Early Childhood Education Program
Diploma
2 Years (4 Semesters)
5 (Core)
Varies (3 credits per module)
Gain the skills to support children’s growth and development in childcare, education, and community settings. Start your journey in shaping young minds today!
The Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) prepares students to nurture and support children’s learning and development during their formative years. Through theory and hands-on experience, graduates are equipped to create safe, inclusive, and engaging environments in childcare, preschool, and early learning settings.
Description: This module introduces the foundational concepts, philosophies, and historical developments in early childhood education. Students will explore critical theorists such as Montessori, Froebel, and Piaget.
Content:
• History and development of early childhood education
• Philosophical approaches to early childhood education
• The role of play in early childhood development
• Current trends and challenges in early childhood education
• Overview of Early Learning Frameworks
Description: This module covers the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth to age eight, focusing on developmental milestones and factors influencing growth.
Content:
• Theories of child development (Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky)
• Stages of development: prenatal, infancy, toddler, preschool, and early childhood
• Cognitive, emotional, and physical development
• The impact of family, culture, and environment on development
• Recognizing and addressing developmental delays
Description: This module equips students with knowledge on creating safe, healthy, and nurturing environments for young children. It also explores child nutrition and healthcare practices.
Content:
• Health and safety standards in early childhood settings
• Nutritional needs of young children
• Managing illnesses and preventing accidents
• Safety guidelines for physical spaces
• Promoting mental health and emotional wellbeing in children
Description: This module introduces students to psychological principles and their application to teaching and learning in early childhood settings.
Content:
• Basic concepts in educational psychology
• Theories of learning and motivation
• The psychology of early childhood learning
• Cognitive and behavioral approaches to learning
• The role of assessment in educational psychology
Description: This module explores young children’s language acquisition and literacy development, focusing on fostering reading and communication skills.
Content:
• Theories of language development (Chomsky, Vygotsky)
• Stages of language acquisition in children
• Strategies to enhance early literacy skills
• Storytelling and language activities for young children
• Supporting bilingual and multilingual learners
Description: This module provides students with practical skills in designing and implementing age-appropriate curricula for early childhood education.
Content:
• Principles of curriculum development for young children
• Creating lesson plans and educational activities
• Aligning curriculum with early learning frameworks
• Inclusive practices in curriculum design
• Assessment and evaluation of young learners
Description: This module focuses on techniques for observing and assessing the development of children in early learning environments.
Content:
• Importance of observation in early childhood education
• Types of assessments (formative, summative, diagnostic)
• Documentation of children’s progress
• Ethical considerations in observation and assessment
• Using assessments to inform teaching practices
Description: This module explores the role of play in promoting children’s cognitive, social, and physical development and how to create engaging play-based learning environments.
Content:
• Theories of play (Piaget, Vygotsky)
• Types of play (free play, guided play, structured play)
• The role of adults in facilitating play
• Creating stimulating play environments
• Using play to support language, math, and social skills
Description: This module covers the organizational aspects of running early childhood programs, including leadership, communication, and financial management.
Content:
• Leadership in early childhood education settings
• Communication strategies with staff, parents, and community members
• Managing budgets and resources
• Program planning and evaluation
• Ethical and legal issues in program management
Description: This module explores approaches to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood education, focusing on culturally responsive practices.
Content:
• Understanding diversity in early childhood settings
• Strategies for inclusive teaching
• Promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Addressing special needs and disabilities
• Working with families from diverse backgrounds
Description: This module examines psychological theories related to children’s behavior and explores strategies for promoting positive behavior in early childhood settings.
Content:
• Understanding child behavior and its causes
• Behavior modification strategies
• Positive discipline techniques
• Managing challenging behaviors
• Supporting children’s emotional regulation
Description: This module focuses on child development’s social and emotional aspects, emphasizing building relationships and emotional intelligence in young learners.
