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Early Childhood Education

Start Date: September
Length: 2 Years
Credential: Diploma
Part-time:
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NSCC enabled me to complete my program at my own pace while working full time.

Katharine Wile

Grad - 2009

Fulfill your passion for the care, education and development of children.


Program Overview

Can you imagine that a child might be your greatest teacher? Are you energized by the idea of working with other teachers, professionals, parents and communities to nurture the physical, psychological, and social well-being of children and their families? Will you open your mind to ignite creativity in the way you think, play, teach and solve problems? If so, you will find deep satisfaction in the field of early childhood education.


This project-based program blends classroom study with applied learning with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children. Through your course of study you will acquire and develop the qualities of dependability and self-motivation, as well as a high level of skill in communication and organization.

Choose NSCC


  • You'll spend a significant part of your time with children of all ages, observing and facilitating their learning in a variety of settings. This will be an important and valued element in your learning portfolio.

  • Located on campus, the Early Childhood Development Support Centres offer resources and training support to early learning and childcare professionals, students, parents and the community throughout Nova Scotia. Each Centre coordinates professional development and is equipped with a variety of resources including: a lending library, research support educational/digital equipment.

  • NSCC University Articulation & Transfer Agreements – This program provides advanced standing for graduates who want to continue their studies beyond 2 years to complete a university degree.

Our Grads


  • Graduates are qualified to work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children in licensed childcare settings, school-age programs, head start, family resource and child development centres, within early intervention and public health services, as well as within public schools as educational assistants.

  • Many graduates also find work providing childcare in private homes as well as operating an in-home family daycare.

  • Some of our graduates have built their own child care businesses or become directors of established centres.

  • Others interested in furthering their early childhood studies have been eligible to enter programs in other learning institutions at an advanced level.

Admission Requirements


  • High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.

Program Requirements

Health & Human Service Student Requirements – Additional program requirements are outlined in the Admissions section. Instructions on how to complete these requirements will be provided with your acceptance notification.

Online

You can complete the Early Childhood Education Diploma online at a full-time pace.

Part-time


  • This program is available for part-time study. You have the option to complete your program online or through a combination of courses delivered in-class and online.

  • If you choose a part-time study option, you must still apply to the program and meet all the admission requirements. Once accepted, you will be referred to a Registrar at one of our campuses to discuss your learning plan and schedule.

  • Tuition for part-time study option is calculated on a per course basis and is paid at the beginning of each semester.

  • The time to complete a certificate or diploma program through part-time study will vary and depend on the schedule you choose and number of courses you complete each semester.

Other Info


  • Alternate Locations – The location for this program alternates each year. In September 2011 the program will be offered at Burridge Campus and Kingstec Campus.

  • Students are responsible for their own transportation to agency placements.

  • You are required to complete the Child Abuse Register Request for Search Form which is available online from the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services.

  • Early Childhood Education Assistance Program - Early Childhood Education students may be eligible to receive financial reimbursement for tuition costs from the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. This incentive program is intended to enhance the ability of licensed child care centres and Family Home Day Care (FHDC) agencies to recruit and retain staff by providing financial support to individuals interested in pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education (ECE) who complete approved training diploma/degree programs.


Courses May Include

Course descriptions
Code Course
COMM 1205   Communications - Workplace Foundations
COMP 1217   Computer Applications I
ECSP 1000   Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education
ECSP 1002   Observing and Recording Young Children
ECSP 1004   Aesthetics & Creativity
ECSP 1005   Positive Child Guidance
ECSP 1006   Health & Safety
ECSP 1008   Building & Supporting Professional Relationships
ECSP 1009   Emerging Literacy in the Early Childhood Years
ECSP 1010   Family Studies
ECSP 1011   Nutrition for Young Children
ECSP 1012   Administering Early Childhood Services
ECSP 1014   Applying Developmentally Appropriate Practice
ECSP 1015   Children with Special Needs
ECSP 1016   Music & Movement
ECSP 1050   Work Experience I
ECSP 1051   Work Experience II
ECSP 1052   Work Experience III
ECSP 1107   Issues in School Age Care
ECSP 1113   Infant & Toddler Care
ECSP 1121   Pre-School Methods
ECSP 1200   Learning Through Play I
ECSP 2050   Work Experience IV
ECSP 2051   Work Experience V
ECSP 2052   Work Experience VI
ECSP 2200   Learning Through Play II
GDEV 1028   Human Growth and Development I
GDEV 1029   Developmental Psychology
GDEV 2028   Human Growth and Development II
HUSV 1000   Introduction to Sociology
HUSV 1001   Introduction to Psychology
SAFE 1000   Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
SAFE 1001   Introduction to NS OH&S Act

Additional Graduation Requirements

Code Milestone
  Child Abuse Check
  Criminal Record/Position of Trust
  Immunization form Completion
  Portfolio Development
  Standard First Aid, CPR Level C

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