Early Childhood Education and School Age Care

Diploma of Health and Human Sciences

Duration: 5 semesters including practicum placements

Program Description

The Early Childhood Education and School Age Care program prepares students to work with children ages 0-12 years in a variety of early learning and child care settings. Students gain knowledge and experience in Child Development, Child Guidance, and Special Needs, as well as practical exposure through practicum placements at child care agencies including Academy Canada’s Model Child Care Centre. Graduates from Academy Canada’s Early Childhood Education and School-Age Care program are eligible for Level II certification with a Pre-School, School-Age, and Infant classification by the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL).

Program Courses

• Psychology
• Practicum Preparation
• Special Needs
• Observation and Assessment
• Child Development
• Child Guidance
• Word Processing
• Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Family Issues
• Infant and Toddler Care
• School Age Care
• Student Success
• Curriculum and Program Development
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
• Play and Development - Creativity
• Play and Development - Exploration
• Play and Development - Language Arts
• Communications ECE
• Administration and Legal Responsibilities
• History and Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
• Standard First Aid
• Practicums I, II, III and IV

Employment Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Education and School Age Care program, which includes practicum, graduates may be eligible for employment (depending on specific hiring practices) in the child care field at various levels. Access to the job market ranges from private home settings to many different positions in day care environments, as well as pre-school settings. Opportunities also exist in government-run facilities. Graduates may create employment for themselves and others as entrepreneurs.

Please click here for additional labour market information.

Entrance Requirements

High School Graduates or Equivalent

High School Graduates or equivalent are eligible for admission to the Early Childhood Education and School Age Care program. Students must complete an application form and provide a copy of High School, Adult Basic Education, or G.E.D. results. Under certain circumstances, students who do not meet the formal High School requirements may be accepted upon the recommendation of a High School Principal or Guidance Counsellor. Please contact an Admissions Officer for further details.

Mature Students

Mature students are eligible for admission to the Early Childhood Education and School Age Care program. These students must be 19 years of age or older, complete an application form, provide a copy of most recent marks, and write a Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) as arranged by Academy Canada.

Specific Entrance Requirements

Students must submit two written letters of reference (no personal references), a Conduct Certificate from their local Police Department, as well as attend a personal interview. These interviews will be set up by the Admissions Office and will be conducted before the consideration of acceptance into the program.

Conduct Certificate: Students acquiring a Conduct Certificate for admission into a program take on the responsibility of its validity. Students are solely accountable for any offenses not uncovered by the investigation being discovered and precluding the student from subsequent work terms or employment.

Please note: Academy Canada reserves the right to deny admission into this program based on an unpardoned criminal record that would bear relevance to the field-term requirements of the program. In addition, employers will be given a copy of the student’s Conduct Certificate on file prior to accepting students into the field-term situation.

For further information, please contact an Admissions Officer at 1-800-561-8000.

Program start dates are subject to sufficient enrollment.

Academy Canada reserves the right to modify any programs, courses, topics, objectives, etc.