Early Childhood Education

Program Standard

The approved program standard for

Early Childhood Education program of
instruction leading to an Ontario
College Diploma delivered by Ontario
Colleges of Applied Arts and
Technology (MTCU funding code 51211)

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

December 2012
Permission to Reproduce
Permission is hereby granted to the following institutions to reproduce this
document, in whole or in part, in print or by electronic means, for the following
specific purposes, subject to the conditions that follow:

1. By an Ontario college of applied arts and technology for the purposes of

implementation of the program standard within a college program,
including for the purpose of informing students, potential students,
program advisory committees or others about programs of study.
2. By an educational institution or school, for the purpose of informing
prospective college students about programs of study at Ontario colleges
of applied arts and technology.

Conditions:

1. Every reproduction must be marked “©2012, Queen’s Printer for Ontario”

at the beginning of the document or any part of it that is reproduced.
2. No other uses may be made of the document.
3. The document may not be reproduced for sale.
4. The Ministry may revoke the permission to reproduce at any time.

For permission to copy this document, in whole or in part, for other purposes or
by other institutions, please contact

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Programs Branch, Program Standards and Evaluation Unit
23rd floor, Mowat Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1L2

Telephone: (416) 325-2874

E-mail: susan.golets@ontario.ca

Inquiries regarding specific Early Childhood Education programs offered by

colleges of applied arts and technology in Ontario should be directed to the
relevant college.

This publication is available on the Ministry's Website.

Cette publication est disponible sur le site Web du ministère.

©2012, Queen’s Printer for Ontario

ISBN 978-1-4606-0353-6 (PDF)

Ce document est disponible en français.

Acknowledgements

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities acknowledges with thanks the
significant contribution of the many individuals and organizations who
participated in the development of this program standard. In particular, the
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities would like to acknowledge the
important roles of

• all individuals and organizations who participated in the consultations;

• the coordinators of Early Childhood Education Programs for their

assistance throughout the project, the project officer who led the
development of the vocational standard, Christine Foster, seconded
faculty member from Algonquin and Louise Campagna, seconded faculty
member from La Cité Collégiale.
Table of Contents

I. Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1
Development of System-Wide Program Standards............................................................ 1
Program Standards ........................................................................................................... 1
The Expression of Program Standards as Vocational Learning Outcomes ........................ 2
The Presentation of the Vocational Learning Outcomes .................................................... 2
The Development of a Program Standard ......................................................................... 2
Updating the Program Standard ........................................................................................ 3
II. Vocational Standard .............................................................................................. 4
Preamble ........................................................................................................................... 4
Synopsis of the Vocational Learning Outcomes ................................................................ 6
The Vocational Learning Outcomes................................................................................... 8
Glossary ...........................................................................................................................19
III. Essential Employability Skills ............................................................................. 22
Context .............................................................................................................................22
Skill Categories ................................................................................................................22
Application and Implementation........................................................................................22
IV. General Education Requirement......................................................................... 25
Requirement.....................................................................................................................25
Purpose ............................................................................................................................25
Themes ............................................................................................................................26
I. Introduction
This document is the Program Standard for the Early Childhood Education
program of instruction leading to an Ontario College Diploma delivered by
Ontario colleges of applied arts and technology (MTCU funding code 51211).

Development of System-Wide Program Standards

In 1993, the Government of Ontario initiated program standards development
with the objectives of bringing a greater degree of consistency to college
programming offered across the province, broadening the focus of college
programs to ensure graduates have the skills to be flexible and to continue to
learn and adapt, and providing public accountability for the quality and relevance
of college programs.

The Program Standards and Evaluation Unit of the Ministry of Training, Colleges
and Universities has responsibility for the development, review, and approval of
system-wide standards for programs of instruction at Ontario colleges of applied
arts and technology.

Program Standards
Program standards apply to all similar programs of instruction offered by colleges
across the province. Each program standard for a postsecondary program
includes the following elements:

• Vocational standard (the vocationally specific learning outcomes which

apply to the program of instruction in question),

• Essential employability skills (the essential employability skills learning

outcomes which apply to all programs of instruction); and

• General education requirement (the requirement for general education

in postsecondary programs of instruction).

Collectively, these elements outline the essential skills and knowledge that a
student must reliably demonstrate in order to graduate from the program.

Individual colleges of applied arts and technology offering the program of

instruction determine the specific program structure, delivery methods, and other
curriculum matters to be used in assisting students to achieve the outcomes
articulated in the standard. Individual colleges also determine whether additional
local learning outcomes will be required to reflect specific local needs and/or
interests.

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 1

The Expression of Program Standards as Vocational Learning
Outcomes
Vocational learning outcomes represent culminating demonstrations of learning
and achievement. They are not simply a listing of discrete skills, nor broad
statements of knowledge and comprehension. In addition, vocational learning
outcomes are interrelated and cannot be viewed in isolation of one another. As
such, they should be viewed as a comprehensive whole. They describe
performances that demonstrate that significant integrated learning by graduates
of the program has been achieved and verified.

Expressing standards as vocational learning outcomes ensures consistency in

the outcomes for program graduates, while leaving to the discretion of individual
colleges curriculum matters such as the specific program structure and delivery
methods.

The Presentation of the Vocational Learning Outcomes

The vocational learning outcome statements set out the culminating
demonstration of learning and achievement that the student must reliably
demonstrate before graduation.

The elements of the performance for each outcome define and clarify the level
and quality of performance necessary to meet the requirements of the vocational
learning outcome. However, it is the performance of the vocational learning
outcome itself on which students are evaluated. The elements of performance
are indicators of the means by which the student may proceed to satisfactory
performance of the vocational learning outcome. The elements of performance
do not stand alone but rather in reference to the vocational learning outcome of
which they form a part.

The Development of a Program Standard

In establishing the standards development initiative, the Government determined
that all postsecondary programs of instruction should include vocational skills
coupled with a broader set of essential skills. This combination is considered
critical to ensuring that college graduates have the skills required to be
successful both upon graduation from the college program and throughout their
working and personal lives.

A program standard is developed through a broad consultation process involving

a range of stakeholders with a direct interest in the program area, including
employers, professional associations, universities, secondary schools, and
program graduates working in the field, in addition to students, faculty, and
administrators at the colleges themselves. It represents a consensus of

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 2

 participating stakeholders on the essential learning that all program graduates
should have achieved.

Updating the Program Standard

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities will undertake regular reviews
of the vocational learning outcomes for this program to ensure that the Early
Childhood Education Program Standard remains appropriate and relevant to the
needs of students and employers across the Province of Ontario. To confirm that
this document is the most up-to-date release, contact the Ministry of Training,
Colleges and Universities.

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 3

II. Vocational Standard
All graduates of Early Childhood Education programs have achieved the ten vocational
learning outcomes (VLOs) listed in the following pages, in addition to achieving the
essential employability skills (EES) learning outcomes and meeting the general
education (GE) requirement. Graduates of Native or Aboriginal Early Childhood
Education programs (MTCU Code 51211) have achieved outcomes one to ten and an
additional outcome eleven specific to Aboriginal Early Childhood Education programs.

Preamble
The Early Childhood Education program prepares graduates to work with infants,
toddlers, preschool and school-aged children* and their families* in a variety of early
learning settings including childcare centres, community child and family* support
centres, home-based child care, Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten programs, school
readiness and early intervention programs.
Graduates create safe, healthy and inclusive* early learning environments* that support
equitable and accessible learning opportunities for children* with diverse abilities,
interests and ideas, and their families*. Early childhood educators work collaboratively
with colleagues, children* and families* from diverse* cultures*, experiences and
backgrounds. Early childhood educators form partnerships with families*, and support
their parenting through ongoing communication, guidance and education. Graduates
form collaborative relationships with professionals from other disciplines to support
holistic development* of all children*.
Early childhood educators establish responsive relationships* with children* and
families* to support the optimal development* and learning of all children*. In addition,
early childhood educators acknowledge that there is variability among children* and
recognize potential areas that may require referral for further assessment and/or
intervention.
Graduates design and implement quality play-based* early learning curriculum* and
programs that support the learning needs of individuals and groups of children*, as well
as their families*. Early childhood educators capitalize on spontaneous events in order
to support child-initiated learning and to promote learning that arouses curiosity and
imagination. Graduates evaluate and revise curriculum* based on regular observations
and analysis of children’s* development* and their responses to the curriculum* and
goals of the program.
Graduates have knowledge of current legislation related to early learning environments*
and recognize the interconnection of governing legislation, code of ethics, professional
practice standards, and administrative responsibilities in order to provide support and
guidance to children* and their families*.
Along with other early learning professionals and community partners, early childhood

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 4

educators function in advocacy* roles for children* and families* and for quality early
learning environments*.
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program base their work with children* and
families* on relevant pedagogy*, theories and evidence-based practices*, making
informed choices based on their professional knowledge. Core professional values of
care, respect, trust and integrity enable graduates to formally recognize their
commitment to children*, families*, colleagues, and the community and to the
profession of early childhood education.
Early childhood educators engage in reflective practice and commit to ongoing
professional development to enhance their practice. Graduates are aware of the need to
responsibly address ethical dilemmas that arise when working in early childhood
education settings and practice in accordance with the College of Early Childhood
Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (College of Early Childhood
Educators, 2011).
Early Childhood Educators are governed by the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007.
Registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators as a Registered Early
Childhood Educator (RECE) is required for practice in the province of Ontario.
There are opportunities for graduates to pursue further educational qualifications and
degree completion. Graduates should contact individual colleges for further details.
Endnote: The Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) maintains the
provincial postsecondary credit transfer portal, ONTransfer and the Ontario
Postsecondary Transfer Guide (OPTG) at
http://www.ocutg.on.ca/www/index_en.php?page=the_ontario_postsecondary_transfer_
guide

*See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 5

Synopsis of the Vocational Learning Outcomes
Early Childhood Education (Ontario College Diploma)

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

1. 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.
2. establish and maintain inclusive* early learning environments* that
support diverse*, equitable and accessible developmental and
learning opportunities for all children* and their families*.
3. 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*.
4. establish and maintain responsive relationships* with individual
children*, groups of children* and families*.
5. 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.
6. prepare and use professional written, verbal, nonverbal and
electronic communications when working with children*, families*,
colleagues, employers, and community partners.
7. 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*.
8. apply a developing personal philosophy of early learning in
accordance with ethical and professional standards* of early
childhood education practice.
9. 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.
10. 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.

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 6

 VLO 11 is specific to ECE Diploma programs that are known as Aboriginal Early
Childhood Education Programs (MTCU Code 51211). Graduates of these
programs have reliably demonstrated Vocational Outcomes 1-10 in addition to
VLO 11.
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

11. plan, implement and evaluate Aboriginal early learning curriculum*,

programs and environments that promote children’s*, families* and
communities knowledge of and respect for Aboriginal peoples and
their cultures*.

*See Glossary

Note: The learning outcomes have been numbered as a point of reference; numbering does not
imply prioritization, sequencing, nor weighting of significance.

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 7

The Vocational Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

1. design, implement and evaluate inclusive* and play-based* early

learning curriculum* and programs that support children’s* holistic
development* and are responsive to individual and groups of
children’s* observed abilities, interests and ideas.

Elements of the Performance

● observe and identify the learning of individual children* and groups along
a continuum of development* and in relation to learning expectations and
holistic development*
● apply principles of early learning pedagogy* to curriculum* and program
development
● identify and apply best practices based on current and relevant research
findings, literature, and other resources to develop quality programs and
curriculum*
● identify and select a variety of curriculum* models and approaches and
determine the appropriateness for application to curriculum* and program
development
● interact with children* to observe their emerging abilities, interests and
ideas
● design inclusive* curriculum* that incorporates learning throughout all
activities of the day and reflects children’s* daily lived experiences
● use a variety of strategies to support learning through inquiry and play-
based* experiences
● design, implement and evaluate early learning opportunities to foster the
development and appreciation of music and creative arts
● promote learning opportunities in natural settings that foster an
understanding of and appreciation for the environment
● facilitate inclusive* learning experiences based on accurate ongoing and
systematic observation of children*
● evaluate curriculum* and programs based on observation and analysis of
children's* behaviour and level of participation
● revise and adapt curriculum* and programs when necessary, in
accordance with individual abilities and approaches to learning, in order to
optimize children’s development* and learning
● evaluate early learning curriculum* and programs to determine if
children's* needs are met and their abilities, interests and ideas are
acknowledged

* See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 8

 2. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

establish and maintain inclusive* early learning environments* that

support diverse*, equitable and accessible developmental and
learning opportunities for all children* and their families*.

Elements of the Performance

● provide a welcoming and nurturing environment for all children* and their
families*
● promote a sense of belonging and acceptance in all children* within a
variety of learning environments
● apply responsive and inclusive* practices in all aspects of early learning
environments*
● identify and respond to opportunities which enhance and extend all
children’s* natural inquisitiveness
● foster inclusive* learning environments that allow all children* to
participate in ways that are meaningful and recognize individual abilities
and approaches to learning
● establish partnerships with children* and families* from diverse*
communities
● support the development and learning of individual children* within the
context of their family*, culture* and community
● establish learning environments that support positive behaviour in all
children*
● design, set up and modify the physical environment to support all
children’s* ongoing development and learning
● provide learning materials and opportunities that are culturally inclusive*,
diverse* and reflect anti-bias (Child Care Human Resources Sector
Council: Occupational Standards for Early Childhood Educators , 2010)
● adapt learning opportunities and early learning environments* for children*
living with special needs*
● provide flexibility and choice in learning materials and opportunities in
order to optimize development and learning for all children* and their
families*
● select and use appropriate technology and assistive technological tools to
optimize all children’s development* and learning

* See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 9

 3. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

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*.

Elements of the Performance

● select and use data collection strategies and tools that are linguistically
and culturally appropriate for identified children*
● use appropriate strategies to identify and interpret children's* abilities,
interests and ideas
● identify and respect the variations that occur in children’s* development,
abilities and interests
● gather relevant information and observations about children* from
families*, colleagues and other professionals
● use a variety of observation techniques* to enhance work with children*,
families*, and colleagues
● use and assess developmental screening tools to identify children*
requiring further assessment, intervention or referral
● share observations of children’s* abilities, interests and ideas with family*,
colleagues and other professionals
● monitor children's* development and assess on an ongoing and
systematic basis
● use a variety of methods to document children’s* development and
learning such as, portfolios, checklists, anecdotal records and diary
recordings.
● document and report observations in a professional manner
● identify and select technology tools to facilitate documentation and record-
keeping
● comply with all required documentation policies and procedures
● safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of child and family* information

* See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 10

 4. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

establish and maintain responsive relationships* with individual

children*, groups of children* and families*.

Elements of the Performance

● initiate genuine, authentic interactions with children* and their families*

● establish respectful partnerships with families* which promote involvement
in children’s* early learning
● identify the valuable input that parents/guardians contribute as experts in
their children’s* abilities, interests and ideas
● recommend and support families’* access to appropriate community
resources
● communicate children’s* developmental progress to families* in an
ongoing manner
● communicate to families* the benefits of inclusive* and play-based* early
learning opportunities
● respond with sensitivity* to children's* and parents’/guardians’ behaviours
● use a variety of positive guidance techniques* that support self-regulation*
and positive behaviour in children*
● provide children* with strategies to develop self control, self-regulation*,
resiliency and autonomy
● promote competency and positive self esteem in children* and families*
● model respectful relationships which are trustworthy and inclusive*
● support the development of positive pro-social behaviour
● engage with children* to model and support their successful interactions in
groups
● engage children* in reflection on own learning as a means to develop
insight and build on learning
● support children’s* transitions between daily activities and between home
and school environments

* See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 11

 5. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

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.

Elements of the Performance

● plan and provide healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environments and
programming in accordance with current legislation, guidelines and
agency policy
● use environmental rating scales such as the Early Childhood Environment
Rating Scale (ECERS) to assess learning environments
● assess and adapt health and safety environments and practices based on
current research and quality criteria
● consult and plan with families* and relevant professionals to promote and
support nutritional health in all children*
● meet specific health needs of children* according to individual needs and
developmental requirements
● interpret and apply regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act,
1990 to early learning settings
● plan and adapt practices to enhance safety and accessibility for children*
and others in the learning environment
● respond appropriately to unsafe and emergency situations following
agency policies and procedures
● create opportunities for families’* learning and support related to health
promotion, environmental hazards and safety practices
● promote regular, healthy physical activity in all children*
● model a healthy lifestyle

* See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 12

 6. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

prepare and use professional written, verbal, nonverbal and

electronic communications when working with children*, families*,
colleagues, employers and community partners.

Elements of the Performance

• use active listening techniques

• evaluate one's own interpersonal communication skills through self-
awareness and ongoing personal reflection and taking into consideration
peer and supervisor’s feedback
• effect change in one’s own communication, based on feedback received
• use non-verbal language that is consistent with intended message
• be respectful, positive and open in all communication without judgment or
personal bias
• validate communication initiated by individual children*, families* and
colleagues
• model respect for diversity* by monitoring and modifying interactions
• adapt communication based on the needs of children* and their families*
considering factors such as culture*, age, ability and language
• communicate information comprehensively, concisely, accurately,
objectively and in a timely manner
• establish and maintain ongoing reciprocal communication with families*
regarding their children*
• maintain confidentiality in all written, verbal, and electronic
communications
• communicate professionally in written documentation including
vocabulary, grammar, spelling and format appropriate to early learning
settings
• model and provide positive conflict resolution strategies in all relationships
with children*, families*, colleagues, employers and others
• communicate effectively, respectfully and tactfully with children*, families*,
colleagues and other professionals
• select and use appropriate technologies for professional electronic
communications and record keeping
• establish and maintain effective communication as a member of the early
learning team

* See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 13

 7. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

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*.

Elements of the Performance

● identify and explain the roles and responsibilities (e.g., policy, funding,
legislation) of all levels of government related to early learning
environments*
● identify the impact of legislative and regulatory bodies, policy, funding, and
administrative practices on the structure and quality of early learning
programs
● practise in compliance with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
for Early Childhood Educators (College of Early Childhood Educators,
2011)
● comply with key legislation impacting early learning environments
including the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, the Day Nurseries Act,
1990, the Child and Family Services Act, 1990 and the Education Act,
1990
• determine reasonable grounds to suspect when a child is at risk for abuse
or neglect and may be in need of protection, and take appropriate action in
reporting these incidences in accordance with the Ontario Child and
Family Services Act, 1990
● provide rationale for professional self-regulation and accountability in the
practice of early childhood education
● identify and maintain quality assurance practices in early learning
environments*
● identify and act in accordance with agency policies and procedures
including school board policies related to practice in Full Day Early
Learning Kindergarten classrooms

* See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 14

 8. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

apply a developing personal philosophy of early learning in

accordance with ethical and professional standards* of early
childhood education practice.

Elements of the Performance

• analyze a variety of philosophical theories and historical trends related to

the early childhood education practice
• maintain congruency between one's personal philosophy of early learning
and interactions with children*, families* and colleagues
• act in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for
Early Childhood Educators (College of Early Childhood Educators, 2011)
• identify and use evidenced-based resources to build one’s own developing
philosophy of early childhood learning
• reflect on practice experiences and integrate them with theoretical
perspectives when refining one’s own developing philosophy of early
childhood learning

* See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 15

 9. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

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.

Elements of the Performance

● protect and promote the rights of children* within their families* and
communities
● work in partnership with families* and community partners to advocate* for
quality, inclusive* early learning environments*
● model and support families* in advocating for their children*
● consult with other professionals on the early learning team to reflect their
knowledge and value their respective roles and scope of practice
● participate in the planning and organization of the Full Day Early Learning
Kindergarten program
● lead others in the planning and implementation of inclusive* and play-
based* learning strategies in a variety of early learning environments*
including daycare centres, homes and neighbourhood child and family
centres
● collaborate and consult with other early learning professionals in the
identification and referral of children* and families* to community
resources
● advocate* for the advancement of early childhood education through
professional networking and sharing
● support and guide colleagues and students in early learning settings
● communicate to the public the benefits of quality early learning
environments*

* See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 16

 10. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

engage in reflective practice, develop learning goals and maintain an

ongoing professional development plan in accordance with
evidenced-based practices* in early learning and related fields.

Elements of the Performance

● use self-reflection and self-evaluation skills in an ongoing manner

● research and analyze current studies and evidenced-based practices* in
early learning and support their integration into one’s own practice
● keep current with changes in the field and maintain contact with the early
childhood learning community
● seek out and take advantage of professional development opportunities
● assess personal learning needs and develop realistic strategies to meet
educational goals
● research and use support and resources for learning within personal and
professional environments
● maintain all required certifications and training e.g., Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, anaphylaxis training, Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
● develop a written personal development plan with specific learning goals,
resources and timeframes
● evaluate and document progress towards achieving professional learning
goals and modify plan accordingly
● assess personal health and well-being and develop strategies to maintain
a healthy work-life balance

* See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 17

 VLO 11 is specific to ECE Diploma programs that are known as Aboriginal Early
Childhood Education Programs (MTCU Code 51211). Graduates of these
programs have reliably demonstrated Vocational Outcomes 1-10 in addition to
VLO 11.
11. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

plan, implement and evaluate Aboriginal early learning curriculum*,

programs and environments that promote children’s*, families* and
communities knowledge of and respect for Aboriginal peoples and
their cultures*.

Elements of the Performance

● integrate a Generative Curriculum* model approach to early learning

curriculum* and program development for Aboriginal children* and
families*
● integrate community Elders and traditional knowledge as a means of
transmitting cultural practices and ways of knowing into programs
● plan and implement curriculum* and programs consistent with Aboriginal
philosophies, and cultural values
● assess programs based on culturally-relevant criteria
● situate early learning experiences within the community
● incorporate Aboriginal peoples stories and experiences into learning
opportunities
● promote children’s* positive relationship with the natural environment
using the outdoors creatively
● support and promote intergenerational teaching and learning opportunities
● support the transmission of traditional languages
● contribute to community development initiatives
● advocate* for quality and culturally relevant early learning for Aboriginal
children* and families* through liaison with the community
● foster positive identification with their culture* of origin with Aboriginal
children* and their families*
● mentor others in aboriginal early learning settings

* See Glossary

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 18

Glossary
Advocacy - Actions to champion change, to extend or improve early learning
opportunities and supports to children, families and early childhood educators.
Children’s development - The sequential processes of growth and learning in
which children come to acquire increasingly complex levels of moving, thinking,
feeling and interacting with people and objects in the environment. Development
involves both a gradual unfolding of biologically determined characteristics and
the learning process. Children’s development is holistic and interdependent
including physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social development. It is
embedded in the context of family, culture and society (adapted from CECE:
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, 2011).
Children – Refers to all children from birth to age twelve within the context of
their individual family, social, economic, cultural, linguistic, spiritual and
developmental diversities.
Continuum of early childhood development – Describes the sequence of
skills within broad domains of development that children can be expected to
demonstrate. The developmental continuum represents stages as
approximations only. Individual children, as well as groups of children, can be in
various stages of development across domains depending on a range of
variables (adapted from the Best Start Expert Panel (2007). Early Learning for
Every Child Today (ELECT): A Framework for Ontario Early Learning Settings).
Culture - The total way of life of a group of people including: their economic,
family, religious, health, education systems, values and traditions; their form of
government; their way of viewing the world; and, also the objects, artifacts,
language, literature, arts, institutions, organizations, ideas and beliefs that make
up symbolic and learned aspects of human society.
Curriculum - An organized framework that delineates the learning opportunities
provided to children, the processes through which children achieve the identified
curricular goals, the practices which educators employ to help children achieve
these goals, and the context in which educating and learning occur. Child-
directed curriculum defines curriculum in its broadest sense, encompassing
prevailing theories, approaches and models while following children’s
developmental and interest cues and developed in collaboration with early
childhood educators and families.
Diverse/Diversity - Uniqueness that each person brings to the early learning
environment including values and beliefs, culture and ethnicity, language,
abilities, knowledge and interests, life experiences, socio-economic status,
spirituality, gender, age and sexual orientation (adapted from Best Start Expert
Panel (2007). Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT): A Framework for
Ontario Early Learning Settings).

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 19

 Early learning environments - Child-centered environments that are focused on
relationships between children, parents and early childhood professionals that
provide, care, nurturing and education as a complex and coherent whole, with
the goals of holistic development and overall well-being. It includes schedules,
routines, physical environment, interactions, materials, activities and experiences
(adapted from Best Start Expert Panel (2007). Early Learning for Every Child
Today (ELECT): A Framework for Ontario Early Learning Settings).
Ethical and professional standards - A core set of beliefs, values and
responsibilities fundamental to this profession that serve to define the exemplary
practices of early childhood education. The practice of Early Childhood Education
is regulated by the College of Early Childhood Educators in accordance with the
Early Childhood Educator’s Act, 2007. It is the professional responsibility of all
members of the College of Early Childhood Educators to meet and uphold the
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice in their work in early learning settings.
Evidence-based practice - The delivery of high quality early learning programs
based on the best empirical evidence available, in conjunction with professional
judgment (Best Start Expert Panel (2007). Early Learning for Every Child Today
(ELECT): A Framework for Ontario Early Learning Settings).
Family/families - A group of persons who are bound together over time by ties
of mutual consent, birth and/or adoption/placement and/or legal guardianship
who, together, assume responsibilities for physical, social, spiritual and emotional
care of one another, addition of new members through procreation/adoption,
socialization of children, and nurturance/love of one another.
Generative Curriculum Model - A generative approach to Aboriginal early
childhood education curriculum which focuses on developing curriculum from
community-relevant knowledge sources e.g. Elders and other within the
community and co-creating knowledge through shared experiences, reflection
and dialogue (Ball, 2004, As if Indigenous Knowledge and Communities
Mattered: Transformative Education in First Nations Communities in Canada).
Holistic development - Describes an integrated approach to a child’s
development, which takes into account the interrelationship among a child’s
physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual and cognitive development and
life experiences, with special focus on the context of the child's family, culture,
and community.
Inclusive - An approach to practice in early learning settings where all children
are accepted and served within a program and where each child and family
experiences a sense of belonging and no child or family is stigmatized or
marginalized. Inclusion means bringing people in rather than excluding them in
thought, word or deed. Inclusive practice provides equal learning opportunity and
full participation in all aspects of the early learning program by all children.

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 20

 (adapted from the College of Early Childhood Educators, (CECE): Code of Ethics
and Standards of Practice, 2011).
Observation techniques - A systematic strategy for collecting information on the
behaviour, emotional responses, interests, abilities and patterns of development
of an individual child or a group of children within a learning environment, and/or
aspects of that environment. Techniques may include participant observation,
portfolios, learning stories, developmental screening tools, checklists, anecdotal
records and diary recordings.
Pedagogy - The study of the body of knowledge which seeks to understand how
learning takes place and the philosophy that supports that understanding of
learning (adapted from Best Start Expert Panel (2007). Early Learning for Every
Child Today (ELECT): A Framework for Ontario Early Learning Settings).
Play-based - An educational approach which builds upon children’s natural
inclination to make sense of the world through play, where early childhood
practitioners participate in play, guiding children’s planning, decision-making and
communications, and extending children’s explorations with narrative, novelty
and challenges (Best Start Expert Panel (2007). Early Learning for Every Child
Today (ELECT): A Framework for Ontario Early Learning Settings).
Positive guidance techniques - Strategies used to support children’s self-
regulation* and the development of empathy and social competence while
preserving each child’s sense of worth, autonomy, sense of inclusion in the group
and trust in the educator (Best Start Expert Panel (2007). Early Learning for
Every Child Today (ELECT): A Framework for Ontario Early Learning Settings).
Responsive relationships - Positive and beneficial interactions between adults
and children that occur when adults observe and read children’s signals and
communication and respond with understanding to give children a feeling of
being cared for and cared about (Best Start Expert Panel (2007). Early Learning
for Every Child Today (ELECT): A Framework for Ontario Early Learning
Settings).
Respond with sensitivity - Responding to children in a manner that is timely
and in direct response to a child's nonverbal and/or verbal signals, taking into
account the child's temperament, background, abilities, interests, ideas and the
situation. These interactions, always positive, are adaptable to individual
children's behaviour.
Self-regulation - The ability to monitor and control emotions, behaviour and
attention, (Best Start Expert Panel (2007). Early Learning for Every Child Today
(ELECT): A Framework for Ontario Early Learning Settings).

