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Early Childhood Education/Educational Assistant
The Oulton College Early Childhood Education/Educational Assistant Diploma Program prepares students for a career that gives them the opportunity to assist in laying the foundation of a child’s life. From infant to toddler, preschooler to school age children, our students learn all the basics, including child development, health and guidance, inclusive education, principles of learning and working with families and communities.
Our program follows Occupational Standards set out for individuals working in the early childhood field, as well as the skill sets required for Educational Assistants.
Our Early Childhood Education/Educational Assistant program provides hands-on practical experience and training in:
- Certification in ASSIST: suicide intervention.
- Certification in CPI: Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
- ECER-R’s, ITER’s, SACER’s and CIS Certifications.
- On-site observations, visitations and assessments during the course of study.
- Assignments and creative projects that can be used in the field.
- New Brunswick Curriculum Framework Training.
- Administration and Business of an Early Childhood Center with completion of a business plan.
This comprehensive 1-year (10 month) program of study provides our students with the skills and practical experiences they need for their 8-week Practicum placement. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance the skills learned, enhance personal resume and connect with prospective employers.
If you believe that every child deserves the best start in life and you have the patience and passion to ensure they get that start, then our Early Childhood Education/Educational Assistant Program may be just the program for you.
Duration: September 2013 - June 2014
Practicum: 8 weeks
Career Choices
When working with children, compassion and patience are two essential skills. Our Early Childhood Education/Educational Assistant Program is approved by the Province of New Brunswick, and includes courses such as Suicide Intervention, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, ECER’S, ITER’S, SACER’S and New Brunswick Curriculum Framework for Early Learning and Child Care.
It’s not unusual for our graduates to complete their Practicum, then start working fulltime right away at the same organization.
- Operate your own Childcare Centre
- Childcare Facility
- Recreation Leader
- Educational Assistant in Schools
- Nanny
- Intervention Worker
- Family Support Specialist
You Will Learn
- How to run your own Childcare Centre
- Keeping Children Healthy and Safe
- How to Guide Children’s Behavior
- How to Encourage Creative Play
- Observation and Assessment Skills
- Child Development
- Inclusive Education
Course Descriptions
INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
This course gives students an understanding of the early childhood education field. Aspects of children, families, play, environments, facilitator, partnerships, and quality will be examined in detail. Program variety, issues in the field, and child care regulations will also be discussed, giving students a general overview of what is required to work in this specialized field.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS
This course will introduce students to the principles and practices of the human relationships. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and skill development as they begin to recognize the process of human interaction. Giving and receiving feedback, assertiveness, self-esteem, and conflict resolution are among the topics covered. Focus will be placed on self-exploration and experiential learning.
INFANTS & TODDLERS
Working with infants and toddlers requires a specialized skill set, which will be introduced in this course of study. From birth to age two is a time of rapid development, and consistent care, observation, and responsiveness to their needs is required to ensure the foundation is set for all future learning. The many milestones that are reached during the first two years will be examined, and students will learn how to plan programming appropriate to support children in all areas of development.
HEALTH
Healthy practices are essential in the early childhood field, and during this course, students will learn what health-promotion is, how to do self-care while working in a demanding profession, and ways to prevent and manage illness. The many safety concerns involving young children will be discussed, including childhood injuries, prevention of abuse, and environmental dangers. Eating habits and food preparation will also be studied, giving students the opportunity to learn how to ensure proper nutrition for children of all ages.
PRESCHOOLERS
The preschool years are a time of extreme creativity. The value of supporting and encouraging play, strategies for enhancing children’s self-expression, and the ways to ensure an appropriate early childhood education experience for 2 to 5 year olds will be studied. Students will have the opportunity to plan programming, organize the environment, and design interest centers, which are essential skills in working with -preschool children.
CHILD GUIDANCE
This course allows students to gain an understanding of guiding young children to choose appropriate behaviours for themselves, while using natural consequences and reasonable expectations to lead them toward greater self-control. Prevention of unacceptable behaviour, reinforcement of prosocial behaviour, and methods of assisting children in attaining self-discipline will be examined. The impact of caregiving styles, direct, and indirect discipline strategies, and classroom management will give students an appreciation of the role they play in appropriate guidance of young children.
SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
School-age children are at a unique period of development, struggling to gain independence, while maintaining the security of still being a child. Students will study the developmental issues that are unfolding, while learning to program plan, support, and care for the varying ages and stages inherent in this diverse group.
ART & CREATIVITY
During this course, students will explore their own creative and expressive abilities in order to relate, and develop opportunities for children to express theirs. A definition of creativity, various mediums and modes of expression, and the value of artistic display will be examined in detail.
OBSERVATION & ASSESSMENT
Observation and assessment are critical skills when working with young children. Caregivers must practice systematic, objective observation of the children in their care to ensure programming and activities meet all individual needs. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of observation and assessment, what methods of observation can be used, and how to use the data obtained in order to accurately assess a child’s needs.
CHILDREN, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY
Children are a product of their family and community, and it is essential for caregivers to offer support to the child, as well as parents in their role of primary caregivers. Students will gain an understanding of the diverse family constellations, as well as the characteristics of dysfunctional families and the variables that can put children at risk. When forming a partnership, students will learn to respect the needs of families, and how best to communicate with and involve families. The community supports and resources available will also be examined.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Upon completion of this course, the student will have an overall view of the study of human development, learning about the transition from conception to birth, and the many milestones that cross the life span until adolescence. Physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional development will be examined, giving students an understanding of the factors that influence each, and an appreciation of the importance of early foundational support.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to offer children with special needs the best possible chance for holistic development in a normal living environment. In cooperation with parents and professionals, they will be able to develop, apply and evaluate integrated program plans that will stimulate the children to achieve their development potential and attain the objectives as part of the inclusion process.
BUSINESS OF A CHILD CARE CENTRE
This course is designed to make the student aware of the business and legal requirements for starting a childcare as a business. The students learn the legal steps in incorporating a company in New Brunswick and registering a business name. Students study the provincial regulations for childcare setup and operation. Sources of funding for business start-ups are presented to the students and each student prepares a business plan to support an application for a business loan.
ADMINISTRATION OF CHILD CARE CENTRE
Upon completion of this course, students will have a greater understanding of the administrative practices that are necessary for a successful childcare operation. The many roles and responsibilities of directors will be discussed, allowing students to better grasp the position and its function. The role of advocacy and professional practice will also be reviewed, giving students the knowledge necessary to lobby for change in a vital field.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT& ACCOUNTABILITY
This course will give students a background in professional conduct in early childhood and allow them to develop the skills necessary to be accountable in their chosen profession. They will have the opportunity to discuss industry standards, ethics, advocacy, and develop a professional portfolio, allowing them to enter the field prepared for the important role they will play.
NEW BRUNSWICK CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK FOR EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE
Students will be trained in the curriculum that has been developed for use in all child care centres in New Brunswick. The four goals for early learning and care will be explored, and the implementation of programming to achieve these goals will be introduced. It is a child-focused approach that allows the teacher to provide the support and encouragement for the child’s attainment of their own knowledge in an environment that is diverse, flexible, and inclusive.
PRACTICUM PLACEMENT
Students will have the opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge into practical use during their field placement. With appropriate supervision and guidance, they will manage the daily activities of an educator, EA, or other professional in this field, and will take on the duties and responsibilities that come with the position, giving them an accurate understanding and appreciation of their chosen career.
PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING
This course introduces the student to a wide variety of applied behavioural techniques used to modify behaviour. The course will assist the student in observing behaviour in an objective and analytical manner. Classical and operant conditioning theories and procedures will be emphasized in a practical manner. In addition, observational learning and cognitive-behavioural procedures will be explored. Effectiveness of treatment procedures and ethical issues will be discussed throughout the course.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Students gain competence in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Office software. They learn to use Word, Excel, Power Point, Access and Outlook. The students also learn to use e-mail to communicate productively.
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED
- 19 years of age prior to May of first year
- Meeting with an Admissions Advisor
- Acceptance by the Admissions Committee
- Completion of the Pre-Enrollment Package
