ECD302 - Philosophy of Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Subject Title
Philosophy of Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Subject Description
This course encourages students to examine various philosophical approaches to early childhood education with a view to developing and stating their own philosophy. The course content addresses both historical and current factors in the development of theoretical perspectives. It focuses on comparing and contrasting some theories which differ dramatically in their approaches to early education.

Credit Status
One credit toward the Early Childhood Education Diploma Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Identify the historical influence of Early Childhood Education.

2. Articulate their own philosophy of Early Childhood Education and child care based on their understanding of a variety of program models and philosophers.

3. Determine the challenges that arise when a philosophy is "put into practice".

4. Identify and apply the contribution of various philosophers and their roles within the various traditions, and assess how they relate to the student's personal philosophy.

5. Identify, discuss and present their own personal philosophy, issues of inclusion and bias-free education.

6. Examine current issues in Early Childhood Education from a philosophical perspective.

7. Examine how their own personal philosophy deals with specific issues in a practical and solution based approach.

8. Review present day ECE principles and ethics.

9. Identify the requirements of professional practice.

Upon completion of the Early Childhood Education diploma, students should have achieved the following generic outcomes and vocational skills.

Generic Skills Learning Outcomes
Early Childhood Education Programs(1)

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

1. communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of audiences.
2. reframe information, ideas, and concepts using the narrative, visual, numerical, and symbolic representations which demonstrate understanding.
3. apply a wide variety of mathematical techniques with the degree of accuracy required to solve problems and make decisions.
4. use a variety of computer hardware and software and other technological tools appropriate and necessary to the performance of tasks.
5. interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.
6. evaluate her or his own thinking throughout the steps and processes used in problem solving and decision making.
7. collect, analyze, and organize relevant and necessary information from a variety of sources.
8. evaluate the validity of arguments based on qualitative and quantitative information in order to accept or challenge the findings of others.
9. create innovative strategies and/or products that meet identified needs.
10. manage the use of time and other resources to attain personal and/or project-related goals.
11. take responsibility for her or his own actions and decisions.
12. adapt to new situations and demands by applying and/or updating her or his knowledge and skills.
13. represent her or his skills, knowledge, and experience realistically for personal and employment purposes.

Vocational Learning Outcomes BOLDED OUTCOMES APPLY TO THIS SUBJECT
Early Childhood Education Programs(1)

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

1. plan curriculum* that is based on a thorough understanding of child development*.
2. plan and implement individual programs and curriculum* to meet the developmental needs of children*.
3. utilize a variety of observation techniques* to enhance work with children*, families*, and co-workers.
4. maintain responsive relationships* with individual children* and groups of children*.
5. establish and maintain safe and healthy environments* which best meet the requirements of current legislation*, regulatory bodies, and program policies.
6. develop and maintain effective written, oral, nonverbal, and electronic communications with children*, families*, co-workers, employers, and individuals/agencies.
7. apply relevant legislation*, policies, procedures, and regulations to early childhood education programs and settings in a changing social context.
8. apply a personal philosophy of early childhood education within the framework of ethical and professional standards*.
9. act in a manner consistent with principles of fairness, equity, and diversity* to support the development and learning of individual children*, within the context of his/her family*, culture*, and society.

(1) @2002, Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

*see web site at: http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/pepg/audiences/colleges/progstan/humserv/eerchedu.html#vocational1

Academic Integrity
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Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

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