COURSE CURRICULUM

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Loyalist College offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for effective roles in supporting young children, families, and communities. In the first semester, foundational courses such as College Writing Skills, Creative Play, Introduction to Child Development, and Introduction to Early Childhood Education provide essential knowledge on child growth, development theories, and the historical and policy context of early learning in Canada. Students also learn observation techniques and responsive relationships with infants and toddlers, alongside a global changemaker course that broadens perspectives on diversity and inclusion. The second semester builds on this foundation with courses on Health, Safety & Nutrition, Infant Toddler Development, and Learning Environments, combined with a practicum that offers practical experience in early years settings. Students develop skills in creating safe, inclusive, and stimulating environments while collaborating with families and communities. The third semester emphasizes partnerships with families and communities, child maltreatment awareness, and development in preschool-aged children, complemented by a practicum and seminar to apply theoretical learning in practice. Students explore responsive relationships and inclusive practices to support social-emotional development. The final semester addresses children with exceptionalities, evidence-informed practices, policy, advocacy, and professionalism, culminating in a practicum focused on kindergarten and school-age environments. Courses on school-age development and learning environments equip students to meet the diverse needs of older children. Throughout, students engage with current research, inclusive practices, and leadership strategies, fostering reflective, responsive educators ready to support holistic child development and well-being across varied early learning contexts.