Content:
• Theories of social and emotional development
• Fostering emotional intelligence in young children
• Building relationships with peers and adults
• Promoting self-regulation and empathy
• Creating emotionally supportive learning environments
Description: This module explores the role of creative arts in early childhood education, focusing on visual arts, music, movement, and drama as learning tools.
Content:
• Importance of creativity in child development
• Integrating arts into the curriculum
• Activities to encourage creativity (drawing, painting, storytelling)
• Music and movement for early learners
• Drama and role-play in early childhood education
Description: This module introduces students to the appropriate use of technology in early childhood education, exploring how digital tools can support learning.
Content:
• Role of technology in early childhood education
• Age-appropriate digital tools and resources
• Promoting digital literacy in young children
• Balancing screen time and traditional play
• Ethical considerations in using technology with children
Description: This module focuses on the importance of family and community involvement in early childhood education and strategies to strengthen partnerships with families.
Content:
• Role of families in early childhood development
• Effective communication with parents and caregivers
• Building partnerships with community organizations
• Supporting families in crisis
• Culturally responsive family engagement strategies
Description: This module focuses on identifying and supporting children with special needs in early childhood settings, emphasizing inclusive practices.
Content:
• Overview of Special Educational Needs (SEN)
• Early identification of developmental disorders
• Creating inclusive learning environments
• Collaborating with exceptional education professionals
• Developing individualized education plans (IEPs)
Description: This module covers the ethical considerations and professional standards that guide early childhood educators.
Content:
• Ethical issues in early childhood education
• Professional conduct and responsibilities
• Confidentiality and child protection laws
• Advocacy for children’s rights
• Reflective practice and continuous professional development
Description: This module explores age-appropriate strategies for teaching young children basic science and math concepts.
Content:
• Introduction to early science and math concepts
• Hands-on science activities for young learners
• Promoting mathematical thinking through play
• Encouraging curiosity and inquiry in science
• Integrating science and math across the curriculum
Description: This module provides students with skills to support early literacy development, focusing on interventions for children at risk of reading difficulties.
Content:
• Identifying children at risk for literacy delays
• Early reading intervention strategies
• Phonological awareness and phonics instruction
• Supporting struggling readers and writers
• Parental involvement in literacy development
Module 20: Capstone Project in Early Childhood Education
Description: This module allows students to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the diploma program by completing a comprehensive capstone project in an early childhood setting.
Content:
• Project planning and design
• Research methods in early childhood education
• Implementing a project in a real-world setting
• Reflecting on professional practice
• Presenting and evaluating project outcomes
We believe it is necessary for students to have extensive experience in the profession to be successful as registered early childhood educators, Daycare, Nursery and Primary school teachers. Students can expect to have field experiences within the program and will be required to complete approximately 500-600 field experience hours over four semesters. During these four semesters, students may have field experiences such as working with families and children (various age groups) in registered childcare (Daycare), Nursery or preschool settings, Early ON Child and Family Centers, various community programs, full-day kindergarten, or home-based child care programs.
Sierra College Early Childhood Education diploma program is a recognized leader in preparing registered early childhood educators like Nursery and Primary school teachers who see themselves as global citizens. Students and graduates advocate for the holistic health and well-being of all children, supported by a connection to nature and a stand for social justice.
Our program has the benefit of an on-site inclusive childcare facility for children from birth to 4.8 years of age, a natural play space for children, and an inspiring arboretum space to ignite creativity, play, and exploration on the land. Within the Sierra College Early Childhood Education Lab, students within their coursework have the opportunity to experience hands-on, interactive learning to inspire creativity and inquiry in various ways. Students also benefit from the use of the Sierra College ECE Resource Centre, as they are able to use educational materials, books, and equipment for in-class assignments or field placement experiences, as well as access workshops that explore various facets of creativity and planning for children. A new addition to the Sierra College ECE program is the Sierra College Innovation Centre, a simulation space providing opportunity for students to collaborate, innovate, inquire, as well as demonstrate knowledge and competencies necessary for practice readiness and entry to the profession.
