CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Program Description
The Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) program aims to equip aspiring educators with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to support and assist in the care and education of young children.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
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Course Breakdown
Module | Topic areas | Hours |
1 | Introduction to being an Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA). What is Early Childhood Education? What do ECEA assistants do – what is their role and responsibilities? What are the attributes of successful ECE professionals? The importance of subject content, professional knowledge, skills and related best practices. Occupational competencies that set the standards for early childhood education training programs that are recognized by the B.C. ECE Registry.
Certification and further training / licensing Introduction to the course Assignment guidelines and course expectations History, Theory and directions in ECE.
Children’s rights as they are addressed in Canada and other parts of the world
Related readings and learning activities. | 10 |
2 |
Theories of human / child development.
Nature vs Nurture.
Cognitive Development.
Piagetian, Core Knowledge, and Vygotskian Perspectives. Other theoretical perspectives
Related readings and learning activities. | 10 |
3 | Physical development
Cognitive, and social-emotional development
Developmental changes in the child’s physical, sensory, perceptual, cognitive, language, social, emotional and personality development during infancy and the early childhood years. Related readings and learning activities. | 10 |
4 | Research methodology
Research methods
Scientific methodologies
Key principles in research methods.
Related readings and learning activities. | 10 |
5 |
Observation Techniques/ recording/ documenting
Related readings and learning activities / practice. | 10 |
6 | Biological Foundations, Prenatal Development, and Birth Infancy: Early Learning, Motor Skills, and Perceptual Capacities
Individual variations inherent in the normal developmental process.
Related readings and learning activities. | 10 |
7 | The interdependence of each of the domains of development the social, political, cultural and family diversity influences on development. Current issues related to child/ human development in relation to ECE. Related readings and learning activities. | 10 |
8 | Milestones and developmental changes in the child’s physical, sensory, perceptual, cognitive, language, social, emotional and personality development during infancy and the early childhood years. Aspects of development, particularly early brain development, and relate that understanding within systems theory. Related readings and learning activities.
| 10 |
9 | The role of early childhood care and education within current systems.
Related strategies that can be used in an ECE setting to meet the individual needs of students.
Related readings and learning activities.
Course Revision
| 10 |
10 | Exam / presentations
Feedback from instructor
ECE Registry requirements
Overview – further training and career development / options
| 10 |
FAQ’s
Program Introduction
This course provides students with a understanding of important theories of child development relevant to facilitating growth and development of the child during the first six years of life.
Students will learn how children grow and develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.
Students will also explore related strategies that can be used in an ECE setting to meet the individual needs of students.
Learning Goals
General:
- To cover topics that relate to the education and care of children birth to 5 years old
- To learn about occupational competencies that set the standards for early childhood education training programs recognized by the B.C. ECE Registry
Course specific:
- Develop an understanding and key skills in working as an entry-level ECE assistant
- Provide the student with background in research, theories, and practice related to child growth and development, and the role of the ECEA
- Develop the student’s skill in observing and recording behaviours of young children
- Develop knowledge of developmental patterns in child growth
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Outline key theories of child and related human development
- Describe the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
- Explain developmental changes in the child’s physical, sensory, perceptual, cognitive, language, social, emotional, and personality development during infancy and the early childhood years
- Outline key principles in research methods
- Explain different approaches to observing and documenting children’s behaviour
- Explain current issues related to child / human development in relation to ECE
- Describe aspects of development, particularly early brain development, and relate that understanding within systems theory
- Explain related strategies that can be used in an ECE setting to meet the individual needs of students
High school graduation or equivalent (ie GED)
18 years of age
Applicants must successfully complete an admissions interview to determine if they are:
of good character,
have the personality, ability and temperament necessary to manage or work with children.
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through with prior education in English at grade 10 level or higher or through an English language assessment (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent).
Note: Students may be required to provide additional information/ documentation. For example, a copy of government-issued identification; acknowledgment of student handbook/policies; international students may require evidence of a valid study permit.
It is recommended that for employment purposes, students should:
Be prepared to complete a Criminal Record Check
Be prepared to complete a medical declaration or assessment indicating a satisfactory level of physical and emotional health and clear testing for TB.
Be prepared to complete a CPR, First Aid, and/or FoodSafe course.
Be prepared to provide evidence of full COVID-19 vaccination.
Be prepared to adhere to any additional requirements set out by the B.C. ECE Registry or their employer.
COURSE # | COURSE NAME | HOURS |
ECEA1 | Child Growth and Development | 100 |
ECEA2 | Child Guidance | 60 |
ECEA3 | Child Health, Safety and Nutrition | 60 |
Program Name | Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) |
Course Name | Child Growth and Development |
Course Code | TBD |
Prerequisite | Acceptance into program |
Instructional Hours | 100 hours |
Homework Hours | 5–10 hours per week |
Schedule | TBD |
Method of Delivery | In-Class | Distance | Blended |
Instructor / Contact Details | TBD |