Building the Future: Opportunities for Early Childhood Educators
As an early childhood educator (ECE), you are a future builder. You give children the building blocks of social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. You help lay the foundation for lifelong learning. The knowledge and skills you bring to work every day make a real difference in children’s lives.
Sask Polytech lets you continue building the future while also building your career.
- Are you working in the ECE field and looking to formalize your skills?
- Do you want to move into ECE leadership roles?
- Are you seeking to develop your skills working with children on the autism spectrum?
- Do you want to add micro-credentials to your career resume?
Explore Sask Polytech funded ECE programs and micro-credentials. Tuition and resources are covered—enrol in these courses and build your ECE credentials free of charge.
Use these courses toward attaining an Early Childhood Education credential and/or provincial Early Childhood Educator certification.
Programs
The Autism Spectrum Disorder certificate of achievement program is designed for anyone working with children on the autism spectrum. While all are welcome to apply, preference will be given to early childhood educators and those working in early childhood education. Courses are delivered entirely online, letting you build knowledge and practical skills while continuing to work.
These courses required Zoom classes at night, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. (dates to be determined). Classes will be every other week (Seven classes over 14 weeks for each course).
This course must successfully be completed before taking the other classes. You will be automatically registered in the other courses upon successful completion of this one.
This introductory course will provide information on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) You will study the characteristic of ASD, the diagnostic criteria as well as the historical and social implications of this diagnosis. You will also be introduced to evidence- based Interventions and personal program planning for supporting children with ASD.
Start and end dates |
September 5 - December 9, 2022 *Students must pass before going on to the next course. |
You will develop strategies to assist children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in developing communication and social skills. You will study the relationship between communication challenges and behaviour. Your studies will include the examination of evidence-based Interventions for improving communication skills of children with ASD.
Start and end dates |
December 20, 2022 - March 24, 2023. *No Zoom class over the holiday break. |
You will develop skills to manage challenging behaviors common to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This course looks at designing and managing the environment to support positive behavior and strategies for managing challenging behaviors in early childhood environments. Your studies will also include the study of evidence-based Interventions in managing challenging behavior.
Start and end dates |
January 9 - April 12, 2023 *No Zoom class over the February break. |
You will develop skills for supporting families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This course will also explore the utilization of community resources to support children and their families with a focus on early intervention and evidence based strategies.
Start and end dates |
April 10 - June 30, 2023 |
You will examine theories and strategies for managing sensory processing challenges as part of creating an environment and curriculum that is supportive to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). You will study evidence based interventions to support Language, Literacy, Social Skills, and Behaviour Concerns. Your studies will include practical strategies for inclusion of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a group setting.
Start and end dates |
April 10 - June 30, 2023 |
To apply please submit the following to earlylearning@saskpolytech.ca with the subject line "Application to Autism Spectrum Disorder "
- Completed registration form (pdf).
- Letter of support from your childcare director.
Get a head start on Level 1 ECE certification. As a Saskatchewan high school student, you can apply for dual credit funding for three foundational ECE courses: ECE-106 Dynamics of Play 1, ECE-142 Health, Safety and Nutrition and HUMD-183 Child Guidance 1. Each course you complete will earn you both a high school and a Sask Polytech ECE program credit.
Fall
September 26 - December 16, 2022
- ECE 106
- ECE 142
September 26, 2022 - January 6, 2023
- HUMD 183
Winter
January 30 - May 5, 2023
- ECE 106
- ECE 142
January 30 - May 19, 2023
- HUMD 183
Please submit the following to earlylearning@saskpolytech.ca with the subject line "Application to ECE Level I – Dual Credit"
- Completed registration form (pdf).
- Consent to release information (pdf).
- A letter of support from your high school principal or counsellor to take the courses.
Please contact us at earlylearning@saskpolytech.ca.
This program is designed for people employed part time in childcare who want to earn their ECE Level 1, which is required to work 65 hours or more per month in a childcare centre. The program includes three foundational ECE courses:
- ECE-106 Dynamics of Play 1
- ECE-142 Health, Safety and Nutrition
- HUMD-183 Child Guidance 1
These courses will include required Zoom classes at night from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. (Class nights to be determined).
You will learn about the essential role play has in supporting the holistic development of children. The course focuses on the role of the early childhood educator in supporting children’s play, exploration and inquiry across all cultures and abilities.
This course will include required Zoom classes at night (to be determined).
Group one and two Start and end dates |
September 19 - December 16 2022 |
Group three and four Start and end dates |
October 17, 2022 - January 13, 2023 No classes over the holidays. |
Your studies will focus on diverse cultural practices that promote the health, safety and nutritional needs of children and which support their holistic development.
This course will include required Zoom classes at night (to be determined).
Group one and two Start and end dates |
April 3 - June 23, 2023 No class over the February break. |
Group three and four Start and end dates |
March 27 - June 23, 2023 |
You will examine the strategies of developmentally appropriate child guidance. You will learn about the importance of building relationships and establishing trust prior to guiding behavior. You will practice techniques that support children while encouraging a co-operative attitude, a sense of autonomy and a positive self-image. Your studies will also explore Indigenous traditional practices of modelling and storytelling as a guidance technique.
This course will include required Zoom classes at night (to be determined).
Group one and two Start and end dates |
January 3 - March 31, 2023 No class over the holiday break. |
Group three and four Start and end dates |
January 3 - March 31, 2023 No class over the February break. |
Please submit the following to earlylearning@saskpolytech.ca with the subject line "Application to ECE Level I"
- Completed Registration form (pdf)
- Letter of support from your childcare director
Eager to advance your ECE career? Consider taking the accelerated path to ECE Level 2, year one of ECE diploma. If you’re determined, this option lets you complete the remaining first-year classes and practicums by June 30, 2023.
If you are working on your Ministry of Early Years Level 2 with other post-secondary recognized, please contact one of the student advisors to help you with your education plan to ensure you will attain your Level II.
- Marilyn Philipchuk at philipchuk@saskpolytech.ca.
- Shelann Bundus at bunduss@saskpolytech.ca.
To qualify:
- You must be accepted into the Early Childhood Education diploma program as a part-time/online distance student to be part of this project. You are applying to be a part-time /online distance student not applying to an ECE location (e.g., Prince Albert, Regina or Saskatoon base program. You are responsible for the application fee.
- Actively enrolled in ECE Level 2 classes or recently accepted in the Early Childhood Education diploma program as a part-time/online distance student within the last six months, if you have not yet taken Level 2 courses, through Sask Polytech.
- Required to attend weeknight Zoom classes from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
September 12 - November 18, 2022
- ECE 100 Tuesday nights
- ECE 181 Wednesday nights
October 17 - December 22, 2022
- ECE 108 Monday nights
October 10 - December 16, 2022
- HUMD 102 Thursday nights
December 6, 2022 - March 10, 2023
- ECE 109 Tuesday nights
January 23 - April 14, 2023
- ECE 107 Thursday nights
- PD 100 Monday nights
April 17 - May 12, 2023
- PRAC 104
May 29 - June 23, 2023
- PRAC 119
- Please review the year two courses.
The chart below provides a complete list of ECE courses from Saskatchewan Polytechnic, corresponding course hours, credit units and subject areas used or the purposes of granting levels I, II or III Ministry of Education certification.
Year two - ECE diploma
ECE 202 | Programming for Infants and Toddlers | 45 | 3 | Child Development or Programming |
ECE 221 | Observation and Assessment | 40 | 3 | Child Development or Programming |
ECE 200 | Play Environments | 30 | 2 | Programming |
ECE 201 | Program Planning for Early Childhood Education Programs | 45 | 3 | Programming |
ECE 226 | Programming for School Age Children | 40 | 3 | Programming |
SPSY 279 | Children with Diverse Abilities 1 | 45 | 3 | Programming |
SPSY 289 | Children with Diverse Abilities 2 | 45 | 3 | Programming |
ECE 220 | Anit-Bias Education in Early Childhood | 60 | 4 | Programming or Relationships |
HUMD 200 | Child Guidance 2 | 40 | 3 | Relationships |
PD 240 | Professionalism in Early Childhood Education | 40 | 3 | Relationships |
COMM 294 | Teamwork Skills | 30 | 2 | Relationships |
ADMN 204 | Administrative Skills for Early Childhood Educators | 45 | 3 | Related Courses |
PRAC 244 | Practicum 3 | |||
PRAC 245 | Practicum 4 |
New diploma | Class | CU | Subject area used for granting Level 3 |
ADMN 208 | Introduction to Administration of Early Childhood Education | 3 | Related |
ECE 203 | Inclusion in Early Learning and Childcare Settings | 4 | Programming |
ECE 221 | Observation 2 | 3 | Childcare Development or Programming |
HUMD 200 | Child Guidance 2 | 3 | Relationships |
PD 240 | Professionalism 2 | 3 | Relationships |
ECE 202 | Responsive Care for Infants and Toddlers | 3 | Child Development or Programming |
ECE 204 | Dynamics of Play 2 | 3 | Programming |
ECE 205 | Curriculum Design in Early Childhood Education 3 | 3 | Programming |
ECE 220 | Anti-Bias Education in Early Childhood | 4 | Programming or Relationships |
ECE 226 | Responsive Care for School Age Children | 3 | Child Development or Programming |
PRAC 217 | Practicum 3 | N/A | |
PRAC 218 | Practicum 4 | N/A |
To apply please submit the following to earlylearning@saskpolytech.ca with the subject line "Application to ECE Level II"
- Your acceptance letter into the diploma program (part-time/distance). This needs to be within the last six months, or have been actively taking classes since.
- If you have not applied to the program or your application is out of date, please apply now.
- Completed registration form (pdf).
- SaskPolytech transcripts.
- Letter of support from your childcare director.
Eager to advance your ECE career? Consider taking the accelerated path to ECE Level 3 or completion of your ECE diploma. If you’re determined, this option lets you complete your second-year classes and practicums by June 30, 2023.
To qualify, you need to be:
- Actively enrolled in the Early Childhood Education diploma program through Sask Polytech or have PRAC 181, PRAC 105 or PRAC 119 completed on your Sask Polytech transcripts.
- Attend Zoom classes from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., one to three nights a week.
- If you are working on your Ministry of Early Years Level 3 with other post-secondary recognized, please contact one of the student advisors to help you with your education plan to ensure you will attain your Level 3. This education plan must be included in your application documents.
- Marilyn Philipchuk at philipchuk@saskpolytech.ca
- Shelann Bundus at bunduss@saskpolytech.ca
Your student advisor will help you set a schedule.
September 12 - November 4, 2022
- ECE 221 Tuesday nights, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
- HUMD 200 Wednesday nights, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
October 10 - December 2, 2022
- ADMN 208 Thursday nights, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
November 7, 2022 - January 20, 2023
- ECE 203 Tuesday nights, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
- ECE 220 Wednesday nights, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
January 23 - March 24, 2023
- ECE 204 Tuesday nights, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
- ECE 205 Wednesday nights, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
February 6 - April 6, 2023
- ECE 202 Thursday nights, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
March 27 - May 19, 2023
- PD 240 Tuesday nights, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
- ECE 226 Wednesday nights, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
April - June 2023
- Practicum 217
- Practicum 218
Courses that can be applied to Level 3 certification include:
- Please review the year two courses.
The chart below provides a complete list of ECE courses from Saskatchewan Polytechnic, corresponding course hours, credit units and subject areas used or the purposes of granting levels I, II or III Ministry of Education certification.
Year two - ECE diploma
ECE 202 | Programming for Infants and Toddlers | 45 | 3 | Child Development or Programming |
ECE 221 | Observation and Assessment | 40 | 3 | Child Development or Programming |
ECE 200 | Play Environments | 30 | 2 | Programming |
ECE 201 | Program Planning for Early Childhood Education Programs | 45 | 3 | Programming |
ECE 226 | Programming for School Age Children | 40 | 3 | Programming |
SPSY 279 | Children with Diverse Abilities 1 | 45 | 3 | Programming |
SPSY 289 | Children with Diverse Abilities 2 | 45 | 3 | Programming |
ECE 220 | Anit-Bias Education in Early Childhood | 60 | 4 | Programming or Relationships |
HUMD 200 | Child Guidance 2 | 40 | 3 | Relationships |
PD 240 | Professionalism in Early Childhood Education | 40 | 3 | Relationships |
COMM 294 | Teamwork Skills | 30 | 2 | Relationships |
ADMN 204 | Administrative Skills for Early Childhood Educators | 45 | 3 | Related Courses |
PRAC 244 | Practicum 3 | |||
PRAC 245 | Practicum 4 |
New diploma | Class | CU | Subject area used for granting Level 3 |
ADMN 208 | Introduction to Administration of Early Childhood Education | 3 | Related |
ECE 203 | Inclusion in Early Learning and Childcare Settings | 4 | Programming |
ECE 221 | Observation 2 | 3 | Childcare Development or Programming |
HUMD 200 | Child Guidance 2 | 3 | Relationships |
PD 240 | Professionalism 2 | 3 | Relationships |
ECE 202 | Responsive Care for Infants and Toddlers | 3 | Child Development or Programming |
ECE 204 | Dynamics of Play 2 | 3 | Programming |
ECE 205 | Curriculum Design in Early Childhood Education 3 | 3 | Programming |
ECE 220 | Anti-Bias Education in Early Childhood | 4 | Programming or Relationships |
ECE 226 | Responsive Care for School Age Children | 3 | Child Development or Programming |
PRAC 217 | Practicum 3 | N/A | |
PRAC 218 | Practicum 4 | N/A |
To apply please submit the following to earlylearning@saskpolytech.ca with the subject line "Application to ECE Level III"
- Your acceptance letter into the diploma program (part-time/distance). This needs to be within the last six months or have been actively taking classes since acceptance.
-
- If you have not applied to the program or your application is out of date, please apply now.
- Completed registration form.
- SaskPolytech transcripts.
- Letter of support from your childcare director.
Please contact us at earlylearning@saskpolytech.ca.
This six-course online program focuses on building practical leadership skills. You’ll use real life case studies and interactive content to learn about effective leadership and management styles. Apply your skills to transition your career into ECE leadership roles.
Courses run August 29, 2022 - June 8, 2023.
Registration ends on March 8, 2023, or once courses are full.
Whether you're already working in early childhood education or just exploring your options, micro-credentials build practical skills and broaden career opportunities.
Information will be available soon. Please check back.
Funding
Saskatchewan Polytechnic has received $3.5 million from the Government of Saskatchewan to continue to train early childhood educators. With this funding, the Building the Future project is providing seven funded opportunities for early childhood education through the School of Continuing Education. Building the Future was launched by Sask Polytech in 2021.