The School of Early Childhood Education offers a full- and part-time Direct Entry Program for graduates of the Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) ECE programs.  Qualified successful applicants enter the third year of the Bachelor of Arts (Early Childhood Education) program.  Students who enter the part-time program pursue courses in the evening and on Saturdays which are offered and administered by The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education in partnership with the School of Early Childhood Education.

The Bachelor of Arts (Early Childhood Education) program offers a combination of academic studies and professional education including practicum experiences. Diverse learning opportunities prepare students to work with children from birth to age eight in a variety of settings for children and families that enhance their development, learning and healthy adaptation. The courses link theory with field practice that is undertaken in child care programs, public schools (early primary classrooms), special needs programs, family resource centres, children's hospitals, and other related settings.

The School's curriculum follows the University's tripartite curriculum model with core professional courses, professionally-related electives and liberal studies electives. The first two years emphasize the foundational courses in child development, observation, curriculum, history and philosophy of early childhood education, professional practice, family contexts, working with children with special needs, and becoming an effective learner and professional.

Field Education

Field education experiences constitute one quarter of a student's timetable each year. It provides excellent opportunities for students to apply theory learned in the classroom within authentic workplace settings which enhances students' opportunities to achieve the program learning outcomes. Extensive field education experience permits students to develop their confidence, teaching and leadership skills, ethical practices and bridge the transition from student to professional in the field of early childhood education.

Professional Roles after Graduation

Graduates of the program are qualified for positions as early childhood educators in early childhood education and care programs, programs for children with special needs, early years learning centres and family resource programs. Some graduates are employed by community agencies working with children and families, provincial, municipal, or federal governments, community colleges, and various media for children. Graduates may apply to a faculty of education and for credit for Ministry of Education additional qualifications (AQ) courses. Graduates may also apply for admission to Master's degree programs in a variety of human development, special education, curriculum theory, speech therapy, family intervention and social work programs.

Students must take three lower level liberal studies courses and three upper level liberal studies courses to graduate.

Liberal Studies for Direct Entry

Students must take three upper level liberal studies courses to graduate.

Minors

Students may pursue any Minor offered by Ryerson (with exceptions), and are eligible for only one Minor. Please refer to the Minors Policy section of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and restrictions.