Course Name

Principles in Guiding Behaviour

Learn the theoretical background behind using child guidance strategies to positively encourage developmentally appropriate behaviour in children. Through a combination of online and in-person activities and discussions, practice applying these effective and practical strategies in response to challenging behaviours.

Practicing Cultural Awareness in Early Learning & Child Care

Ongoing awareness about cultural diversity in terms of early lLearning and child care is integral to quality professional practice. Frameworks, definitions, personal attitudes and values related to cultural diversity are explored through both practical and reflective activities. Factors that perpetuate systemic bias, exclusion and oppression are examined. Truth and Reconciliation actions related to early learning and cChild care environments will be discussed. The impact of cultural diversity awareness on professional practice strategies is also reviewed. Practice building culturally responsive relationships through learning about Indigenous communities in Treaty 6, 7 and 8 regions.

Turtle Island Indigenous Cultural Appreciation

Explore concepts of culture and cultural diversity as they apply to an early childhood education setting. Specifically focusing on Indigenous cultures of Alberta, discuss how culture influences the educational setting and how to develop an early learning and child care environment that supports and acknowledges a multitude of cultures. Acknowledge and examine the components of Indigenous ways of being on Turtle Island (Canada), including beliefs, social customs, ceremonies and references to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action. As students partake in first-hand experiences of storytelling and listening, this knowledge advances reconciliation and creates a safe learning environment in early learning and child care settings.

Supporting Early Learning & Child Care with Technology

Integrating technology into early learning and child care settings is a critical component of supporting 21st-century learners. Explore age-appropriate instructional strategies with various technologies through hands-on activities. Reflect and support diverse learners by learning to safely incorporate applications in ELCC environments and digital assets in lessons and activities.

Reflecting Family Structures in Early Learning & Child Care Environments

Partnerships with families are essential to early childhood education, where parents and caregivers are important stakeholders in their child’s education. Examine effective strategies to understand family dynamics and work with parents and caregivers to address the learning needs of children. Through practical application and activities, you will gain the necessary skills to build successful relationships with families in early learning and child care settings

Traditional Indigenous Family Structures

Examine social issues and personal attitudes and values as they relate to children and families in a child care setting from an Indigenous lens. Emphasis is placed on the influence of family, culture and community within the context of Indigenous peoples of Canada. Explore effective communication methods and the common Indigenous belief that every person was given a gift from the Creator. The concept that family dynamics and challenges are central to positive and empowering relationships is highlighted.

Reflecting Different Abilities in Early Learning & Child Care Environments

Practical understanding, programming adaptations and advocacy skills are critical for early childhood educators. Through a developmental and inclusive focus, aspiring early childhood educators will be guided through attitudes, environments and intervention strategies that can be adapted for young children with different abilities. Practical activities can be easily applied to work environments to facilitate a truly inclusive learning environment along with skills to work effectively to support every child.

Incorporating Assistive Technology in Early Learning & Child Care Settings

Incorporating assistive technology in early child care settings is a necessary skill to meet the needs of all children. By recognizing the purpose of assistive technology tools, you will gain critical knowledge to create a truly inclusive early learning environment. The technologies explored will optimize inclusive practices and equip you with the support to work with industry professionals to implement the necessary software and applications.

Reflecting Diversity in Early Learning & Child Care Environments

Implementing diversity-responsive educational strategies in early learning child care environments makes supporting and celebrating diverse children and families a reality. Effective teaching strategies that recognize racial, linguistic, socioeconomic and religious diversities are explored to aid the early childhood educators in advocating for their families and children. Reflective activities and discussions will complement course readings to continue to grow awareness of bias in one’s self and in systems and practices.

Program Design for Early Childhood Education

Operationalizing an early learning child care program is an important component of becoming an ELCC professional. Starting with exploring different program frameworks, you will gain skills on how to implement an ELCC program, including strategies to evaluate the program’s success in reaching its goals. Examine regulations related to many aspects of the program’s operation and explore the interplay among regulations, accreditation criteria, and other standards of practice, including the Alberta Flight Framework. You will also explore leadership and management roles including specific strategies for recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and evaluating program personnel.

Daycare Management

Daycare Management reviews the key responsibilities and essential skills related to managing an early learning and child care environment. Through simulated real-world scenarios, practicing leadership skills, applied business sense and ethical decision-making, you will acquire an improved readiness to assume supervisory roles in a variety of ELCC environments. Topics of study include: how to lead facility operations; staff onboarding and retention; staff scheduling; safety planning; building a supply inventory; basic budgeting and book-keeping; and more.

Practicum III

The third and final level of practicum is centred upon executing childhood programming and demonstrating competent independence in an early learning and child care environment. Using the feedback from the lesson plan you created in level 2, build upon your skillset by further developing an enhanced child care program. Utilize your experiences with the children and how they behave. Incorporate your documentation for children’s learning and development to write learning stories. Develop a comprehensive child care program that includes a unit plan, environment plan, safety plan for the facility and 3 lesson plan samples. This can be added to your portfolio to showcase your skills for future ELCC employment.