Are you looking to work with young children and help them succeed in life? Earning your diploma of early childhood education and care prepares you to work with any child under the age of 10, including children with special needs or developmental delays. The flexible coursework gives you the training you need to care for young children within child care centres, family child care homes or classrooms in preschools and schools.
This comprehensive guide on how to get an ECEC diploma will give you all the information you need about what classes you need to take.
What Is Early Childhood Education And Care?
Table of Contents
Education for very young children is known as early childhood education and care (ECEC) or sometimes preschool. ECEC professionals are responsible for creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, explore, play and develop healthy social skills. Children from birth to age eight benefit from high-quality ECEC programs. When kids have good experiences in their earliest years, they’re more likely to succeed in school—and life—just like for adults, working toward your degree is only one step towards achieving your goals.
What Do You Need To Study To Get A Diploma In Early Childhood Education And Care?
To be eligible for the diploma of early childhood education and care, a candidate for registration must have completed:
- A bachelor’s degree with at least 18 quarter credits in relevant studies, or equivalent, issued by an accredited institution recognized.
- One full year of professional experience working with children that is acceptable to The Office.
- Courses equivalent to PCC 2551 Foundations in Early Childhood Education & Care.
- ECE certification or programs deemed equivalent.
What Type Of Jobs Can You Get With A Diploma In Early Childhood Education And Care?
Childcare Worker:
An educator who works in an educational setting with children ages 2–6 years old. The job duties may vary depending on whether it’s part-time or full-time. Some childcare workers need only to be educated through high school, while others require postsecondary training in child development. They are responsible for creating lesson plans and teaching each age group-specific topics such as reading, writing, math, science, music and art. Additional duties include teaching manners, respecting differences and managing behaviour.
Nursery School Teacher:
Nursery school teachers are required to have at least a college diploma and national certification. If you’re able to demonstrate that you have an exceptional amount of experience working with young children, you might be able to get around having to get certified. You should expect your employer or any future employers to require that you get a diploma of early childhood education and care before they hire you.
Early Childhood Educator:
These professionals specialize in activities that help toddlers through young school-aged children develop social, physical, and cognitive skills. They teach children with varying needs, including developmentally challenged, learning disabled, or emotionally or behaviorally disordered children. ECEs may teach specialized subjects such as music or art to preschoolers to support their overall development.
Camp Counsellor:
Many camps offer teaching or camp leading opportunities for people with experience working with young children. And some camps will pay you to get your Diploma in Early Childhood Education & Care. This can be a great way to get experience working with children at an age level that is perfect for learning, socializing, and having fun! Childcare: As an ECE, it is possible to work in any childcare centre, from childminding/nannying for one family to managing large childcare facilities for many families at once.
