Building the Future: Opportunities for Early Childhood Educators

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 "

Please contact us at earlylearning@saskpolytech.ca.

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"

  1. Completed registration form (pdf).
  2. Consent to release information (pdf).
  3. 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"

  1. Completed Registration form (pdf)
  2. Letter of support from your childcare director
Please contact us at earlylearning@saskpolytech.ca.

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.

To qualify:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
You will study the values, roots and the practices of early childhood education from historical and global perspectives. You will explore the image of the child and the principles of emergent curriculum from a holistic perspective. The course identifies current practices and models which support quality in early learning and care environments. This course will introduce Indigenous philosophies that guide early childhood education.
You will study and practice positive skills to develop effective relationships in ECE environments. This course provides opportunities to identify personal strengths and practice conflict resolution skills. You will build competence in using technology as an effective means of communication in early childhood environments.
You will plan a quality curriculum for children using a holistic approach while responding to their ideas and play. You will apply the main components of developing curriculum and practice preparing developmentally appropriate and open-ended experiences for children.
You will design a responsive and culturally relevant curriculum for young children through the exploration of authentic materials. You will practice implementing a variety of developmentally appropriate experiences.
You will acquire skills in observing and documenting children’s play and development as a foundation for responsive programming.
You will study the developmental milestones from conception through the stages of infancy, toddlerhood to age five. The course provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, brain development and methods of studying human behavior, including indigenous world views. You will learn about the effects of heredity and the environment, including culture, on the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children and behavior.
You will explore and build employability skills needed to become an effective early childhood educator. You will reflect on and practice supportive behaviors required when working in a diverse environment with colleagues, children and their families and outside professionals. You will learn about knowledge, skills and disposition of a well-qualified early childhood educator.
You will use knowledge and skills developed in prerequisite courses to observe and record the behavior of children, to interact with children and adults in a supportive and positive manner, and to guide children’s behavior using positive guidance strategies.
You will demonstrate your ability to build positive and responsive relationships with children and adults. You will use your observation skills to plan and prepare a culturally relevant emergent curriculum based on children’s interests and family engagement.

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"

  1. 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.
  2. Completed registration form (pdf). 
  3. SaskPolytech transcripts.
  4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Attend Zoom classes from 6:30 - 9:30  p.m., one to three nights a week.
  3. 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.  

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:

You will be introduced to the administrative knowledge and skills that are useful for early learning and care programs. You will study operating structures, policies, and procedures related to the administration of early learning and childcare programs, including indigenous early learning and childcare programs. You will develop skills in using program evaluation tools.
You will examine the development of infants and toddlers. You will plan a curriculum which includes intercultural experiences and environments that will encourage the holistic development of infants and toddlers.
Your studies will focus on the concepts and strategies of inclusion. You will discuss historical and current approaches, trends, and issues as they impact the practices of inclusion. You will examine practices related to identification and early intervention.
You will use play theory to design developmentally appropriate early learning indoor and outdoor play environments. The course content provides an introduction to approaches in design that support Indigenous ways of knowing and diversity.
You will explore the elements of curriculum design with a focus on the Project Approach. You will acquire knowledge about emergent curriculum using a holistic approach in designing a responsive and culturally relevant program.
You will focus on the issues related to providing respectful and relevant early learning and childcare for all children and families. You will have opportunities to examine your personal beliefs and values as they relate to the planning and implementation of an anti-bias curriculum for children. You will acquire the knowledge and develop the skills needed to build partnerships with families while respecting their diverse needs and cultures.
You will apply a variety of observation methods and tools used to collect an ethical, objective and holistic view of a child.
You will examine the development and characteristics of school age children. This course focuses on the unique role of the educator, childcare issues distinctive to this age and the curriculum that can be designed to accommodate them.
You will examine additional approaches for guiding children who present more challenging behaviours.
Your studies will focus on the role of the early childhood educator as it relates to current issues, advocacy, leadership and professionalism.
You will gain competence in working with children, families and communities in early learning and childcare education programs. You will complete the first of two practicums in one of the following specialized areas: infant, toddler, diverse needs, frontline educator and administrative.
You will gain competence in working with children, families and communities in early learning and childcare education programs. You will complete the second of two practicums in one of the following specialized areas: infant, toddler, diverse needs, frontline educator and administrative.

 

Students admitted to the diploma before July 2020 need to ensure they take COMM 294 as it is the only course that does not have a new course replacing one or two of the old diploma classes.

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"

  1. 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.
  3. Completed registration form.
  4. SaskPolytech transcripts.
  5. 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. 

You will focus on the goals, functions and roles of leadership. You will learn what leadership is and what it takes to become a successful leader. You will examine different types of leaders, the ways that they are effective, and consider situations where one leadership style may be better than another.
You will examine what a team is and how to become part of a functioning team and even a high performing team at times.
You will focus on the goals, functions and roles of management. You will learn what management is and what it takes to become a successful manager. You will examine different types of managers, the ways that they are effective, and consider situations where one management style may be better than another.
You will focus on business structure and financial management. You will focus on ownership types, financing, and liabilities of a business. You will identify the financial and business structures that will enable success in the workplace.
You will focus on the goals, functions and roles of management. You will focus on team building, leadership, and management principles. You will identify essential and employability skills that will enable success in the workplace.
You will examine the fundamentals of supervision. It will cover the role of a supervisor, managing change, communication, working with groups and other supervisory skills.
Please contact us at programinnovation@saskpolytech.ca.

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

BTF LogoSaskatchewan 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.

Learn more about ECE programs at Sask Polytech

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