Early Childhood Education

Course List

Code Course Description
ECED 1000

Online Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

This online course is intended for early childhood education practitioners with at least two years of experience who are preparing to earn credit toward an Early Childhood Education Diploma. Students may earn up to 75% of a credential based on assessment of their work/life learning. Students will work with an instructor within an on-line environment and will learn how to use various methods of communication to support their completion of a wide range of prior learning assessments.

ECED 1100

Growth and Development: Infants and Toddlers (Introduction)

Students will explore theories related to the development of infants and toddlers in the context of a family-centred approach which emphasizes individual and cultural diversity. Students will take a whole child approach to their studies of infants and toddlers in family and group settings.

ECED 1121

Transforming and Teaching: Observing and Documenting the Learning and Care of Young Children

Students will practice the art, methods and skills relating to observing, recording, assessing, and documenting the care and learning of young children and care environments. To implement theses skills, students will learn the principles of developing appropriate environments and experiences for young children.

ECED 1122

Health, Safety and Nutrition in ECE Settings

In this course students will examine the overall health, safety and nutritional needs of children and apply that information to the role of the Early Childhood Educator in childcare settings. Emphasis will be placed on creating policies and practices to promote the health and well being of children, while helping them establish positive habits and attitudes toward health, safety and nutrition.

ECED 1125

Promoting Healthy Practices in Early Childhood Education

This course examines the overall health, safety and nutritional needs of children while exploring early learning theory and policies as they apply to young children in early learning and care environments. Students will consider young children’s physical, social and emotional well-being through readings, discussions and critical reflection. Emphasis is placed on creating policies and procedures that promote positive habits and attitudes towards health, safety and nutrition. This course will examine wellness through a developmental approach to self awareness and professional practice. It will provide students with a framework to explore several wellness themes related to work in the field of early childhood education.

ECED 1155

Introduction to ECE

This course introduces students to the professional context of early childhood education including language and terminology, legal guidelines, educator responsibilities and the varied role of educators in educational environments for young children.

ECED 1183

Early Childhood Education Part-time Practicum I

This part-time ECE Practicum course provides opportunities for the development and application of beginning course theory and methodology through observation and practice in preschool and child care settings.

ECED 1200

Growth and Development: Preschool Years

This course explores theories related to the development of preschool-aged children in the context of a family centred approach which emphasizes individual and cultural diversity. A “whole child” approach will be taken to the study of young children in group settings.

ECED 1211

Professional Growth and Communication

In this course, students will apply their knowledge of self and interpersonal skills to early childhood education settings. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing communication within the staff team, creating meaningful partnerships with parents, valuing diversity and working effectively within the professional community.

ECED 1220

Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programs for Preschool Children

This course provides theory and practical experience in creating safe and healthy play environments and programs for young children. A developmental and family-centred perspective will be the focus for determining individual responses to the guidance of young children.

ECED 1231

ECE Curriculum 1

This workshop/laboratory course examines the principles of planning, implementing and assessing play-based programs, which demonstrate sound educational philosophy and research. An integrated approach to ECE curriculum is used.

ECED 1241

Positive Guidance in Early Childhood Environments

This course will explore current research and approaches in managing and guiding young children’s behaviour in early childhood programs. Guidance and discipline are considered within a framework of child development and developmentally appropriate practice. Methods including theoretical approaches, respecting diversity, understanding vulnerabilities, and analysis of behavioural concerns will be covered.

ECED 1282

Early Childhood Education Practicum I

This ECE practicum course provides opportunities for the development and application of second semester course theory and methodology through observation and practice in preschool and childcare settings.

ECED 1283

Early Childhood Education Part-time Practicum II

This part-time ECE Practicum course provides opportunities for the student to build upon the competencies acquired in ECED 1183 – ECED Part-time Practicum I. Applying existing knowledge of theory and methodology, students will further their professional skills as they practice in preschool and child care settings.

ECED 1285

Early Childhood Education Practicum 1

This ECE practicum course provides opportunities for the development and application of course theory and methodology through observation and practice in preschool and childcare settings.

ECED 2000

Flexible Completion

This course provides opportunities for individualized study, which meet the learning needs of students who are transferring credit from another institution or program and/or are challenging courses through prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) who need to complete course requirements. Working with program faculty, students will develop and complete assignments/projects/portfolios, which meet individually, identified criteria.

ECED 2300

Growth and Development: Early School Years

This course explores theories related to the development of school aged children (ages five to eight years) in the context of a family centred approach. This approach emphasizes individual and cultural diversity while considering the “whole child” in group settings.

ECED 2305

Growth and Development: Birth through Early School Years

This course explores theories related to the development of infants and toddlers (ages birth to three years) and school aged children (ages five to twelve years) in the context of a family centred approach. This approach emphasizes individual and cultural diversity while considering the “whole child” in group settings.

ECED 2312

Perspectives on Families

This course explores current issues and policies affecting children and their families from historical, cultural and feminist perspectives. Through the sharing of critical incidents, students are encouraged to examine and enhance their skills in communicating with and supporting families.

ECED 2315

Working with Families in Early Childhood Education

This course explores current issues and policies affecting children and their families from historical, cultural and feminist perspectives. Through the sharing of critical incidents, students are encouraged to examine and enhance their skills in communicating with and supporting families.

