Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies - Ontario

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies provides a degree-level qualification for Diploma-trained educators in the field of early childhood teaching.

About the course

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies is a four-year Honours program that builds on the Diploma of Early Childhood Education offered at Ontario Colleges, in particular Mohawk College of Applied Arts & Technology and Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, with whom CSU has worked collaboratively to develop this program. Applicants from these institutions will be granted recognition of their existing two-year ECE diploma level qualification.

The program aims to bring multiple and critical perspectives to the forefront in the preparation of early childhood professionals, and seeks to develop graduates who are leaders and advocates in the early childhood field.

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies recognises the importance of highly qualified early childhood educators and the contribution they make to the economic, social and cultural fabric of societies. This program aims to produce graduates who are committed to continuing personal and professional growth and who aspire to positions as leaders and advocates in their field, resulting in highly qualified early childhood educators who can make a difference in the lives of children, families and communities.

The curriculum of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies is organised across several strands:

• curriculum studies
• professional experience
• research and critical perspectives
• breadth subjects

This program provides a pathway for articulation between a college diploma and degree-level studies and will be offered full-time on campus, with limited options to undertake a lighter, part-time load. The course is offered on two afternoons and two evenings each week, plus one distance education or elective course each term. This flexible method of delivery allows students to work part-time while completing their degree.

Course aims and objectives

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies has the following objectives for students to develop and demonstrate:

• specialized knowledge and critical understandings of a range of theoretical approaches used in early childhood education, particularly those relating to early childhood pedagogies, curriculum content and approaches
• a commitment to working with children, families and communities based on critical evaluation of issues related to diversity, social justice, equity principles and the commitment to promoting these in leadership and advocacy roles
• an understanding of current social, political and economic contexts, both national and international and understanding of the implications of these for early childhood education
• the ability to critically analyze, reflect upon and synthesize and evaluate current theories, approaches, pedagogies and practices within early childhood in order to articulate a personal philosophy of early childhood education
• a developing competence in accessing, synthesizing, critically evaluating and applying research approaches and outcomes
• the capacity to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues and other professionals, within and across disciplines
• leadership skills appropriate to their educational context.
  

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies is offered under the written consent of the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for the period from 17th April 2009 to 17th April 2014. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the programs and the degrees will be appropriate to their needs (e.g. acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions).