School of Human Services and Community Safety

Early Childhood Education

Certificate of Achievement
Early Childhood Education

Program Overview

Note: This new program credential becomes effective July 2020.

As an early childhood educator, you will support children as they learn through play. Your role will be to create developmentally appropriate curriculum and design inviting and effective quality learning environments. You will learn how to develop holistic programs that include early literacy and language, creative arts, numeracy, and open-ended play experiences, both indoors and outdoors. Your responsibilities will include working alongside your colleagues to build relationships with children and families, community partners and other professionals.

Individuals may apply for Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate of achievement once they have completed three courses: Health, Safety and Nutrition (ECE 142), Child Guidance 1 (HUMD 183) and Dynamics of Play 1 (ECE 106).

Topics of study include:

  • learning through play
  • child guidance techniques
  • family and community relationships
  • indoor and outdoor play environments
  • healthy and safe early learning and child care environments
  • nutrition requirements for young children

Note:

Students who had previously applied, met admission requirements for, and had been accepted into either of the previous Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs (Certificate and previous Diploma), have five years to complete that program. The ECE Certificate program must be completed by 2025, and the Diploma program, by 2026.

You may contact a Student Advisor for assistance in making an education plan to complete your program.

  • In Regina, contact Shelann Bundus at 306-775-7831 or shelann.bundus@saskpolytech.ca
  • In Saskatoon, contact Marilyn Philipchuk at 306-659-4903 or marilyn.philipchuk@saskpolytech.ca

Part-time students who have a few ECE courses from the existing Certificate program and wish to transfer into the revised Diploma program are advised to review the Equivalency Chart. Students will also need to speak with a Student Advisor to ensure support in their education plan.

 

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

There is a high demand for educators in early learning and child care facilities in Saskatchewan. This certificate of achievement will allow you to work in group care settings with your children. It provides students with certification for entry-level positions in these facilities that meets the Ministry of Education's minimum requirements.

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): Course start dates vary
Length:

Course lengths vary


Locations

  • Prince Albert
  • Regina
  • Saskatoon

Part-time Delivery

Students do not apply to this program, but take courses part time and apply to graduate (pdf) through Enrolment Services once all courses are completed.

View the program page for a complete list of courses and additional information.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission Method

Open Access

Tuition and Fees

Tuition varies by course

Courses

Expand All +
Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
ECE 106
Dynamics of Play 1
3
Show course details
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.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): HUMD 182
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
ECE 142
Health, Safety and Nutrition
3
Show course details
Your studies will focus on diverse cultural practices that promote the health, safety and nutritional needs of children and which support their holistic development.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): ECD 142
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group, Work Based Delivery
HUMD 183
Child Guidance 1
4
Show course details
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.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): ECD 123
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group, Work Based Delivery
Total semester credits: 10

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.


Note: For students completing their existing certificate or diploma courses through PLAR,  the following completion dates apply: For the certificate courses, 2025, and for diploma courses, 2026.

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Additional Information

Related Programs

Cart

Checkout