Seneca Polytechnic will be closed from the end of business day on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, to the reopening on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Part-time classes for the Winter 2025 Term will begin on Friday, Jan. 10. During the holiday closure, you will still be able to access The Service Hub virtually through the online portal and chatbot.

 

Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2025. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.

 

 

Overview

This Ontario College Graduate certificate program has been designed to meet the needs of individuals who have already received their Early Childhood Education Diploma and wish to pursue professional specialization. The program provides Early Childhood Educators with the knowledge and techniques necessary to work in supervisory/administrative positions.

The curriculum focuses on communication strategies, staff supervision and leadership skills, financial management, marketing, advocacy and professionalism in child care settings.

This part-time program consists of six professional courses and 210 hours of supervised field placement.

Note: Please contact Dedra.Profitt@senecapolytechnic.ca to arrange for a mandatory orientation information package to be sent to you. Students must submit proof of ECE Diploma or Equivalency.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may be employed as supervisors/administrators in a variety of Early Childhood Education settings.

Entry Requirements

  1. Early Childhood Education Diploma.
  2. It is advised students have one year post graduation work experience, though students can begin directly upon graduation from their ECE Diploma's.
  3. Contact Dedra.Profitt@senecapolytechnic.ca for an orientation package and attach proof of ECE diploma.

Note:

  1. The Early Childhood Education Administration graduate certificate program is based on Ontario childcare regulations as outlined in the Child Care and Early Years Act. It is not relevant to practices outside of Ontario or academic school administration.
  2. Students should be prepared to arrange the time required to complete fieldwork placement. In most cases the fieldwork requirement may be completed in the student's workplace with the approval of the Seneca field placement instructor. Field placement hours may be completed over two semesters as arranged with Seneca Field Placement Instructor. Students must complete a minimum of 4 courses before beginning field placement. Field placement may be taken concurrently with the student's final two courses.
  3. If you have completed or wish to complete courses at another postsecondary institution please speak with the Academic Program Manager, Dedra.Profitt@senecapolytechnic.ca, to ensure that these courses are approved.

Registrants must submit a completed Seneca medical form, a current police reference check (working with vulnerable people), a Ministry of Education Work/Education placement form (WEPA) and a current First Aid/CPR Certificate before entering field placement.

Filter Classes: In Class     Online     Correspondence     Hybrid     Availability   

Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.

Curriculum

ECD703
Communication Strategies-Early Childhood Education
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

An Early Childhood Education diploma or equivalent and approval of the Coordinator.

Students construct, practice and analyze a variety of communication strategies, related to the responsibilities of a Supervisor/administrator in Early Childhood environments. Students develop a professional communication portfolio which includes; sample formats for surveys, program brochures, business letters, media releases, newsletters, policies/procedures and business proposals. Additionally students assess and analyze which strategies are most effective with different client groups; children, parents, board of directors, volunteers, staff and other community professionals. Through online discussions, postings, case studies, readings, assignments and practical applications, students have the opportunity to practice and utilize effective communication skills including analysis, research, evaluation, and decision-making to affect change in the workplace.




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ECD704
Curriculum Design and Implementation
Availability
 

Students analyze the influence of theoretical philosophies when designing curriculum models that are consistent with research and developmental principles in Early Childhood Education Administration. Administrative strategies for curriculum design and implementation are evaluated for consistency with Best Practices for children's optimal learning. The ELECT document provides a framework model for administrative analysis. Students analyze current early childhood curriculum models such as Montessori, High/Scope, Reggio Emilia; Bank Street, Creative Curriculum and the Full Day Early Learning Program to understand the role of the administrator in curriculum design. Through discussions, postings/presentations, case studies, readings, assignments and practical applications, students have the opportunity to practice and utilize curriculum design skills including analysis, research, evaluation, decision-making to affect change in the workplace.




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ECD709
Advocacy and Professionalism in ECE
Availability
 

Students examine historical, political, professional, and social issues affecting early childhood administration practice in current Early Learning programs. Students review professional responsibilities and practices of ECE supervisors and administrators and analyze them within recognized best management practices. Students review strategies characterizing advocacy roles and responsibilities for ECE supervisors that reflect an indepth understanding of early childhood education and ethical practices within the context of a self-regulated profession. Additionally students develop strategies for personal and professional development growth in a management capacity. Through discussions, posting/presentations, case studies, readings, assignments and practical applications, students have the opportunity to practice and utilize advocacy and professional skills including analysis and reflective practices.