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 21

III. Essential Employability Skills
All graduates of the Early Childhood Education program of instruction have
reliably demonstrated the essential employability skills learning outcomes listed
on the following pages, in addition to achieving the vocational learning outcomes
and meeting the general education requirement.

Context
Essential Employability Skills (EES) are skills that, regardless of a student’s
program or discipline, are critical for success in the workplace, in day-to-day
living, and for lifelong learning.

The teaching and attainment of these EES for students in, and graduates from,
Ontario’s colleges of applied arts and technology are anchored in a set of three
fundamental assumptions:

• these skills are important for every adult to function successfully in society
today;
• our colleges are well equipped and well positioned to prepare graduates
with these skills;
• these skills are equally valuable for all graduates, regardless of the level of
their credential, whether they pursue a career path, or they pursue further
education.

Skill Categories
To capture these skills, the following six categories define the essential areas
where graduates must demonstrate skills and knowledge.

• Communication
• Numeracy
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Information Management
• Interpersonal
• Personal

Application and Implementation

In each of the six skill categories, there are a number of defining skills, or sub
skills, identified to further articulate the requisite skills identified in the main skill
categories. The following chart illustrates the relationship between the skill
categories, the defining skills within the categories, and learning outcomes to be
achieved by graduates from all postsecondary programs of instruction that lead

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 22

 to an Ontario College credential.

EES may be embedded in General Education or vocational courses, or

developed through discrete courses. However these skills are developed, all
graduates with Ontario College credentials must be able to reliably demonstrate
the essential skills required in each of the six categories.

SKILL CATEGORY DEFINING SKILLS: LEARNING OUTCOMES: The

Skill areas to be levels of achievement required by
demonstrated by graduates.
graduates:
The graduate has reliably
demonstrated the ability to:
• Reading 1. communicate clearly, concisely
• Writing and correctly in the written,
• Speaking spoken, and visual form that
COMMUNICATION • Listening fulfills the purpose and meets the
• Presenting needs of the audience.
• Visual literacy 2. respond to written, spoken, or
visual messages in a manner that
ensures effective communication.
• Understanding and 3. execute mathematical operations
applying accurately.
mathematical
concepts and
NUMERACY reasoning
• Analyzing and
using numerical
data
• Conceptualizing
• Analysing 4. apply a systematic approach to
CRITICAL • Synthesizing solve problems.
THINKING & • Evaluating 5. use a variety of thinking skills to
PROBLEM • Decision making anticipate and solve problems.
SOLVING • Creative and
innovative thinking

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 23

 SKILL CATEGORY DEFINING SKILLS: LEARNING OUTCOMES: The
Skill areas to be levels of achievement required by
demonstrated by graduates.
graduates:
The graduate has reliably
demonstrated the ability to:
• Gathering and 6. locate, select, organize, and
managing document information using
information appropriate technology and
• Selecting and information systems.
INFORMATION using appropriate 7. analyze, evaluate, and apply
MANAGEMENT tools and relevant information from a variety
technology for a of sources.
task or a project
• Computer literacy
• Internet skills
• Team work 8. show respect for the diverse
• Relationship opinions, values, belief systems,
management and contributions of others.
INTERPERSONAL • Conflict resolution 9. interact with others in groups or
• Leadership teams in ways that contribute to
• Networking effective working relationships
and the achievement of goals.
• Managing self 10. manage the use of time and
• Managing change other resources to complete
and being flexible projects.
and adaptable 11. take responsibility for one’s own
PERSONAL • Engaging in actions, decisions, and
reflective practices consequences.
• Demonstrating
personal
responsibility

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 24

IV. General Education Requirement
All graduates of the Early Childhood Education program have met the
general education requirement described on the following pages, in
addition to achieving the vocational and essential employability skills
learning outcomes.

Requirement
The General Education Requirement for programs of instruction is stipulated in
the Credentials Framework (Appendix A in the Minister’s Binding Policy Directive
Framework for Programs of Instruction).

For certificate programs: While the inclusion of General Education is locally

determined for programs of instruction leading to either a college certificate or on
Ontario College Certificate, it is recommended that graduates of the Ontario
College Certificate programs have been engaged in learning that incorporates
some breadth beyond the vocational field of study.

