Discusses the major features of the evolutionary process, including the fossil record, basic population genetics, variation, natural selection, adaptation and speciation.

This is an introductory course providing insight into children's development from conception to age two. This course provides an overview of principles, domains, and major theories of children’s development and influences on development during the prenatal and neonatal stages, as well as during infancy and toddlerhood. The relationship between theory and practice in infant-toddler programs is also examined.

This course offers a broad overview of the field of early learning and child care. Students will investigate historical factors that have shaped early childhood theory and practice and will examine a variety of program models and their goals. The roles and responsibilities of the early childhood educator and determinants of quality early childhood programs are also discussed. This course also introduces students to some of the agencies and resources that support the professional growth of early childhood educators.

This course provides the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide for the basic health, safety and nutritional needs of young children. Requirements for healthy and safe early childhood environments will be identified. The nutritional needs of young children will be established and appropriate menu planning strategies explored. Developmentally appropriate practices and experiences for establishing healthful attitudes in young children are also included.

This course introduces students to the field of early learning and child care. Students will observe and interact with children in a variety of early childhood community programs and will contrast the similarities and differences in environments, program practices and services provided for young children and their families. Students will attend weekly seminars throughout the practicum weeks.

A practical course which explores children's art, literature and music from a child-centred perspective.

This course focuses on the physical, cognitive, creative, and psychosocial development of children from 2-6 years of age and factors that contributes to individuals variations in development. Theoretical perspectives and research findings that contribute to our understanding of child development will be examined, as well as their implications for practice in Early Learning and Child Care settings.

This is a practicum in an early childhood setting. Students will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice in their work with young children. Students will attend weekly seminars throughout the practicum weeks.

This course provides an introduction to the central role of play in early learning and child care settings, with an emphasis on developmentally appropriate, culturally-sensitive practices. This course focuses on a number of topics including the nature, value, and types of play, as well as important theories and issues regarding play. Students will also learn about the role of the practitioner in play, including the use of appropriate observation and documentation to understand and support children's development through play.

The adults’ role in supporting young children’s learning and development with an emphasis on a child-centered, play-based approach to curriculum planning will be examined in this course. Appropriate child centered routines, schedules, transitions and group times will also be discussed. The focus is on children from birth to age 6.

This course is designed to help students understand children’s behaviour and what it means to use a positive guidance approach in supporting children’s social, emotional, and moral development. Environmental and developmental factors which influence behaviour are examined, as are the principles of the guidance approach and ways in which these principles can be applied in early learning and child care settings.

This course focuses on how the child's physical environment supports social, cognitive, physical and emotional development through the early childhood years. Students will analyze specific components of high quality environments for young children and will learn important principles that can be applied to the design of indoor and outdoor play environments for preschool children.

Students examine the role of the administrator in Early Learning and Child Care Programs, including effective staff supervision, models and techniques for evaluating and motivating staff. Students will learn about funding available from all levels of government as well as service organizations in the private sector. The budgeting process advertising and marketing strategies will be explored.

This is a practicum in a community early childhood setting such as a child care center, nursery school, kindergarten, family day home or a special placement such as a play program for children in a woman's shelter or an early intervention program. Students will attend weekly seminars throughout the practicum weeks.

This course introduces students to science, mathematical and social knowledge. The course emphasis is on integrating social, physical and logical mathematical experiences in the preschool child's environment. Students learn to use developmentally appropriate curriculum to facilitate the young child's construction of knowledge in these areas.

A practical course which examines the characteristics of quality programs for infants and toddlers and explores programming techniques which respond to the individual and group needs of children up to 36 months of age. The focus of this course is on developing an awareness of the critical importance of care and interaction in the lives of infants and toddlers.

This course further explores the interrelationship between self concept, self awareness and communicative processes. Strategies for dealing with stress are examined.

This course focuses on the role of the early childhood practitioner in providing family-centered care and education for children from birth to age 8. The skills, knowledge, and attributes required to develop and sustain positive, collaborative, and empowering relationships with families are examined.

This course examines the developmental characteristics of children ages 6 through 12 years and the components of high quality out of school care programs. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to ensure that the environment, experiences and interactions meet the needs of school age children.

Students will design and operate an eight week program for preschool children. With the support of program instructors, students will be responsible for all aspects of a program for young children in a variety of settings. Students will attend weekly seminars throughout the semester in preparation and support of this practicum.