Early Childhood Education

Program Highlights

 Learn how to support, encourage and promote a young child’s physical, emotional and social growth as well as their cognitive and language development.  

You will also learn the skills necessary to plan, implement and evaluate play- based curriculum. Our courses are based on a philosophy that encourages inclusive practices and
partnerships with families.

An emphasis is placed on applying what’s learned in the classroom to real–world settings, preparing students to start their careers as early childhood educators.

Why Choose Fleming

A smaller program size means more individual attention in the classroom  and customized field placements.

The program is designed to provide varied and extensive applied learning opportunities -from courses like Early Learning With Toddlers and Families and Early Learning Practicums in
semesters two, three and four. An interactive online course and a teamwork project “Creating Your Own Childcare” in the final semester consolidate and conclude your ECE learning.

Fleming offers support services to assist students in the further development of fundamental  life and learning skills important to successfully complete the program.
 These skills include being able to work independently, participate in a team, organizational abilities, taking initiative and developing good work habits.

Aboriginal Emphasis Initiative
Fleming College's Aboriginal Emphasis Initiative is an inclusive approach to providing more understanding of Aboriginal peoples, communities and nations. ECE students at Sutherland Campus (Peterborough) will have an opportunity to take courses designed from an Aboriginal perspective with emphasis on Aboriginal peoples, history, spirituality and culture. See the Aboriginal Emphasis Initiative  page for courses available in this program.

Work Placement

In semesters two and three, you'll put theoretical education to work in a child care environment. This will enrich studies in semester four, when you will be pulling it all together in a  final field placement.  A background working with young children (ages newborn to 12) in licensed child care centres is strongly recommended as a prerequisite for field placement.

Is this You?

To succeed in this program and in an ECE career, you need:

• Experience working with young children
• Well-adjusted, grounded personality
• A good sense of humour and imagination
• Patience
• Empathy
• Creativity

Career Opportunities

There is an extremely high rate of related employment for graduates.  As an Early Childhood Educator you will find work in child care centers, nursery schools, home day care programs,
 before and after school programs, early learning and parenting centers, resource services and primary classrooms. Possibilities that are more exotic include children’s programming at
resorts or on cruise ships. Graduates are also qualified to become owner/operators of child care centers.

Provincial Registration
In order to practice in Ontario as an Early Childhood Educator, graduates must apply for registration in the College of Early Childhood Educators. (CECE)Graduates of
Fleming College will meet the education requirements for registration. For more information please visit www.collegeofece.on.ca

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students

If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

* Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.

Related Programs

If you're sincerely interested in working with children, and are not sure yet which path to take, you might want to consider the Educational Assistant, Social Service Worker or Recreation and Leisure Services programs.

Immunization Records and Additional Program Requirements

• A current immunization record is required. To print the required immunization form: Immunization Information page.
• A Current Criminal Reference Check (vulnerable sector included) is required before you can be placed in a field practicum in semester two. You must have this documentation by the end of class in December
• Valid CPR and First Aid certificate (C level) are required before the second year of the   program.
• Ability to lift children up to five years of age and diaper children of all ages.
   

Additional Costs

Books and supplies (including ECE T-shirt required for practicums) are approximately $1000.00 per year. Travel costs including charges for parking may be incurred during field placements.

Transfer Agreements

• Athabasca University
• Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
• Ryerson University
• University of New Brunswick
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

For more information see the Pathways to University page.