ECED 2320

Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programmes for Young Children II

This course investigates the construction of competent images of the child and the educator in learning contexts in which reflection, exploration, discovery, co-construction of knowledge and relationships are considered essential elements. We will also review and discuss issues that arise such as diversity, children’s learning groups, and gender and power issues in learning environments. We will seek in-depth learning experiences in which children and educators co-construct knowledge together as a community of learners. As part of this course, the students deconstruct their pedagogical practices by revisiting and reflecting critically on the documentation of projects that have been undertaken in other contexts, specifically child care environments that reflect a variety of multiple pedagogical approaches that are currently implemented across British Columbia.

ECED 2330

Change and Development: Families

This course explores the nature of families, their commonalities and diversity. This course will give you the opportunity to reflect upon your own personal experience of family in order that you might identify the attitudes, values, beliefs and feelings you bring to your work with families. An emphasis on family strengths, natural support networks, and the challenges of family life cycles will provide practitioners with a perspective from which to begin their working relationships with families. Societal forces, including family life and child rearing patterns, key historic and contemporary influences (social, political, and professional) in early childhood education will be examined.

ECED 2331

ECE Curriculum II

This workshop/laboratory course examines the principles of planning, implementing and assessing play-based programs, which demonstrate sound educational philosophy and research. An integrated approach to ECE curriculum is used. An integrated approach to holistic and emergent curriculum is emphasized.

ECED 2361

Indigenous World View and Early Childhood Education

Students will consider Indigenous knowledge and perspectives and early childhood environments with an emphasis on issues relevant to working with Indigenous children aged birth to school years and their families. This course prepares early childhood educators to work with young children in a variety of early learning and care environments including Aboriginal Head Start Programs that support Indigenous children and their families.

ECED 2365

Global Perspectives and Early Childhood Education

Through a comprehensive global perspective, this course explores diversity, culture and beliefs and how each impacts our view and our work with young children and their families. Students will consider issues that shape cultures, educational discourse, early childhood and childcare. In relation to current demographics in British Columbia, students will explore the application of theories related to systems, collectivist and individualistic cultures.

Students will broaden their understanding and perspective as they research, analyze and reflect on issues of global consideration. Students will enhance their professional knowledge as they research different cultures and available resources. As a result of expanded understanding of global perspectives, students will be more prepared in their professional practice when working with young children in twenty-first century multicultural settings.

ECED 2382

Early Childhood Education Practicum II

This ECE course is a practicum experience, with placements in a variety of early childhood or primary education settings. The course integrates knowledge and skills from previous courses and provides opportunities for participating as team members in early childhood education centres.

ECED 2383

Early Childhood Education Part-time Practicum III

This ECE course is a practicum experience, with placements in a variety of early childhood settings. The course integrates knowledge and skill from previous courses and provides opportunities for participation as team members in Early Childhood Education Centres.

ECED 2385

Early Childhood Education Practicum ll

This ECE course is a practicum experience, with placements in a variety of early childhood or primary education settings. This course integrates knowledge and skills from previous courses and provides opportunities to participate as a team member in early childhood education centres.

ECED 2401

Advanced Growth and Development: Individual Planning for Children with Diverse Abilities

This course will provide students with a basis for planning individual quality programs for children requiring extra support. Students will apply their knowledge of child growth and development and individual differences using a case study approach.

ECED 2412

Administrative Skills for ECE Centres

This course is for students who wish to increase their skills in managing group childcare and early education facilities. Topics such as program philosophy and policy design, financial management, and staff development and relationships with families and community will be highlighted.

ECED 2420

Advanced Growth and Development: Infants and Toddlers

In this course, students will build on their knowledge of developmentally appropriate curriculum and learn the skills required to promote healthy development in infants and toddlers. Emphasis will be placed upon working in close partnerships with parents in the context of infant/toddler programs.

ECED 2421

Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programs for Infants and Toddlers

In this course students will build on their knowledge of infant’s and toddler’s relationships and engagements with their environment and caregivers. The students will further develop their abilities in working in collaboration with families as they design safe and individualized plans for infants and toddlers.

ECED 2425

Infant/Toddler Preceptorship Practicum

This practicum is a preceptorship experience, with placements in infant and toddler centres. Under the mentorship of experienced field personnel and Douglas College faculty, students will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of development in the early years, while expanding and refining their skills for working with young children.

ECED 2450

Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programs for Children with Diverse Abilities

This course explores the selection and use of appropriate assessment materials and intervention techniques for working with children who have special needs. A family-centred approach, which focuses on promoting social interactions among children, will be taken. A variety of developmental characteristics of exceptionalities and perspectives regarding disabilities will be explored.

ECED 2455

Special Needs Preceptorship

This preceptorship practicum is a placement in inclusive Early Childhood Education centres. This course provides opportunities for observing and using functional assessments for the purpose of planning programs for young children with special needs.

ECED 2471

Issues and Trends in ECE

This course explores current and emerging trends and issues in early childhood education and how practitioners can and do, respond to and influence change within the community. Students will have an opportunity to explore, at an advanced level, issues of diversity, collaboration, idealism, ethics and advocacy in the expression of their personal model of professional practice.

ECED 2482

Infant/Toddler Preceptorship Practicum

This practicum is a preceptorship experience, with placements in infant and toddler centres. Under the mentorship of experienced field personnel and Douglas College faculty, students will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of development in the early years, while expanding and refining their skills for working with young children.

ECED 2483

Special Needs Preceptorship

This preceptorship practicum is a placement in inclusive Early Childhood Education centres. This course provides opportunities for observing and using functional assessments for the purpose of planning programs for young children with special needs.