This course focuses on the genetic and environmental factors which influence children’s growth and development from preconception to age twelve. Students will be introduced to the major theories of child development and their connection to best practices in Early Childhood Education. Social, physical, language, cognitive/intellectual, and emotional development will be considered during the major stages of growth. Students will study factors affecting development, and the relevance this has for those who work with young children. Special emphasis will be placed on practical application of theoretical knowledge.

This course provides a foundation for understanding and guiding children's behaviour. Students will learn the principles and techniques of developmentally appropriate guidance strategies, which will be explored and applied in the context of curriculum, role modelling, and appropriate intervention. A variety of direct and indirect guidance strategies will be introduced and opportunities to practice these will be integrated in all content areas. This course focuses on assisting adults in early learning environments in their understanding of children’s behaviour as it is influenced by developmental and environmental factors. Students will learn practical skills for supporting and guiding healthy interactions between children and between adults and children. Respectful guidance strategies will be practiced which promote children's development and learning by facilitating trusting relationships and positive interactions. Students will review policies as they relate to guiding children’s behaviour, including centre-based policies and provincial regulations. Students will explore the principles of child guidance with an emphasis on social emotional learning (SEL). This course identifies the need for Early Childhood Educators to establish relationships, support play, and foster children's acceptance within peer groups. It examines strategies that enhance healthy self-regard, social competence, resilience, and the development of moral identity. Students will learn about possible challenges for children, including early exposure to trauma. The focus will be on learning how to implement techniques which foster positive relationships and create opportunities for learning.

This course will integrate elements of Capable, Confident and Curious: Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework and apply the framework’s learning goals and objectives to program planning and the design of learning environments. Specifically, students will promote play-based learning, reviewing the following curriculum areas in an early childhood education program: art, music, science, math, and literacy (reading). Students will recognize how the outdoor space is an extension of the indoor classroom and will identify opportunities to support play-based learning in an outdoor environment. Students will be introduced to various curriculum approaches and will focus on emergent curriculum, learning how to follow children’s interests and ideas to create meaningful learning and play experiences. Students will recognize their own role as educators in supporting children’s play as an observer, a scaffolder, and a facilitator.

This course is a work experience in a licensed childcare facility. Participants are educators who count in ratio and are paid employees of the centre. This experience is designed as an opportunity to demonstrate understanding of academic theory in a practical environment. Participants will work through a series of assignments that will link course work to practice. Participants will also complete an introductory seminar that outlines the expectation, roles, and responsibilities of the participant, the centre supervising mentor and the college advisor. The seminar also covers the assignments that are to be submitted. This is a non-credit course that is recognized for participants working towards a Level One classification.