Skip to Main Content
You are now in the main content area

Early Childhood Studies

Early Childhood Studies

  • CLD 101 - Human Development I
    Course DescriptionThis foundation course examines the major theories and contemporary research findings of human development and provides a sound basis for the students' understanding of children and self. Emphasis is on the interdependency of all domains of development - physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional and the complex interaction of biological and environmental factors. Such development is considered in terms of adaptation to the diverse environments in which human beings live and focuses on children from birth through toddler-hood.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CLD 102 - Observation/ELC
    Course DescriptionIn this course students develop expertise in using effective methods for observing, recording and analyzing children's behaviour and development. Students have the opportunity to practice a variety of observation methodologies and to discuss topics related to observer bias, subjectivity and objectivity, and making references. They also undertake participant and non-participant observation in the Early Learning Centre to introduce them to the rhythms and demands of child-care.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Corequisites:CLD 101
  • CLD 103 - Human Development II
    Course DescriptionThis course builds on the student's understanding of the major theories and contemporary research findings of human development and the mutual influence of biological, psychological and social factors within a given environment. The contexts of development are emphasized for children from preschool through adolescence.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 101
  • CLD 111 - Curriculum I: Environments
    Course DescriptionTheories, design principles and resources for creating environments that promote learning through play are highlighted. Play styles and types of play that facilitate children's development and effective interactions are discussed. Students examine the effectiveness of materials in planning learning experiences that promote development in all domains and evaluate learning environments for children from birth to eight years.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Corequisites:CLD 101 and CLD 102
  • CLD 161 - Field Education I
    Course DescriptionStudents will apply observation skills, knowledge of children and families, and curricula in early childhood education and care sites. Settings include the Ryerson Early Learning Centre, and off campus early childhood care and education centres. Students will actively work with children birth to 5. Weekly on-campus seminars support the placement experience. Discussions include nurturing positive relationships with children and families, planning and implementing curriculum, and working collaboratively with the educator team. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 6 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 102
    Corequisites:CLD 103 and CLD 212
  • CLD 204 - Physical Development
    Course DescriptionThis course will explore physical development from conception to the middle childhood years. Theories, models and current research in the interrelated areas of physical activity, social determinants of health, and nutrition are examined. Students will investigate the mind-body connection, the use of movement as an educational and therapeutic tool and explore ways to plan and implement rich and appropriate indoor and outdoor movement programs and activities for young children.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:(CLD 103 and PSY 102) or Direct Entry
  • CLD 205 - Children's Social/Emotional Well-Being
    Course DescriptionSocial and emotional aspects of children's well-being are explored through critical analysis of theories and research on the topics of attachment, temperament, aggression, gender identity, dimensions of parenting, and self and social cognition. The course takes into account contemporary theories of childhood that acknowledge children's role in shaping their well-being while confronting a variety of environmental stresses (e.g. bullying, abuse, family conflict). Students learn strategies deemed to support children's positive well-being and adaptation to life's challenges.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:(CLD 103 and PSY 102) or Direct Entry
  • CLD 206 - Language Development
    Course DescriptionThe course explores the nature of language development in children. Biological endowment and environmental factors are considered. Language acquisition from fetal sound sensitivity to language behaviours of school-age children is investigated. Acquisition of the subsystems of language along with bilingualism and minority language contexts are explored. Stages in child language are identified and theories and current research on child language are examined. Students are introduced to methodologies, tools and strategies of child language research. Opportunity is provided for the collection and analysis of language data.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:(CLD 103 and PSY 102) or Direct Entry or in Language and Intercultural Relations Program
  • CLD 212 - Curriculum II: Program Planning
    Course DescriptionThis course builds on the theoretical and design principles of Curriculum I. Students critically examine traditional and current curricula theories. Students plan learning experiences using curricula models such as HighScope and Montessori together with curriculum approaches such as Reggio Emilia and provincial curriculum frameworks. Each is examined for its approach to teaching practices, learning environments, and the child's family and cultural context. A range of evaluation tools used to plan and modify the learning environment will be explored.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD111
  • CLD 213 - History and Philosophy of ECE
    Course DescriptionThis course introduces students to the historical, theoretical and philosophical antecedents of the early childhood education profession. An examination of values and practices related to the nurturing and education of young children from ancient times to the present, including a study of the key philosophers, the history of childhood, and views of children through the centuries, are compared to the values and practices found today in North America and throughout the world. Students articulate an informed philosophy of early childhood education as a concrete outcome of this course.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Antirequisites:ECE 446
  • CLD 215 - Creative Arts I
    Course DescriptionPrevious courses in curriculum, program planning and child development provide the foundation for this course that emphasizes strategies, methods and activities for young children that nurture and promote creative expression in the visual arts. Current theories for visual arts education, the artistic development of young children, and historical and artistic traditions from diverse societies are explored. Programs are critically analyzed along a number of dimensions to develop a philosophy and approach to visual arts education.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 212
  • CLD 231 - Families in Canadian Context I
