The scientific literature on the importance of the early childhood years for the emotional, intellectual and physical well-being of the young child, and society as a whole, continues to mount. Sheridan's Early Childhood Education - Intensive Program is designed to give postsecondary graduates the opportunity to acquire the necessary grounding in a reduced timeframe. Through this professional program, eligible students can earn an Early Childhood Education diploma in only two academic terms.
Emphasis is placed upon developing both the practical skills and theoretical understanding necessary to work with children up to the age of six.
The program is of particular interest to university graduates who have:
- a strong desire to be involved in the education and care of young children
- an interest in designing and implementing pre-primary curriculum
- a desire to work as an early childhood educator in a job market which includes infant and toddler settings, childcare centres, preschools, school-age programs and special education settings
- a desire to increase knowledge about programming for the pre-primary years as preparation for pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree leading to employment within Ontario Boards of Education
- an interest in the educational philosophies of Montessori and High/Scope.
UNIQUE LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Field Placement
As well as in-class academic and hands-on practical learning, participants gain extensive experience during two, seven-week field placements in childcare centres, either on campus or in the community. Sheridan's program provides unique opportunities to study Montessori and High/Scope program models; programming for children with special learning needs; infant and toddler programming; as well as school-age child care.
Special Opportunities
University Linkages
There are a number of articulation agreements with universities, which provide further educational opportunities for graduates of this program.
The full intensive program website can be found here.