Early Childhood Education - Africentric Offering

Overview

African Nova Scotian early childhood educators (ECEs) play an important role in shaping anti-racist practices in early learning childcare programs by providing education, lived experience, understanding, family support and physical representation of the children and families enrolled in childcare programs across the province.

Representation of African Nova Scotian early childhood educators in early learning programs is significant to the proper growth and development of the African Nova Scotian child. Children need to see diversity in their environment, not just hear about it. With Nova Scotia’s pre-primary program now operating across the province, ECEs who are African Nova Scotian are needed now more than ever.

Early childhood educators plan inclusive programs that help nurture the physical, psychological and social wellbeing of children and their families.

This project-based program was developed to meet the provincial standards for early childhood education training in Nova Scotia and blends classroom study with applied learning. You learn:

• The major theories of child care and development within a warm, caring and stimulating environment
• The knowledge and skills you need to work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children in a variety of settings
• Effective communication strategies for working with children, families, fellow early childhood educators and other professionals
• How to assess children's abilities and skills to create play-based, inclusive programming that emphasize the development of the whole child as a unique individual

Work experience

• Work experience are mandatory credit courses, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and require a minimum of 520 hours.
  • Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information visit Work Experience Opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• You have the opportunity to spend a significant part of your time with children of all ages, observing and supporting their learning in a variety of settings. This is an important and valued element in your learning portfolio.
• You can access professional resources, training and support through provincial Early Childhood Development Support Centres. Each centre coordinates professional development activities and is equipped with a variety of resources, including a lending library, research support and educational/digital equipment.

January 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available Designated for African NS/Black peoples Only open to individuals from specified equity-seeking groups, organizations or companies.

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
• Must self-identify as African Nova Scotian / Black and reside in Nova Scotia.

Program requirements

• Completion of Emergency First Aid/CPR Level C.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for college services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Early Childhood Education - Year 1
• Early Childhood Education - Year 2

Annual bursaries may be available through the province's African Canadian Services Branch. View bursary details

Career options

• Graduates are qualified to work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children in licensed childcare settings, pre-primary, school-age programs, Head Start, family resource outlets and child development centres within early intervention and public health services.
• Graduates may be eligible to work as educational assistants; please check with your desired school board for verification.
• Many graduates find work providing childcare in private homes, as well as operating in-home daycares.

Future study options

• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Find out more about having your diploma count towards a university degree