Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Fast Track) Fanshawe College - London Campus, Canada

This program blends theory with hands-on application of theoretical principles delivered through course work and field practicum.  Students in this program will develop their knowledge and professional skills in areas such as child development and best practices in early childhood; the early childhood educator's role and responsibilities; the importance of play in children's learning; family involvement and curriculum design and implementation.
When the student graduates they will have the knowledge and necessary skills to work with children, families and community in the context of early learning and development programs for children from birth to age twelve. The student will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including child care centres, early learning and family centres, Best Start programs, before and after school programs and with school boards.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Design, implement and evaluate inclusive* and play-based* early learning curriculum* and programs that support children's* holistic development* and are responsive to individual children's* and groups of children's* observed abilities, interests and ideas.
• Establish and maintain inclusive* early learning environments* that support diverse*, equitable and accessible developmental and learning opportunities for all children* and their families*.
• Select and use a variety of screening tools, observation and documentation strategies to review, support and promote children's* learning across the continuum of early childhood development*.
• Establish and maintain responsive relationships* with individual children*, groups of children* and families*.
• Assess, develop and maintain safe, healthy and quality early learning environments* which meet the requirements of current legislation, agency policies and evidence-based practices* in early learning.
• Prepare and use professional written, verbal, nonverbal and electronic communications when working with children*, families*, colleagues, employers, and community partners.
• Identify, select and apply relevant legislation, regulations, College of Early Childhood Educators Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, policies and evidence-based practice* guidelines, and interpret their impact on a variety of early learning environments*.
• Apply a developing personal philosophy of early learning in accordance with ethical and professional standards* of early childhood education practice.
• Advocate* for quality early learning environments* and collaborate with members of the early learning team, families* and community partners to establish and promote such settings.
• Engage in reflective practice, develop learning goals and maintain an ongoing professional development plan in accordance with evidence-based practices* in early learning and related fields.