This module will detail the history of the ECE environment in British Columbia including an overview of the licensing agency and acts and regulations responsible for child care facilities and child care facility staff. Students complete assignments to build practical understanding of licensing, staff qualifications, educator/child ratio and activities.

As the course is aptly named, several important regulations, philosophies, and common themes are introduced here and are reinforced throughout the program as well: 

• British Columbia Child Care Sector Occupational Competencies
• British Columbia Early Learning Framework
• Child Care Licensing Regulation
• Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC) Code of Ethics
• Child Care BC Act
• Community Care and Assisted Living Act
• Child Care Subsidy Act
• Child Care Subsidy Regulation
• Safe Play Space Standard of Practice
• Family Child Care Standard of Practice
• StrongStart BC early learning programs
• Writing across the curriculum
• Pedagogical narration and peer review
• Creating portfolios
• Teaching theories (e.g. Reggio Emilia approach, Montessori, etc.)

The focus of this module is on the development and implementation of age - and stage - appropriate activities. Students will learn how to set learning objectives and design and evaluate activities and lessons. 

Ideally this course is studied in the early phase of the program, as the skills learned apply to assignments and study of various subject areas of curriculum covered in the ECE program.

Professional responsibilities and the roles of Early Childhood Educators will be explored. The hierarchy and communication among family-based team members as well as the role of staffing will be addressed. Students will also learn about legal and ethical practice issues, the role of confidentiality, acceptable behaviours and standards of care.

Special topics will include practices of ECE for immigrant and refugee children in BC, application of the Code of Ethics, and the function of the Child Care Resource & Referral Program in communities across BC.

During this intensive study of all aspects of child development, students will gain the knowledge needed to identify typical growth patterns in children. Theories and views related to child development will be covered in-depth. Students complete observation assignments to gain insight on childhood development theory in practice. Observation assignments include the collection and analysis of language samples and research to support or refute gender-role stereotyping in early childhood education. There is a one-week, full-time observation included in this module where the student will be able to practice observation techniques in preparation for doing a child study. Through an in-depth study of all aspects of child development from infancy to late childhood, students will take a detailed look at theories related to human development and how these theories are related to childhood growth and development. There is also an open and supportive forum to discuss potential fears and concerns students may have as they anticipate their first ECE practicum experience.

This course is divided into two distinct sections: a five-week classroom-based course (135 hours); and a two-week language study observation practicum which is ideally scheduled after completion of ECE1180 – Language and Literature. During the classroom portion, a key area of coverage is ‘Observing and Recording: Theory and Practice’ to prepare students for observation and practice education components. Students are eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certificate after successful completion of this course; this will enable a student to elect to work in the field while completing their ECE education.

This module will develop practitioner skills necessary to provide a positive, safe and nurturing environment. Strategies for guidance, discipline and conflict will be examined through in-class work and observation assignments.

The course includes a two-day ‘Observation Practicum: What to Do When’. This will require more than five hours for at least two days during the course. Students are eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certificate after successful completion of this course; this will enable a student to elect to work in the field while completing their ECE education.

This module deals with physical, social and emotional growth through a variety of structure, music and movement programs. Students record and describe the ways in which children are exposed to music and how it can be utilized to set atmosphere, ease transitions and waiting periods, and guide and redirect behaviour.

This course also introduces resources from organizations such as LEAP BC™, that promote healthy child development through physical movement while integrating activity and play with literacy and education during engagement with young children in programs like Move™ and Hop™.

Expectations, documentation, policies and procedures highlight this module as preparation for practicum placements. Students meet with Sponsor Supervisors at their placement site to build comfort level and discuss facility procedures, practicum assignments and other requirements. Students also have the opportunity to outline personal goals and objectives and how they expect to achieve them. There is also an open and supportive forum to discuss potential fears and concerns students may have as they anticipate their first ECE practicum experience. 

This course is included in the practicum hours as approved by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

The creation of environments that support, nurture and care for children in a safe manner is the theme of this module. Students complete observation assignments to examine how to bring learning experiences to the outdoors.

The course includes a two-day observation practicum on play environments.

This module will address proactive measures for reactive methods of addressing illness prevention, disease transmission, abuse, and childhood behaviours such as bullying. Assignments may include practical application such as menu evaluations, shopping assignments, and Occupational Health & Safety Regulation applications, as well as topics related to nutrition, healthy eating programs, and the Canada Food Guide. Students will also take a one-day Emergency Child Care First Aid and CPR program through external certification. Students also will be trained in FoodSafe™ - Level I certification (8 hours). Students should note that some of the training covered in this course will require more than five hours of class time on specific days in the schedule.

Students are eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certificate after successful completion of this course; this will enable a student to elect to work in the field while completing their ECE education.

During this module, students will have the opportunity to debrief on their earlier practicum and observation experiences and review the application and development of skills and core concepts learned throughout the program. Basic centre administration will be covered including budgeting, scheduling, centre structure, and organization, as well as other management skills.

A guest speaker (licensing officer) is normally scheduled for this course.

In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market. Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online. Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews. This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:
-How people find jobs
-Employer expectations
-Presenting an enthusiastic attitude
-Focusing on the right job and the hidden job market
-Transferrable skills
-Thank you letters
-Effective telemarketing
-Handling objections, self-confidence, and self-esteem
-Individual counselling and coaching