Applied Degree

• School of Applied Arts & Tourism
• Duration: Four Years
• Start Date: September 2023

Students may complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis and have a maximum of 12 semesters to complete the program. A Learner Course Plan for course completion is developed with each student, based on an assessment of any previous ECE or related training they may already have, and any PLAR credits received.

Program Highlights:

• Complete Year 4 in two semesters as per admissions requirements
• Benefit from a flexible, online program allowing you to complete courses while working in the field
• Engage in reflective practice, while working with children, families and the community
• Focus on policy, ethics, advocacy and social justice
• In depth knowledge of child development from birth to aged 12
• Investment in early education and child care by provinces and territories rose by over $3 billion between 2017 and 2020. Newfoundland and Labrador has almost tripled funding since 2011
• Over the period 2019-2028, the number of job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) for early childhood educators and assistants are expected to total 81,700

Did You Know?

• Canadian economic evaluations have demonstrated that early learning and child care has one of the highest returns on investments, with $2 to $7 returned on every dollar spent.
• Investment in early education and child care by provinces and territories rose by over $3 billion between 2017 and 2020. Newfoundland and Labrador has almost tripled funding since 2011.
• Over the period 2019-2028, the number of job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) for Early childhood educators and assistants are expected to total 81,700
• Newfoundland and Labrador has increased training requirements and expanded graduate bursary programs.

Online students register each semester from a list of course offerings. Current course offerings can be found HERE.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education program graduates will be able to:

1. Analyze research, standards, and trends related to early learning and development to inform curriculum, program decision-making, and early learning practice.
2. Use pedagogical tools to observe, document, and assess child learning and development, adult-child interactions, and the indoor/outdoor environment.
3. Evaluate significant Canadian and Provincial social and public policies as they relate to children, families, early childhood educator practice, the sector, and the broader community.
4. Apply trauma-informed, anti-bias, and culturally relevant practices to developing relationships and environments that foster social justice and equity in early learning.
5. Develop professional relationships with families using family-centered principles that respect family diversity, goals, and values.
6. Demonstrate ethical practice with children, colleagues, and families based on a critical evaluation of individual rights, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
7. Use critical thinking, reflective practice, and problem-solving skills to form professional and collaborative relationships with colleagues, families, and other professionals.
8. Develop advocacy strategies with children, colleagues, families, and the community for quality early learning and care programs and services.
9. Identify qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, steps of the research process, and carry out a research project related to the field of Early Childhood Education.

Future Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the program, combined with relevant industry experience, graduates will be prepared for employment in a variety of early learning and child care settings. These could include but are not limited to the following:

• Early Childhood Educator
• Administrator of a regulated child care service
• Instructor of ECE
• Program Consultant
• Inclusion Consultant
• Capacity Consultant
• Family Child Care Home Monitor
• Employee of an ECE Professional Association
• Independent Consultant
• Industry Policy Analysis

Certification

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education, individuals may apply for a provincial Level IV Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL). For information on certification, please visit Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL) .

Courses

For a complete list of course offerings please visit the Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education Program Information page .