Program Description Humber’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma prepares you to work with children (birth to 12 years) and their families. Students can expect to attain and exceed the practice-ready knowledge, skills and attitudes employers are seeking from ECE graduates in supporting children, families and the community by engaging in innovative learning and simulation experiences. These experiences take place at organizations such as the Carol Reid Early Childhood Education Lab, as well as within the Humber Child Development Centre - interacting with our scenic arboretum and nature-inspired playground, and exploring responsive inclusive pedagogy and leading edge curriculum. You will learn about:
How children learn The importance of responsive relationships How to create responsive, inclusive play-based learning environments and natural play spaces for children, families and the community Human development Observation and reflection, and the preparation of pedagogical documentation by children, families and the community Social justice, advocacy, leadership and the role of the ECE professional The importance of collaborating with relevant community agencies How ministry and government legislation and guidelines inform practice. Students beginning their studies in January are enrolled in a fast track option. This option allows for completion of the full diploma program in four consecutive semesters. Students enrolling in May complete the full diploma program in approximately 20 months with one summer break between the third and fourth semesters. Students beginning their studies in September complete the program in two academic years with one summer break between the second and third semester.
We believe it is necessary for our students to have extensive experience in the profession in order to be successful as registered early childhood educators. Students can expect to have work placement experiences in all semesters of the program and will be required to complete approximately 600 work placement hours over all four semesters. During these four semesters, students may have field practicums working with families and children (various age groups) in licensed child care or preschool settings, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, various community programs, hospitals, full day kindergarten, or home based child care programs. A different placement for Semesters 2, 3, and 4 ensures a range of experiences prior to graduation and equips students with a range of networks within the community to explore employment in the future.
Research and trends in the profession, paired with government and community action, both inform and support the long-term benefits of investing in early childhood education. Graduates of our program enter the profession with the knowledge and experience necessary to be responsible and inclusive educators. Upon graduation, and once registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators, our graduates have access to a range of career options and roles in the early childhood profession such as child care, full-day kindergarten, early years, parenting and family literacy programs, home child care, preschool and nursery school programs, before and after school programs, camps, community programs, and parent education programs.
