The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Administrative Leadership program provides an exciting opportunity for further education and specialized training for early childhood educators, with a focus on increasing knowledge and skills in the area of administrative leadership. Students completing the ECE Administrative Leadership program will gain invaluable knowledge to enhance confidence and support career advancement. This knowledge will be utilized to increase educational qualifications as well as provide an incredible opportunity to advance professional certification within the ECE field. Graduates of the advanced diploma (with an ECE Diploma) are eligible for Level III Child Care Services Certification* from the
Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL). Throughout this program, students will develop leadership skills, particularly those required of a child care administrator for regulated early learning and child care settings. Courses in this program will spark interest in early childhood educators as specific applications of leadership, mentorship, relationship building, human resources, and reflective practice are included. In addition, students will learn about provincial legislative requirements, as well as current and emerging trends within the field of early childhood education.
The advanced diploma in ECE Administrative Leadership is designed for graduates of a recognized ECE diploma program. It builds upon the education and practical experiences of the student, resulting in graduates who will be leaders and mentors in the field of early childhood education.
Students may complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis and have a maximum of 12 semesters to complete the program. A Learner Course Plan for course completion is developed with each student, based on an assessment of any previous ECE or related training they may already have, and any PLAR credits received. The Learner Course Plan specific to this program can be found
HERE.
Online students register each semester from a list of course offerings. These offerings, and other important information about the ECE Administrative Leadership program, are posted on the
Early Childhood Education Administrative Leadership program pages.
To participate in courses, students must have an internet-ready computer system. General internet/computer knowledge (e.g. e-mail, ability to save files, install programs, and related applications) would be a valuable asset.
Please note: Exams take place on-campus or through approved private invigilation.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Effectively administer the day-to-day operations of an early learning and child care program, particularly in the regulated sector.
- Create informed and professional documents that will assist with quality child care operations.
- Apply knowledge of provincial legislative documents to ensure safe, high-quality, healthy, and compliant early learning and child care environments.
- Supervise, mentor, direct, and provide professional support to employees, students, and volunteers within early learning and child care settings.
- Lead, inspire, and be an informed advocate within the early learning and child care sector.
- Embrace diversity and build professional relationships with children/families, and their communities as well as other stakeholders.
- Demonstrate confidence, critical thinking, and reflective practice, as well as ethical and professional behaviour at all times.
- Maintain currency within the ECE field by actively seeking professional learning resources and opportunities.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission into the Early Childhood Education Administrative Leadership program requires the applicant to meet one of the following criteria:
- Have graduated from the Early Childhood Education diploma program at College of the North Atlantic;
OR
- Have graduated from a recognized post-secondary Early Childhood Education diploma (or equivalent) program (or have a combination of other post-secondary education and industry experience acceptable to the College as an entrance requirement).
PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION (PLAR)
Students will be given every opportunity to receive credit for past learning experience (except for
EE3050 and
EE3055) through a comprehensive systematic process of evaluation. Once enrolled and active in the program, students will be permitted to submit PLAR applications for any courses in the program for which they believe they have already acquired the appropriate level of knowledge and skills. For further information, please refer to the
Early Childhood Education Administrative Leadership program pages.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared for employment in administrative leadership roles in a variety of early learning and child care settings. These could include but are not limited to the following:
- Child care centres
- Family homes
- Family agencies
- Family resource centres
- Drop-in playgroups
- Head Start programs
*CERTIFICATION
Upon completion of this program, individuals may apply for provincial Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL). The Early Childhood Education Administrative Leadership advanced diploma (with an ECE Diploma) is eligible for Level III CCS Certification in classifications the individual already holds. For information on certification, please visit
Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL).