Early childhood educators play a big role in how kids shape their lifelong view of learning. Students connect with kids and their families. They use reading, writing, art, music, drama and science to enrich young lives. It’s a big responsibility … and a lot of fun. It is a highly respected program that integrates the most current research on early childhood education. Students will build on the knowledge, attitudes and skills they developed in the ECE certificate program, including:

• Administration and child care regulations • Children with diverse abilities • Child guidance techniques • Family and community relationships • Observation, assessment and documentation • Play environments and program planning • Programming for infants, toddlers and school age children

Through practical experience, students will get the feedback they need to develop best practices, recognize stages of development and understand the impact of environment on behaviour. Saskatoon students will participate in course work at the Early Childhood Demonstration Centre.

When students graduate, they will be eligible to apply to become a licensed Level III Early Childhood Educator (ECE). If students plan on becoming a child care centre director, they must have their ECE III. If students are interested in going farther, students will be able to transfer some of their credits to the University of Regina’s Bachelor of Education degree program in Elementary Education.

There’s high demand for Level III ECEs in Saskatchewan. This diploma allows graduates to work in group care settings with children from birth to age 12. Students will be able to start a career in a child care centre, preschool, elementary school, Kids First/Aboriginal Head Start program, family day homes and private homes. Get involved in programming for infants and children with diverse abilities, or become an inclusion coordinator, preschool teacher, child care centre director, early childhood interventionist or family support worker.