Program Overview
Earn a degree in two years and prepare for progressive leadership roles in early childhood education with the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours (Degree Completion) (C305) program.
Explore pedagogy and policy as they relate to the early childhood education (ECE) sector and take an in-depth look at leadership. Students take part in an industry internship* and can focus on an area of research, policy or practice.
*This is an unpaid internship and a required element of the degree program.
We believe that to be a successful leader in the ECE sector, you need to have a deep understanding of both human development and teaching and learning. You'll study each subject as it relates to early childhood education and practice.
Learn about human development from a variety of perspectives, including:
- Developmental psychology
- Population health
- Neurobiology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
You will also study teaching and learning through an early childhood lens. This includes a thorough overview of curriculum planning and design, as this forms the foundation of early childhood leadership.
Before completing your degree, you will have the opportunity to conduct research in an area of your choice. You will complete a research project that will ultimately support your final thesis.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze the interacting social and biological forces that collectively shape early brain development and set the stage for lifelong learning, behaviour and health.
- Respect families’ central role in child-rearing and early learning and the impact of family structures, community support systems, culture and socioeconomic status on parenting.
- Lead the design and implementation of inclusive, effective curricula for young children, based upon a critical analysis of historical perspectives, observation, current research and understandings of early human development.
- Develop inclusive early intervention programs that respond to children with identified special needs.
- Evaluate early childhood programs, engaging stakeholders in the process and addressing diverse needs of young children and families.
- Acquire self-knowledge, critical thinking skills and professional habits of mind essential to the practice and leadership of early childhood education.
- Apply research skills, including assessment of the research process, formulation of research questions and collection and interpretation of data in a variety of research projects.
- Establish responsive and reciprocal relationships with children, families, colleagues and other stakeholders.
- Perform responsibilities in a manner consistent with ethical and professional codes of conduct; in compliance with legislative and legal requirements; and, within the defined scope of practice limitations.
- Advocate on behalf of children, families, colleagues and the broader community, promoting the principles of quality in early childhood programs.
- Apply the principles of human resources, financial and facilities management to the operations of an early childhood program.
- Collaborate with early childhood educators and other professionals in multidisciplinary or cross-sectoral environments and across diverse domains of practice.
- Communicate in a professional manner in all verbal, non-verbal and written mediums.
Important Features
Fast Track
Canada,Ontario 
