Students participate in hands-on activities introduced to the field of Early Childhood Education and receive exposure to safety topics inside/outside the preschool environment.

Students are actively engaged in the daily activities of the preschool. They are supported in initiating appropriate conversations with the preschool children and assuming an active role in their play. Students are expected to follow shop rules and safety practices as outlined by the preschool and State guidelines.

Students are introduced to planning and implementing daily activities under the supervision of head teachers. The sophomore curriculum includes lesson planning, introduction to careers in Early Childhood Education, and the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of preschool aged children. Students learn how to appropriately talk to children and impart age appropriate behavior management techniques. Grade 10 ECE students gain an understanding of the importance of learning through play in all areas of the preschool curriculum and develop teamwork skills by working closely with Grade 12 students.

Students gain knowledge of the needs of various ages and learn how to supervise young children. Students learn how to determine socially acceptable behavior and handle negative behaviors as well as the signs of child abuse and neglect. Furthermore, students become familiar with age appropriate curriculum planning and implementation, explore the value of play in the preschool setting and become involved in daily activities by extending play.

Students plan, implement, and direct weekly thematic based units. Students also work on bulletin boards, children’s portfolios and end of the year preschool evaluations, and take an active role in guiding freshmen in exploratory.

Students explore the field of early childhood education through understanding the traits of a quality child care program. They become aware of the characteristics that make up a competent child care professional and learn what is required to operate a child care center effectively. Furthermore, students learn how to set up an appropriate environment for children to learn and understand and implement health and safety practices.  Juniors also participate in yoga certification.

In the Senior year, students put into practice their early education and care competencies by overseeing the preschool program.  Seniors, while supervised by their instructors, manage the daily activities of the preschoolers. If eligible, students participate in cooperative education programs in early childhood centers in the community. When students are eligible, they are able to work towards the Early Education and Care Infant/Toddler Teacher certification.

Students spend senior year researching the state mandated child care regulations.  Seniors create a career plan that supports them in focusing on next steps after completion of the EC program. Furthermore, students learn the importance of professionalism, stress management, communication and problem solving, as it relates to the EC field.