Early Childhood Education

Certificate
Early Childhood Education

Program Overview

Note: This page is for those students in the former Certificate in ECE who were admitted to the program by June 30, 2020. Students admitted after July 1, 2020 should go to the Part time ECE Diploma page for courses.

See Early Childhood Education diploma.

Present students can contact the student advisors for ECE :

Marilyn Philipchuk
Saskatoon Campus | Avenue W Centre
306-659-4903
Marilyn.Philipchuk@saskpolytech.ca

Shelann Bundus
Regina Campus
306-775-7831
bunduss@saskpolytech.ca

Role of Play (ECE 106) has been re-named to Dynamics of Play 1 (ECE 106) 

Young children making the transition from home to child care or preschool need an enthusiastic, positive role model. They need someone dedicated to encouraging learning and growth. They need … you.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's one-year Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate program gives you the knowledge and skills you need to work in a variety of child care settings. You can take the program in Prince Albert, Regina or Saskatoon , through regional colleges around the province, or through distance learning wherever you live.

The ECE program integrates current research on early childhood education into all of your courses. You’ll develop strong communication, observation and documentation skills. You’ll receive well-rounded training in:

  • child and adolescent development
  • child guidance techniques
  • role of early childhood educators
  • role of play in programming
  • values and practice of early childhood education
  • programming for creative arts, language, cognitive, social and emotional development

The emphasis on observation and documentation is market-driven—these are essential to building positive relationships with families, and employers are eager to hire grads with well-developed skills.

Working with Children

You’ll interact with young children throughout your program, thanks to Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s partnerships with community and campus child care centres. Saskatoon students also have access to a unique learning opportunity—10% of all your courses are based on work in our Early Childhood Demonstration Centre.

At the end of your first and second semesters, you’ll also participate in practicums (i.e., 4 weeks and 6 weeks), in a child care or preschool setting. This real-world learning gives you a competitive edge in the workforce.

Want to Open More Doors?

When you graduate, you’re eligible to apply to become a licensed Level II Early Childhood Educator (ECE). Many child care centres and preschools only hire licensed ECEs. You can also go on to earn a diploma in Early Childhood Education with one more year of study. Or, you can transfer some of your credits to the University of Regina’s Bachelor of Education degree program in Elementary Education.

If you have been admitted into the Early Childhood Education program prior to June 30, 2020 please view these course options.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Early childhood educators are in demand in Saskatchewan—and employers are especially eager to hire Saskatchewan Polytechnic grads because of your well-rounded knowledge and up-to-date skills. Look for ECE jobs in child care centres, preschools, family day homes, elementary school settings and even private homes.

For more information, contact the Student Employment Services at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus nearest you.

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Early Childhood EducatorEarly Childhood Educators and Assistants (4214)$24,600 - $49,400

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September (Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert)
Length: 38 weeks

Note:
You may take the following courses prior to application and acceptance to the program, but must apply thereafter:  COMM 291, ECE 106, ECE 142, EMPL 180, HUMD 100, and HUMD 183.

Locations

  • Prince Albert
  • Regina
  • Saskatoon
  • Online/Distance options available

  • Some programs offered online or otherwise by distance (i.e., correspondence) include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. They may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.

Part-time Delivery

Part-time students may take the following courses prior to admission, but must apply and be accepted to the program thereafter, in order to graduate and receive a credential: COMM 291, ECE 106, ECE 142, EMPL 180, HUMD 100, and HUMD 183.

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

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Note

  • Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check prior to entering required coursework with children. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check. If you do not complete the practicum, you will not graduate from the program. The cost of the Criminal Record Check is your responsibility.
  • Accepted international students require a co-op work permit to complete the practicum requirements for this program.  This is mandatory.  Students who do not have a co-op work permit will not be allowed to participate in their practicums.  It is the student's responsibility to ensure they have the required documentation to study in Canada and a co-op work permit to complete the practicum requirements of this program.  

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.



ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 247 Reading
  • 243 Writing

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2020/21 Academic Year

$8,000

Semester 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
COMM 291
Interpersonal Communications
2
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You will develop employability skills through the study of interpersonal communications theory and applications in the workplace. Learning outcomes include the importance of self-awareness and self-esteem, perception problems, verbal and nonverbal messages, and listening skills, creating positive communication climates and resolving interpersonal conflict.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 103, COMM 112, COMM 135, COMM 155, COMM 160, COMM 381, HUMR 182, HUMR 186, JOBS 190, NEPS 114, NURS 114, NURS 163
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Televised/SCN, Work Based Delivery
ECE 100
Introduction to Early Childhood Education
3
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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.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
ECE 106
Dynamics of Play 1
3
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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
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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
ECE 181
Observation and Documentation 1
3
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You will acquire skills in observing and documenting children’s play and development as a foundation for responsive programming.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): ECD 122
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
HUMD 100
Child and Adolescent Development
3
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You will study the developmental milestones from conception to adolescence. The course provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, brain development and methods of studying human behavior, including indigenous worldviews. 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.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): HUMD 102
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
HUMD 183
Child Guidance 1
4
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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: 21

Semester 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
PRAC 104
Practicum 1
9
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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.
Credit Units: 9
Course Hours: 135.0
Prerequisites(s): ECE 181, HUMD 183
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 9

Semester 3

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
ECE 101
Roles and Values of the Early Childhood Educator
3
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The course focuses on the supporting values of the early childhood educator. You will examine the common values that include respect for human dignity and diversity. You will demonstrate through classroom and practical experience, responsibility, caring, compassion and teamwork. These are qualities that form the basis for personal and professional ethics of an early childhood educator.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
ECE 102
Programming for Creative Arts Development
4
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The course focuses on the expressive media of visual arts, music, and creative movement. You will examine the role of the creative arts in an early childhood education program. You will receive instruction and practice in the arts and in planning curriculum that is responsive to children’s interests in artistic expression. Your studies will examine how programming for creative arts is accommodated through the Project Approach.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): ECE 100, (HUMD 100 or HUMD 181), ECE 181
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
ECE 103
Programming for Language Development
3
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You will examine the development of language and receive instruction and practice in planning curriculum to respond to the language needs of children. You will explore language play, language games, creative drama, poetry, story reading and storytelling. Your studies will help you recognize quality in children’s literature. You will examine the use of the Project Approach in facilitating language and literacy development.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): ECE 100, (HUMD 100 or HUMD 181), ECE 181
Equivalent Course(s): ECE 183
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
ECE 104
Programming for Cognitive Development
3
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You will study the cognitive development of children and acquire skills in planning curriculum to meet the cognitive needs of children. Utilizing a holistic approach, you will be introduced to the cognitive processes of young children. You will plan curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and design effective learning environments. The curriculum strategies include creating invitations to learning, experiences with sensory materials such as sand, water and blocks and the incorporation of mathematical and scientific concepts into daily activities. Your studies will examine how programming for cognitive development is accommodated through the Project Approach.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): ECE 100, (HUMD 100 or HUMD 181), ECE 181
Equivalent Course(s): ECE 185
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
ECE 105
Programming for Social and Emotional Development
3
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The course will examine the development of social and emotional skills in early childhood. You will receive instruction and practice in planning curriculum to meet the social and emotional needs of children. You will explore how children respond to different social and emotional situations and the role of the early childhood educator in facilitating healthy social and emotional development.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): ECE 100, (HUMD 100 or HUMD 181), ECE 181
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
EMPL 180
Employability Skills
3
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You will receive instruction and practice in written communication skills needed in the workplace. You will develop effective job search strategies, with emphasis on communicating a professional image through job search materials and interview skills.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): COM 103, COM 105, COMM 292, EMPS 105
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 19

Semester 4

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
PRAC 105
Practicum 2
13
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Building on the skills, knowledge and attitudes that you have developed through your courses, you will demonstrate your ability to interact positively with children and adults. You will use your observation skills to plan and prepare developmentally appropriate curriculum. You will implement the curriculum and guide children’s behavior effectively.
Credit Units: 13
Course Hours: 194.0
Prerequisites(s): COMM 291, ECE 101, ECE 102, ECE 103, ECE 104, ECE 105, ECE 106, ECE 142, EMPL 180, PRAC 104
Equivalent Course(s): PRAC 119
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 13
Note: Students may take the following courses prior to admission to the program, but must apply thereafter: COMM 291, ECE 106, ECE 142, EMPL 180, HUMD 100, and HUMD 183.

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