Early Childhood Education Assistant Co-op Program
Nurture yourself first by getting the best education.
This program is designed to provide the necessary English language skills that many future Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers should have prior to entering the Early Childhood Education Program at Sprott Shaw College. This program will offer students the opportunity to develop and improve the language skills needed to successfully complete their program. It prepares non-native English speakers to succeed in development of vocabulary and writing skills, essential for communicating ideas about child development, child observation, and, preschool teaching. It also develops reading skills needed to comprehend textbooks, as well as listening skills while promoting oral participation in ECE classes and lectures.
The Health, Safety and Nutrition course presents a comprehensive overview of three major topical areas: children’s health issues, safety concerns and management, and nutrition (basic and applied). It highlights current trends and issues in research and examines case studies in each area. The course will also provide the student with an in-depth study of communicable illnesses (process and effective control), dental health, health assessment tools, fire safety, playground safety, seat belt safety, child abuse and neglect, nutritional guidelines, four food groups, Canada Food Guide, menu
planning and food safety.
Entrance Requirements
Grade 12/GED or mature student status. Applicants must successfully complete the admissions interview and entrance assessments.
Prerequisites
Applicants for this program must also have excellent communication skills (composition), sign a criminal/medical waiver, provide a physician’s waiver, submit a criminal record check (must be Schedule B), and provide evidence of clear TB testing prior to acceptance. All must be done no more than 3 months before the start date of the program. Preference will be given to those who can provide letters of reference detailing volunteer or professional experience working with children indicating suitability for working in the Early Childhood Education field. Note: Child Care sites may require more current Schedule B and TB testing (to be done at student’s expense) prior to practicum and/or observing.
Online Learning
One or more courses in this program have Instructor-led G2 Online Learning capabilities. Use of online learning tools vary by campus and instructor.
Total Program Hours: 450 Hours.
Full-time Program Length: 18 Weeks (4.2 Months).
Practicum Placements: Work Placement Overview.
Career Opportunities
Daycare Aide, ECE Assistant, Baby Care Assistant, Child Care Assistant, Daycare Assistant, Preschool Assistant, Nursery School Aide
Program may not be available at all campuses. Program content is subject to change.
Sprott Shaw is a member of Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC).
Introductory Growth and Development
- Use English vocabulary related to Growth and Development correctly for effective written and spoken communication
- Value the importance of learning the significant growth and development milestones of children in the ECE profession
EC020 – 50 hours
Historical and Biological Foundations
- Value the importance of understanding and acquiring essential knowledge about developmental science and child development research
- Develop an understanding of main theories of development
- Use English vocabulary related to Early Childhood Education history and biological sciences correctly for effective written and spoken communication
EC030 – 50 hours
Cognitive Development and Multiple Intelligences
- Develop an understanding of the Piagetian Core Knowledge, Erickson’s Psychosocial Theory and Vygotskian Perspectives in reference to children’s cognitive development
- Apply theoretical framework in developing lesson plans and activities
- Compare Howard Garder’s Multiple Intelligences Theory to previous ways of teaching and conceiving measuring intelligence
- Use English vocabulary related to cognitive development and multiple intelligence correctly for effective written and spoken communication
Essential Skills for ECE Professionals
- Enhance professional presentation skills
- Understand the importance of life-long learning to develop writing skills, improve vocabulary skills
- Value the importance of research for the professional practice of Early Childhood educators
- Develop educational materials and resources for effective delivery of Early Childhood Education
- Demonstrate proficiency in using the English language for effective written and spoken communication
EC180 – 50 hours
Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Signs and symptoms of common childhood illnesses
- Developing safe and secure environments for young children
- Policies and procedures for licensing requirements for observing and reporting abuse and neglect
- Snack and meal planning and applying the Canada Food Guide in childcare settings
COOP13 – 260 hours
Co-Op Work Term (13 weeks) (Comp/Inc)
- Mandatory schedule of alternating class sessions and work terms.
- Adherence to the program scheduling format is mandatory and is designed to provide the prospective candidate with valuable exposure to language usage in a work setting.
- The alternating classroom sessions allow the student to maximize the lessons taught within the curriculum.
Co-Op Work Term (8 weeks) (Comp/Inc)
- Mandatory schedule of alternating class sessions and work terms.
- Adherence to the program scheduling format is mandatory and is designed to provide the prospective candidate with valuable exposure to language usage in a work setting.
- The alternating classroom sessions allow the student to maximize the lessons taught within the curriculum.