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ECD712
Management Leadership Skills and Staff Development
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ECE Diploma or equivalency and attend a manadatory orientation session

This course explores effective communication and theories of leadership. Through a process of self-evaluation, students will develop a professional leadership style appropriate to the role of an administrator of an early childhood education setting. Students will develop techniques to hire and maintain quality staff in an Early Childhood Education program.




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ECD714
Marketing Early Childhood Education
Availability
 

Students examine marketing principles and practices as they apply to the manager's role in the operation of early childhood education centre. Participants will research and develop marketing plans through the identification of the needs of clients and market demands, including SWOT and PEST analyses. Strategies for effective program marketing, publicity, and promotion will be determined and evaluated for effectiveness. Through discussions, presentations, readings, research, assignments and practical applications, students have the opportunity to prepare and evaluate effective marketing plans. This program is designed for professionals with an Early Childhood Education Diploma or recognized equivalent, who are now, or would like to be, administrators of child-care services. The program may also be of interest to child-care administrators who are: - currently learning "on the job" - early childhood educators seeking career advancement - employers encouraging staff development and training.




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ECD716
Computer Application and Financial Planning in ECE
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

An Early Childhood Education Diploma or equivalent. A basic understanding of Excel and Microsoft Word.

Students are given a comprehensive overview of developing a financial plan to incorporate the requirements of a licenced ECE program. This involves the use of computer software.




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FWK700
ECE Administration: Field Practicum
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

Successful completion of at least four of the Early Childhood Education Post-Diploma Advanced Administration courses or approval from the ECE co-ordinator.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Students may be permitted to complete this practicum at their work place providing this is approved by the Program Coordinator.

Students will integrate theory and practice by supervising in an ECE program Centre. Over an extended time period, students will demonstrate supervisory skills within the specified framework of their individual settings. Students are required to complete all required documentation including a Seneca Medical Form and apply for a Police Check through OESC before they begin field placement. Please consult the field placement manual for forms. Students must have access to their Seneca email account to maintain communication with the Seneca supervisor.




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Program Outcomes

The objectives of the Early Childhood Education Administration Program are:

  1. Supervise the design, implementation and evaluation of inquiry and play-based pedagogical approaches, to early years and child care programs and services that support quality, inclusive learning opportunities that are responsive to the uniqueness and diversity of children, families and communities.
  2. Manage early years and child care programs and services to maintain financial viability in accordance with management principles and best practices, and the requirements of current legislation, agency policies and procedures.
  3. Develop, implement and evaluate communication and marketing strategies to promote early years and child care programs and services.
  4. Recruit, train, motivate and evaluate staff applying human resource principles, labour relations standards and legislative requirements to deliver quality early years and child care programs and services.
  5. Build collaborative partnerships with diverse families, employers, boards of directors, volunteers, communities and agencies within the early year's sector through communication skills and information technologies.
  6. Develop, administer and monitor policies, systems and procedures that support inclusive, safe and healthy environments for children, families and employees and that ensure the provision of high quality care in accordance with the current legislation, regulations and best practices.
  7. Implement a professional leadership style that engages people to create quality programs and services within the early year's sector.
  8. Collaborate with, families, colleagues, communities and government partners to advocate for quality early years and child care programs and services that support optimal learning, holistic development and well-being for all families and children.

ECE Grants

To learn more about financial support and to apply for ECE grants, please visit the Ontario ECE Qualifications Upgrade Program website.

Graduation/Convocation

When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).

For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Minimum Performance for Graduation

A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.

A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.

City Wide Training

City Wide Training Early Childhood Professional, visit regularly for postings of professional development opportunities available across the city including Seneca Polytechnic.

Program Contacts

Georgina Ioannou
Program Assistant
Georgina.Ioannou@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0969


Georgette Bigelow
Part-time Program Coordinator
Georgette.Bigelow@senecapolytechnic.ca


Dedra Profitt
Academic Program Manager
Dedra.Profitt@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0972


For more information about this program, fill out the following form.