 1200 Growth and Development: Preschool Years 3.00
ECED 1211 Professional Growth and Communication 3.00
ECED 1220 Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programs for Preschool Children 3.00
ECED 1231 ECE Curriculum l 3.00
ECED 1285 Early Childhood Education Practicum 1  3.00
ECED 1121 Transforming and Teaching: Observing and Documenting the Learning and Care of Young Children 3.00
Select one course from the following two options:
CMNS 1110 Workplace Writing for Applied Community Studies 3.00
ENGL 1130 Academic Writing 3.00
Semesters 1 and 2 Total Credits  

28.50

Semester 3
ECED 2305 Growth and Development: Birth Through Early School Years 3.00

ECED 2361

OR

ECED 2365

Indigenous World View and Early Childhood Education

OR

Global Perspectives and Early Childhood Education

3.00
ECED 2331 ECE Curriculum II       3.00
ECED 2320

Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programmes for Young Children ll

3.00
ECED 2385 Early Childhood Education Practicum II   3.00
Semester 3 Total Credits   15.00
Semester 4 - Special Needs    
ECED 2315 Working with Families in Early Childhood Education 1.50
ECED 2412 Administrative Skills for ECE Centres 3.00
ECED 2471 Issues and Trends in ECE 3.00
ECED 2401 Advanced Growth and Development: Individual Planning for Children with Diverse Abilities       3.00
ECED 2450 Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programs for Children with Diverse Abilities  3.00
ECED 2455 Special Needs Preceptorship    3.00

Semester 4 - Special Needs Total Credits

  16.50

 

After completion of Diploma requirements, the student may return for an additional post-diploma certificate by completing the remaining Infant/Toddler courses.

Prior ECE Certification 

Douglas College students who completed their certificates under a previous model may "bridge" into the new diploma program by completing the following courses:

  1. ECED 2305 Growth and Development: Birth Through Early School Years (3 credits)
  2. ECED 2361 Indigenous World View and Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
  3. ECED 2320 Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programmes for Young Children ll (3 credits)

Students with ECE Certificates from other programs should consult the Program Coordinator for advice and assistance with course planning.