Explore the historical roots of early childhood education in Canada, the evolving pedagogical approaches, and the societal shifts that have shaped the field. Gain insights into the policies and regulations that impact young children and inform our approaches to emphasize creative, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive early learning and child care settings. Learn about the professional standards and ethical considerations needed to foster positive learning experiences for young children. Through a holistic exploration of these topics, emerge well-equipped to embark on your journey in early childhood education.

Examine child development through a multicultural lens, focusing on fundamental theories, milestones, and influences on growth. Explore diverse cultural perspectives to develop skills for fostering collaborative relationships with families and communities, ultimately enhancing early childhood development and care.

The course prepares learners to adopt holistic strategies to respond to emerging issues in the early childhood education field. Recognizing the importance of a nurturing environment, learners explore topics related to the wellbeing of children, families, and educators, which may include promoting healthy lifestyles, developing trauma awareness, and following licensing, health and safety guidelines. Upon successfully completing this course, learners will develop approaches to supporting children by maintaining a healthy and meaningful relationship with families and communities.

This introductory practicum course provides learners with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to experience gained in authentic early learning settings. In the practicum experience, learners build responsive relationships within the early childhood community. Learners observe and work with young children, using developmentally appropriate care, play, and learning practices. Learners document their observations and reflections throughout the course to demonstrate their growth and understanding of the material. Additionally, learners adhere to ethical and regulatory guidelines and demonstrate compliance in their practice.

This first-year composition course introduces learners to academic writing and critical thinking. They read and analyze sociopolitical, cultural, and gender issues in texts with an emphasis on experiences of people whose voices were historically silenced, particularly those of Indigenous communities in Canada. Learners develop strategies to communicate their own ideas and integrate them with those of others by quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing source material. Learners present their written assignments professionally according to APA formatting guidelines.

Through practice and reflection, learners nuture personal and professional relationships using interpersonal communication skills. With a focus on other-oriented communication, learners demonstrate how inequities and power dynamics influence relationships.

Through multiple worldviews, including Indigenous perspectives, explore the concepts of how play shapes the developing child, including how both indoor and outdoor environments, as well as urban and rural settings, serve as catalysts for sparking creativity, instilling a sense of wonder, and cultivating joy in childhood experiences. Use evidence-based techniques to build and expand on play by nurturing inquisitiveness, encouraging risk-taking, and fostering problem-solving. Become a partner in play through planning play spaces that incorporate a variety of materials, including natural materials and loose parts, to stimulate children's curiosity and growth.

Explore multiple perspectives and world views on theory and strategies for supporting children's social and emotional development. Discover how using a socio-cultural lens can serve a respectful and cooperative practice of relationships. Techniques are offered to support responsive environments and child guidance.

This second semester practicum course prepares learners to apply play-based skills and early childhood development theories to their practice under the guidance of a practicum instructor and a designated mentor. Adhering to early childhood research and the guidelines from Alberta's Early Learning Framework, learners critically consider aspects of their role as an early childhood educator, a co-learner, a co-researcher, and a co-imaginer, including observing, documenting, planning learning experiences, working with families, building relationships, maintaining health, safety, and nutrition standards.

This practicum provides a combination of practical experience in an early childhood setting and weekly integrated seminars. Learners must complete 200 practicum hours and 45 hours of seminar in addition to practicum experiential learning activities to meet the requirement for Provincial certification purposes.

This course provides an introduction to the diverse Indigenous Nations of Canada, while looking at the effects of colonialism in both historical and contemporary times, and from multiple perspectives. This course will orient learners to the current goals and challenges of Indigenous communities in Canada today. Learners are encouraged to situate themselves in Truth and Reconciliation and the Calls to Action, especially as they relate to their chosen field of work.