Yukon College Home Programs Early Childhood Development

Early Childhood Development

School of Health, Education and Human Services .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Ph: 867-668-8845 FX 867-668-8805

Program Overview

The objective of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program is to meet the need identified by the community for the education of Early Childhood educators. The goal of the ECD program is to provide opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide early learning opportunities and child care for young children and families. Throughout the program, students learn to assist children in all areas of growth and development.

Required Courses

The ECD certificate consists of 13 courses, including English, two field placements, and one College-level, three credit elective. The program may be pursued on a full or part time basis. Year 1

Electives

Please consult a program advisor for current and future offerings.

Required Courses - Diploma Program

The ECD diploma consists of 27 courses, including English, four field placements, and three College level three-credit electives. The program may be pursued on a full- or part-time basis. Completion of Year 1 Certificate Program, and

Electives

Please consult a program advisor for current and future offerings

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the School of Health, Education and Human Service’s Early Childhood Development program, a student must meet the following criteria:

     
  1. High school graduation OR
    2.  
  2. Mature Student Status with acceptable scores on the College placement test, GED, and/or acceptable scores on the College Writing Assessment OR
    3.  
  3. ENG 050.

Other Requirements

Other requirements:

  • Current immunization and medical clearance examination (at student’s expense)
  • Criminal records check
  • A letter outlining the applicant’s interest in the program, including related work and/or volunteer experience.
  • Achievement of a First Aid Certificate by the end of the first year. The required first aid course will be offered to full and part time students through Public Health and Safety. It is the responsibility of the student to register and complete.
  • In order to be eligible to receive a certificate or diploma upon completing the required courses, a student must have applied for and have been accepted into the ECD program. The Registrar strongly recommends that part time students apply to the program after taking two courses.

Transferability

The Early Childhood Development program transfers to the following institutions:

  • Grant MacEwan Community College, Edmonton, AB
  • Lakeland College, Vermillion, AB
  • Lethbridge Community College, Lethbridge, AB
  • Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB
  • University of Victoria School of Child and Youth Care, Victoria, BC (with university-level English and electives).

Employment

ECD program graduates are qualified to work as Early Childhood Educators in child care centres, family day homes, and preschools; as Program Assistants in child development centres and child care facilities; as Educational Assistants in kindergarten and the early grades; as Nannies, Family Support Workers, and as Child Care Licensing Officers

Duration

Certificate program: One year of full-time study (13 courses, 37 credit hours)
Diploma program. two years of full-time study (27 courses, 75 credit hours)

Options for the Mature Student

Due to the practical nature of the ECD program, a number of mature students enter with years of related experience. A variety of methods have been developed to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills and thus receive credit for prior knowledge gained in the field. These include:

Challenge Exams
The ECD program has developed Challenge Exams which allow students to receive credit for prior knowledge gained in the field. Students must be enrolled in the ECD program to be eligible to challenge any ECD course. For more information, contact the Instructor/Coordinator at 867- 668-8793.

PLAR
Credit in the Early Childhood Development program can be gained through portfolio development. In order to participate in the program-based ECD PLAR, the student must have applied to and been accepted in the ECD program. In addition, the student must have extensive experience in the field of Early Childhood Development.

Field Placement Prior Learning:
Field Placements 122/123, 212/213, and 223/224 can be completed through portfolio development to indicate prior learning assessment and recognition. Students must have completed all academic course requirements for the appropriate term. For further information, contact the ECD Coordinator at 867- 668-8793.

Outside courses

A student may be eligible for advanced standing if they have completed an equivalent college course at another accredited post secondary institution.