Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership ECL

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.

Arts & Literacy Grade 12 U level English is required and students should be able to write reports and essays, make referrals, and have a professional level of grammar and spelling as well as strong critical thinking skills.

High school courses in Raising Health Children, Working with Infants and Young Children, Challenge and Change in Society, Families in Canada, and/or Human Development throughout the Lifespan are recommended preparation for this program.

Math & Science One course in math at the grade 12 U level is required, but applicants may use a grade 12 U or M science course in place of the math requirement.

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 open to and examine self-development and growth
• Ability to accept and apply constructive feedback
• Able to make decisions and problem solve
• Independent thought
• Time management skills
• Self-discipline and mature attitude
• Strong desire to obtain ongoing education (Professional Development)
• Ability to be empathetic
• Enjoy working and collaborating in a team
• Strong interpersonal skills needed (listening, instructing, facilitating, explaining)
• Ability to use clear communication, be consistent, and use positive child guidance strategies
• Ability to communicate effectively and work closely and solve problems with children, parents and colleagues
• Strong organizational skills
• Able to take initiative, be flexible and multi-task

Useful background experience for this program would be

Involvement with service clubs related to early childhood; High School co-op placement in elementary schools; participation or counselling experience in summer camps or youth groups; 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

Early Childhood Leader; Supervisory Roles in Early Childhood; Designated Early Childhood Educator with Ontario’s school boards; or work in social service agencies that provide early years programs.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Child care centres, public schools, children’s museums, Ontario Early Years Centres, family centres, school boards, or Specialized Social Service Agencies.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Workers in early years settings (childcare and school) are required to actively engage with children which may involve day walking, bending, kneeling and sitting on the floor and routinely lift babies and children weighing up to 20 kilograms.
• May be required to work morning hours/shift work
• Work in indoor and outdoor environments

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Develop and implement appropriate curriculum based on current pedagogy
• 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 and Food Preparation (changing diapers, helping toddlers with toileting, hand washing)
• Cleaning and maintenance of 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  may qualify for the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate
• Graduates may choose further study in Bachelor of Education (teacher’s college) and Master of Education programs.

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Click on the links below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.

Last Modified: January 11, 2024