In programs of instruction leading to either an Ontario College Diploma or an

Ontario College Advanced Diploma, it is required that graduates have been
engaged in learning that exposes them to at least one discipline outside their
main field of study and increases their awareness of the society and culture in
which they live and work. This will typically be accomplished by students taking 3
to 5 courses (or the equivalent) designed discretely and separately from
vocational learning opportunities.

This general education learning would normally be delivered using a combination

of required and elective processes.

Purpose
The purpose of General Education in the Ontario college system is to contribute
to the development of citizens who are conscious of the diversity, complexity,
and richness of the human experience; who are able to establish meaning
through this consciousness; and, who, as a result, are able to contribute
thoughtfully, creatively, and positively to the society in which they live and work.

General Education strengthens student’s essential employability skills, such as

critical analysis, problem solving, and communication, in the context of an
exploration of topics with broad-based personal and/or societal importance.

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 25

Themes
The themes listed below will be used to provide direction to colleges in the
development and identification of courses that are designed to fulfill the General
Education Requirement for programs of instructions.

Each theme provides a statement of Rationale and offers suggestions related to

more specific topic areas that could be explored within each area. These
suggestions are neither prescriptive nor exhaustive. They are included to provide
guidance regarding the nature and scope of content that would be judged as
meeting the intent and overall goals of General Education.

1. Arts in Society:

Rationale:
The capacity of a person to recognize and evaluate artistic and creative
achievements is useful in many aspects of his/her life. Since artistic expression is
a fundamentally human activity, which both reflects and anticipates
developments in the larger culture, its study will enhance the student’s cultural
and self-awareness.

Content:
Courses in this area should provide students with an understanding of the
importance of visual and creative arts in human affairs, of the artist’s and writer’s
perceptions of the world and the means by which those perceptions are
translated into the language of literature and artistic expression. They will also
provide an appreciation of the aesthetic values used in examining works of art
and possibly, a direct experience in expressing perceptions in an artistic medium.

2. Civic Life:

Rationale:
In order for individuals to live responsibly and to reach their potential as
individuals and as citizens of society, they need to understand the patterns of
human relationships that underlie the orderly interactions of a society’s various
structural units. Informed people will have knowledge of the meaning of civic life
in relation to diverse communities at the local, national, and global level, and an
awareness of international issues and the effects of these on Canada, and
Canada’s place in the international community.

Content:
Courses in this area should provide students with an understanding of the
meaning of freedoms, rights, and participation in community and public life, in
addition to a working knowledge of the structure and function of various levels of
government (municipal, provincial, national) in Canada and/or in an international
context. They may also provide an historical understanding of major political

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 26

 issues affecting relations between the various levels of government in Canada
and their constituents.

3. Social and Cultural Understanding:

Rationale:
Knowledge of the patterns and precedents of the past provide the means for a
person to gain an awareness of his or her place in contemporary culture and
society. In addition to this awareness, students will acquire a sense of the main
currents of their culture and that of other cultures over an extended period of time
in order to link personal history to the broader study of culture.

Content:
Courses in this area are those that deal broadly with major social and cultural
themes. These courses may also stress the nature and validity of historical
evidence and the variety of historical interpretation of events. Courses will
provide the students with a view and understanding of the impact of cultural,
social, ethnic, or linguistic characteristics.

4. Personal Understanding:

Rationale:
Educated people are equipped for life-long understanding and development of
themselves as integrated physiological and psychological entities. They are
aware of the ideal need to be fully functioning persons: mentally, physically,
emotionally, socially, spiritually, and vocationally.

Content:
Courses in this area will focus on understanding the individual: his or her
evolution; situation; relationship with others; place in the environment and
universe; achievements and problems; and his or her meaning and purpose.
They will also allow students the opportunity to study institutionalized human
social behaviour in a systematic way. Courses fulfilling this requirement may be
oriented to the study of the individual within a variety of contexts.

5. Science and Technology:

Rationale:
Matter and energy are universal concepts in science, forming a basis for
understanding the interactions that occur in living and non-living systems in our
universe. Study in this area provides an understanding of the behaviour of matter
that provides a foundation for further scientific study and the creation of broader
understanding about natural phenomena.

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 27

 Similarly, the various applications and developments in the area of technology
have an increasing impact on all aspects of human endeavour and have
numerous social, economic, and philosophical implications. For example, the
operation of computers to process data at high speed has invoked an interaction
between machines and the human mind that is unique in human history. This
development and other technological developments have a powerful impact on
how we deal with many of the complex questions in our society.

Content:
Courses in this area should stress scientific inquiry and deal with basic or
fundamental questions of science rather than applied ones. They may be
formulated from traditional basic courses in such areas of study as biology,
chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology, or agriculture. As well, courses related
to understanding the role and functions of computers (e.g., data management
and information processing), and assorted computer-related technologies, should
be offered in a non-applied manner to provide students with an opportunity to
explore the impact of these concepts and practices on their lives.

Early Childhood Education Program Standard 28