The legacy of learning.
Studies show that children who participate in early learning and child care programs grow to build positive work habits, develop strong social skills and make gains in all areas of learning that benefit them throughout their lives.
Early childhood educators contribute to this legacy of learning, as they lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth and ensure their security and well-being. Driven by multidisciplinary research-based practices, early childhood educators not only support children’s learning and growth, but also the dynamic and diverse needs of families and communities.
This continuously expanding and rapidly developing field plays an integral and essential role in the health and well-being of societies. And quality early learning and child care depends on qualified and resourced early childhood educators.
Building on the established Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma programs, the Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education can be completed in two semesters for any ECE Advanced Diploma graduates meeting all entrance requirements.
Throughout this applied degree, you will gain practical knowledge and vital hands-on experience in child development, as well as planning, developing, and evaluating responsive early learning and child care programs. As you advance through the degree, you have the opportunity to further deepen your understanding and develop competencies in program and curriculum design, supporting equity and inclusion, relationship-building, mentorship, leadership, and advocacy.
Through a sequence of educational experiences integrating theory and practice, this applied degree is designed to prepare you for work in a variety of early learning and child care programs.
As you build your own skills, you gain the knowledge to empower future generations.
Students may complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis and have a maximum of 12 semesters to complete the program. A Learner Course Plan for course completion is developed with each student, based on an assessment of any previous ECE or related training they may already have, and any PLAR credits received.
Program Highlights:
- Complete Year 4 in two semesters as per admissions requirements
- Benefit from a flexible, online program allowing you to complete courses while working in the field
- Engage in reflective practice, while working with children, families and the community
- Focus on policy, ethics, advocacy and social justice
- In depth knowledge of child development from birth to aged 12
- Investment in early education and child care by provinces and territories rose by over $3 billion between 2017 and 2020. Newfoundland and Labrador has almost tripled funding since 2011
- Over the period 2019-2028, the number of job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) for early childhood educators and assistants are expected to total 81,700
Did You Know?
- Canadian economic evaluations have demonstrated that early learning and child care has one of the highest returns on investments, with $2 to $7 returned on every dollar spent.
- Investment in early education and child care by provinces and territories rose by over $3 billion between 2017 and 2020. Newfoundland and Labrador has almost tripled funding since 2011.
- Over the period 2019-2028, the number of job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) for Early childhood educators and assistants are expected to total 81,700
- Newfoundland and Labrador has increased training requirements and expanded graduate bursary programs.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education program graduates will be able to:
1. Analyze research, standards, and trends related to early learning and development to inform curriculum, program decision-making, and early learning practice.
2. Use pedagogical tools to observe, document, and assess child learning and development, adult-child interactions, and the indoor/outdoor environment.
3. Evaluate significant Canadian and Provincial social and public policies as they relate to children, families, early childhood educator practice, the sector, and the broader community.
4. Apply trauma-informed, anti-bias, and culturally relevant practices to developing relationships and environments that foster social justice and equity in early learning.
5. Develop professional relationships with families using family-centered principles that respect family diversity, goals, and values.
6. Demonstrate ethical practice with children, colleagues, and families based on a critical evaluation of individual rights, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
7. Use critical thinking, reflective practice, and problem-solving skills to form professional and collaborative relationships with colleagues, families, and other professionals.
8. Develop advocacy strategies with children, colleagues, families, and the community for quality early learning and care programs and services.
9. Identify qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, steps of the research process, and carry out a research project related to the field of Early Childhood Education.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for direct admission to Year 4 of the Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education program requires the applicant to meet the following academic criteria:
1. Have already graduated from the Early Childhood Education Diploma program at College of the North Atlantic (or equivalent*) within the last five (5) academic years from date of application or have graduated prior to the last five (5) academic years and hold minimally a current Level II Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL) for infant, preschool and school-age children.
AND
2. Have already graduated from the current Early Childhood Education Administrative Leadership Advanced Diploma program at College of the North Atlantic (or equivalent) within the last five (5) academic years from date of application or have graduated prior to the last five (5) academic years and holds minimally a current Level III Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL) for infant, preschool and school-age children.
*Graduation from a recognized College or University with a diploma or degree in the area of Early Childhood Education. A combination of other post- secondary and industry experience acceptable to the college as an entrance requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
International Applicants: English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore, international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.
To be employed in the field of early childhood education students must be able to lift and move children, materials and equipment (up to 50 pounds) on a consistent basis. As well, physical effort, strength and endurance is required in the supervision and care of children, e.g., maintaining balance, kneeling and bending, pushing and pulling strollers and carts, and moving quickly to assist children in emergency situations.
PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION (PLAR)
Students will be given every opportunity to receive credit for past learning experience (except for
EE4010,
EE4030 and
EE4045) through a comprehensive systematic process of evaluation. Once enrolled and active in the program, students will be permitted to submit PLAR applications for any courses in the program for which they believe they have already acquired the appropriate level of knowledge and skills.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Upon successful completion of the program, combined with relevant industry experience, graduates will be prepared for employment in a variety of early learning and child care settings. These could include but are not limited to the following:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Administrator of a regulated child care service
- Instructor of ECE
- Program Consultant
- Inclusion Consultant
- Capacity Consultant
- Family Child Care Home Monitor
- Employee of an ECE Professional Association
- Independent Consultant
- Industry Policy Analysis
CERTIFICATION
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education, individuals may apply for a provincial Level IV Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL). For information on certification, please visit Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL).
There’s a world of possibilities in the Early Childhood Education sector! With a variety of dynamic roles and settings to choose from, you will inspire and nurture young minds during their most formative time, while gaining certification in early-learning environments and growing your career along the way. Learn more about one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most in-demand sectors at
https://www.ecehrc.ca/become-an-ece