Sprott Shaw College - Penticton

Early Childhood Education - Children with Exceptionalities

This program gives the student the skills and occupational competencies necessary in the industry today based upon the Ministry for Children and Family Development approved curriculum.

Students will develop a broad range of skills through the study and practice of our certified and approved courses so they will be able to develop and lead daily activities for children. They will be able to carefully select age-appropriate materials for young children and develop programs and activities for the important early years of learning. They will become nurturing and understanding Caregivers/Educators, who will implement these ece photo carefully selected materials and activities to help promote the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and early literacy development in each child. Some of these exciting activities include storytelling and fingerplays, music and movement, songs and games, creative arts and crafts, science and nature opportunities, along with many other activities that support children’s development and learning through play. They also observe children and communicate professionally, when appropriate, children’s progress and/or needs with parents, other staff members and individuals involved with the child’s development. They attend meetings, workshops and professional development opportunities to continue their learning and progress as competent and qualified Early Childhood Educators. They may also supervise and coordinate the activities of other Early Childhood Educators and ECE Assistants.

At the end of this program the student will have developed a broad range of skills through the application and understanding of the following learning outcomes:

• Cultural, economic, and generational influences on development
• Main categories and methods of observational recording
• Current licensing and registration regulations, development of policies and procedures, floor plans, and child care center design
• Development of partnerships with parents, colleagues, and other service providers
• Positive contemporary child guidance practices, causes and characteristics of inappropriate behaviour
• Planning and implementing comprehensive program plans, focusing on social, emotional, cognitive, physical, language and cultural development
• Activities to facilitate diversity and multi-cultural experiences and concepts to enhance curriculum
• Creating a positive learning environment that includes fun and engaging music and movement activities, enhancing other learning such as language and language skills
• The use of concepts and activities from LEAP BC 2010 Resource Booklet and recognizing movement categories and motor skills
• Creativity and open-ended, process-oriented creative art activities and experiences
• Verbal and non-verbal communication skills and techniques
• Design newsletters and communication tools for parents, children and staff
• Signs and symptoms of common communicable childhood illnesses
• Goal setting, note taking, problem solving, and team work
• Interview techniques and creating an employment package

This program will expand upon the skills gained through the Early Childhood Education basic program. Greater opportunities exist for those who provide an Infant & Toddler setting. As licensed care expands, caregivers with formal credentials will have better opportunities. There are a range of child, youth, and family focused support programs and interventions in BC to help promote children’s healthy development, maximize quality of life, assist families in their role as primary caregivers and support full participation in community life.
This speciality provides advanced training in ECE competencies for individuals interested in working with Children With Exceptionalities and/or Infant and Toddler care.

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