Early Childhood Education

Corona College's Early Childhood Education Program is designed to prepare students for the challenges of providing high-quality care and services to children. Particular emphasis is placed upon balanced training to enable graduates to meet the variety of physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs of children. Training includes all major aspects of childcare, such as program preparation and planning, implementation, observation and recording, managing behaviours, review and follow-up and administrative responsibilities. It also includes essential elements such as child development, nutrition, psychology and developmentally appropriate activities. Students will participate in on-site observation in a model day care to enhance observation and reporting skills.

To enhance essential job skills as well as improve the ability to compete in this field, training in computer operations, keyboarding, business writing and even bookkeeping are also included in the program. Prior to graduation, students will have completed a minimum of 700 hours of work in a child care setting.

Graduates will have attained a Level II Certification as assessed by the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland & Labrador (AECENL) under the Child Care Services Regulations.

The program consists of three semesters and covers the following areas of study:

St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid Training is included in this program.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program may seek employment in a variety of areas. They may work with any day-care centre, social and educational institutions and any community or health agency or organization concerned with the care of young children. They work in schools as Behavior Aides and Teaching Assistants for young children; they work with Community Outreach Programs, for Community Coalitions, Community Centres; they work with Government Departments as Program Monitors, Parent Coaches, and Program Coordinators. Our graduates experience high employment rates both on and off the island.

The in-depth training and 700 hours of work term included in this program provide graduates with the exposure and skills to excel in this field of health. As well as working in any of the above areas, the opportunity also exists for graduates to start their own enterprise and be self-employed or open their own childcare facility.

Students may qualify for the Canada Student Loans Non-repayable grant to ease their financial burden. Graduates who work in licensed day care centres may also qualify for a Non-repayable working supplement offered by the Department of Health & Community Services, Child Youth and Family Programs.

PROGRAM DURATION: 70 WEEKS

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduation with Level III or equivalent with an overall 60% average and at least one Level III Language and two Level III Mathematics credits; Or Persons who are 19 years or over may apply for entry under Corona College's Mature Student Policy.

- A completed Certificate of Conduct prior to entry into the
program
- A current Medical Report completed and signed by a qualified
medical doctor
- A pre-employment Tuberculin Test and Updated Immunization Record completed by a Public Health Nurse