Early Childhood Education ECE

Holland Code: S (Social)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details. Applicants to the Fast Track option must have either a college diploma or a bachelor’s degree.

Arts & Literacy High school English is required and students should be able to write reports and essays, make referrals, and have a professional level of grammar and spelling. High school courses in Raising Healthy Children, Working with Infants and Young Children, Challenge and Change in Society, Families in Canada, and/or Human Development throughout the Lifespan would be beneficial preparation for this program.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, Internet, checking student web portal daily).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Strong ethical standards
• Ability to be empathetic
• Ability to be open to and examine self-development and growth
• Ability to accept and apply constructive feedback
• Able to make decisions and problem solve
• Strong desire to obtain ongoing education (Professional Development)
• Enjoy working and collaborating in a team
• Strong interpersonal skills needed (listening, instructing, facilitating, explaining)
• Ability to use clear communication, consistent, positive child guidance strategies
• Ability to solve problems with children and families
• Strong organizational skills
• Able to take initiative, be flexible and multi-task
• Ability to work in a diverse human environment

Useful background experience for this program would be

Experience with service clubs related to early childhood; summer camps, youth groups; or volunteering with young children/ early learning setting.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become an

Registered Early Childhood Educator.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Child Care centres, EarlyOn Child and Family Centres, Kindergarten classrooms, Before and After School Age Programs and Children Museums.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• To keep up with children in their care, early childhood educators must be able to move quickly. They also spend most of the day walking, bending, kneeling and sitting on the floor and routinely lift babies and children weighing up to 20 kilograms.
• Required to work early morning hours as well as shift work
• Work in indoor and outdoor environments

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Develop and implement programs designed to meet children's social, physical, intellectual, creative, cultural, emotional and developmental needs and interests in a play-based environment.
• Build children's social and interpersonal skills and positive self-concept by establishing routines and positive guidance policies that allow children to feel secure, comfortable and safe.
• Establish and maintain good communication with children's families and community agencies involved in children's development.
• Personal health care (changing diapers, helping toddlers with toileting, hand washing).
• Cleaning and maintenance of the learning environment.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Professional Credentials and Affiliations associated with this program

• Certified (AECEO)
• Graduates must register to the  College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) before working in the field.
• Canadian Child Care Federation video
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development

• Graduates are eligible for the fast track versions of the Developmental Services Worker, Child and Youth Worker and Social Services Worker programs.
• Graduates are eligible for several professional development certificates through Part Time Studies: Early Development and Learning - Preschool Settings, Infant and Toddler Care.
• Graduates may apply for advanced entrance into  the Fanshawe College Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
• Graduates are eligible to apply for a graduate certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science.
• Graduates may transfer some credit earned in this program towards a university degree. Multiple articulation agreements are available.

Last Modified: January 11, 2024