Early Childhood Care And Education
Community Studies
The Early Childhood Care and Education program is grounded in a theoretical understanding of early childhood development.
Learn how to design and implement a curriculum that inspires young minds, helps children develop socially, emotionally, and physically, and promotes inclusiveness. Discover how much work goes into creating child’s play—and experience the joy that comes with it!
You will study the historical roots of child care, education, growth and development, and the connections between these factors. You will develop an understanding of relationships and how play and the learning environment contribute significantly to a child’s development. Through study and practical application, you will experience the thrill of making a difference in the lives of children and their families.
September 2026
Prince of Wales Campus
Program Length
2 Years
Credential
Diploma, Early Childhood Educator
Canadian Tuition
International Tuition
Canadian Applicants
Waiting list
International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit
Waiting list
Other International Applicants
Waiting list
Notes:
This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.
| Partner Institution | Credential | Details of Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Brock University | Bachelor of Early Childhood Education | Graduates with a 75% average can complete a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education degree in approximately two and a half years. |
| Mount Saint Vincent University | Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth study) | Graduates can complete a Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study) with two years of additional study. |
| University of New Brunswick - Fredericton | Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education | Graduates with a minimum of 70% in all their program courses gain entry into third year of the Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education program. |
| University of New Brunswick - Saint John | Bachelor of Applied Management | Graduates with a 70% average receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Management degree. |
Course Code:SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:COMM-1025
Explore verbal, non-verbal, and written communication knowledge and skills. Students investigate humanistic theory, choice theory, behaviour, motivation, communication techniques, and issues of responsibility and accountability. Variations in culture and understanding are examined.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:ECCE-1000
An exploration of early childhood care and education and self as a practitioner. Students examine the historical beginnings of the field including the theorists and philosophers who have contributed to our understanding of growth and development of young children. Current trends in North America and other areas of the world are explored.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:ECCE-1011
An examination of the process and outcomes of socialization. Students develop a broader sensitivity to unique family needs, including parenting styles, the family within a societal context, and how to build relationships with families.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:ECCE-1030
Recognize the environment as a significant factor in early childhood education. Students explore various components of play, investigate their role as a facilitator of play, and consider the connection between play and the learning environment.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:ECCE-1070
Attain the knowledge and skills to establish and maintain healthy and safe environments and to provide healthy and nutritious food for young children. Prevention, universal precautions, working in partnership with families and community resources are explored.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:ECCE-1200
Understand children's needs and behaviour and what it means to use a positive guidance approach in supporting children's social and emotional development. Explore environmental and developmental factors that influence behaviour. Positive guidance strategies that enhance the child's self-esteem and support emotional intelligence, co-regulation, and self-regulation are examined. Developmentally appropriate self-management techniques, and conflict resolution strategies used to create an environment of respect, cooperation, and social competence in early childhood settings are examined.
Credit Value:4
Course Code:ECCE-2012
Examine significant impacts of family life on children in an early childhood learning situation. Students examine their role in assisting families and effective communication with other professionals and agencies concerned with children and families.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:ECCE-2020
Students explore the individual needs of children experiencing exceptionalities. Support of children and their families within a community setting is explored.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:ECCE-2036
Students are introduced to techniques that foster diversity and inclusion in their practice through exploration of the social attitudes and historical practices in early childhood education.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:EDUC-1000
An introduction to curriculum in Early Childhood Education settings. Students are exposed to curriculum structures, approaches, and frameworks of learning through play. Students create teaching tools and develop their own spirit of playful learning.
Credit Value:4
Course Code:EDUC-1005
Students plan and implement programs for young children addressing the full planning cycle. From the formulation of outcomes based on observations and children's interests, to implementing emergent curriculum plans that encourage each child's potential.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:EDUC-2000
Students demonstrate how observation, interpretation, and assessment guide early childhood practice, specifically in relation to planning, creating, adapting, and sustaining inclusive early learning experiences. Students explore methods and roles of assessment in planning and learn how and why to employ various instructional and assessment strategies.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:EDUC-2005
Students critically reflect on and evaluate program plans to solidify knowledge and skills in all aspects of curriculum and program planning. Students use identified gaps and patterns in their previous program plans to develop a sustainable action plan for growth.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:NCPR-1000
Students attend a food service safety course featuring a presentation on safe food preparation, how food poisoning happens, and how it can be prevented. Students will learn how to prevent food preparation mistakes that lead to disease outbreaks and possible damage to operator reputation. Students gain confidence that food handling practices are in keeping with recommended practices.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:PRAC-1000
Students participate in and provide daily activities within an early learning centre with a focus on core educator behaviours and practices. Students begin to plan and implement programming, document and assess children's experiences and progress, and explore elements of effective relationships with children, families, and team members.
Credit Value:6
Course Code:PRAC-2020
Students will gain confidence, integrate knowledge, and demonstrate acquired skills in a learning-related work setting. Students plan and implement programming, document and assess children's experiences and progress, and build effective relationships with children, families, and team members.
Credit Value:6
Course Code:PRAC-2025
This is the final work placement for the ECCE program, where students demonstrate the integration of skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for success in a learning-related work setting. Throughout the practicum, students are expected to plan and implement programming, document and assess children's experiences and progress, and build effective relationships with children, families, and team members. Towards the latter part of the practicum, the student also becomes responsible for the flow of the day.
Credit Value:6
Course Code:PROF-2030
An examination of ethical behaviour and professional practice in the field of Early Childhood Care and Education. Students develop an awareness of the provincial and national codes of ethics, as well as the national occupational standards, in relation to future employment.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:PSYC-1005
Examine key areas of study in child growth and development from prenatal through toddler stages, including biological and environmental factors. Current research on brain development as well as milestones in all developmental areas are explored. Students practice observing and recording behaviour and development.
Credit Value:4
Course Code:PSYC-1010
An exploration of factors and their effects on a child's development in the preschool years: ages 2 to 5. Knowledge of milestones in all developmental areas are connected to theorists who have contributed to our understanding of these areas. Students practice observing, documenting, and communicating behaviour and development.
Credit Value:4
Course Code:PSYC-2000
A survey of the growth and development of children from 5 to 12 years. Students study the developmental milestones and the theories contributing to the understanding of children of this age. Particular concentration on literacy, cognitive advances and social/emotional development.
Credit Value:3
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
Graduating from Holland College is one of the most meaningful and exciting experiences in my life! I met amazing people in my program, people that now I call friends. All the teachers showed their passion about their job and that they really care about their students and our growth. I finally found the field that I truly love and where I want to serve for the rest of my life!
Karen, class of 2021
The Child and Youth Care Worker program prepares you for a meaningful career helping at-risk youth and their families overcome complex issues.
Learn practical skills to help people with intellectual & developmental disabilities achieve their full potential in this 2-year diploma program.