    Course DescriptionThis course provides students with a foundation in the theoretical frameworks used to study families. Canadian research is highlighted and topics include: historical perspectives on families, the diversity of family forms; dating; family formation; parenting issues; separation and divorce; family re-formation, mid-life and aging families, same-sex, immigrant, visible minority and aboriginal families, and domestic division of labour; work and family life; power and violence; and, social class with particular attention paid to families living in poverty.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CLD 241 - Children with Disabilities
    Course DescriptionThis course is an introduction to early intervention and education of young children with disabilities and those at risk for development delay. Strategies for adapting curriculum and the learning environment to promote the healthy growth, development and learning of children with specific disabilities are discussed. Foundation topics include historical perspectives, current legislation, early identification, positive behavioural supports, inclusion, and family-centred approaches.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 103 or enrolled in Disability Studies
  • CLD 251 - Interpersonal Communication
    Course DescriptionThis course supports students in developing their professional, interpersonal and communicative interactive skills. The process of communication, as well as how one's emotions, values, experiences, perceptions and self-concept affect professional behaviour are discussed. Topics include interviewing skills, ethical behaviour, leadership and advocacy as an early childhood practitioner. Models of effective small group and team collaborations are examined and applied in a laboratory setting. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CLD 262 - Field Education II
    Course DescriptionStudents will increase their knowledge and skills in settings that include Ontario Early Years Centres, family resource programs, kindergarten classrooms, Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada programs and the Ryerson Early Learning Centre. The weekly on-campus seminar supports the students' placement experience. Seminar discussions will focus on developing supportive relationships with families and their young children based on family support principles; planning and implementing early learning experiences, and collaborating with the educator team. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 6 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 161 and CLD 212
    Corequisites:CLD 231
  • CLD 307 - Cognitive Development
    Course DescriptionThis course explores the development of young children's thinking and learning. A critical analysis of cognitive theory and research and their relevancy to instructional practice will provide students with an in-depth understanding of early thinking and learning processes. The role of the professional in early learning contexts and the guidance of children's cognitive growth will be examined. Topics of discussion include the development of attention, memory, symbolic representation, reasoning, problem solving, social cognition, cultural perspectives and individual differences.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:(CLD 103 and PSY 102) or Direct Entry or in Language and Intercultural Relations Program
  • CLD 314 - Literacy in the Early Years
    Course DescriptionThis course examines literacy learning for children birth through 8 years in the context of equity, social justice and diversity. Students examine theoretical foundations of early literacy learning including: ways to develop oral and print literacy, family literacy practices, home languages, book genres, approaches to teaching and learning and strategies for critical literacy. Concepts of multimodalities and multiple literacies are explored to broaden the notion of what is literacy in the 21st century.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 212 or Direct Entry
  • CLD 315 - Creative Arts II
    Course DescriptionBuilding upon Creative Arts I, this course emphasizes strategies, methods and activities for young children in music, movement and drama. Theories of the development of aesthetic sensibility and creativity in young children are explored and applied to the study of the theoretical bases for music education and global musical traditions. Music, movement, and drama education programs are critically analyzed along a number of dimensions to develop a philosophy and approach to music, movement and drama education.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 215 or Direct Entry
  • CLD 317 - Concept Development in Math
    Course DescriptionStudents examine how young children ages birth to 8 understand and engage in mathematical knowledge, concepts and processes. Students explore and critique different theories of mathematical approaches to learning, such as inquiry-based models. Experiences designing and teaching lessons, creating physical and social environments to promote mathematical thinking, and assessing children's' knowledge and skills encourage positive attitudes toward mathematics in the learning environment.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 212 or Direct Entry
  • CLD 322 - Research I: Methods
    Course DescriptionThis course provides students with an understanding of scientific research methods as they relate to the field of early childhood education. The course examines a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodologies and covers the various components of research from the formulation of research questions to the analysis and interpretation of data.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:PSY 102 or Direct Entry
  • CLD 323 - Research II: Applications
    Course DescriptionThis course extends and applies the materials covered in Research I. Students formulate, carry out, write up, and present a research project of their own design in the field of early childhood education. Students also have the opportunity to analyze and critique each other's projects and to evaluate a variety of research approaches.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 322
  • CLD 332 - Families in Canadian Context II
    Course DescriptionStudents examine diversity in race, ethnicity and culture within Canadian society and move toward an understanding of how these factors shape family values, family forms, child rearing and parenting practices, and family expectations for their children. They examine the potential for conflicting expectations between families and educators/caregivers from the dominant culture. Concepts of race, racism, and ethnic relations are studied in the context of globalization, migration, refugee and settlement experiences. Policies, practices and legislation on immigration and settlement are also examined. Students engage with a family in the community as part of the course.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CLD 342 - Assessment for Programming
    Course DescriptionThis course examines approaches to assessment and evaluation of children's development with attention to children with disabilities and children-at-risk, from birth to eight years. Students use formal and informal screening and assessment tools to develop individualized programming for young children, to address a range of developmental needs in a variety of early childhood settings. A conceptual framework for assessment and programming skills in designing an individual program plan are concrete outcomes of this course.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 241 or Direct Entry or enrolled in Disability Studies
  • CLD 363 - Field Education III
    Course DescriptionStudents continue to apply their knowledge and skills with children who may have identified disabilities, or for whom the program requires accommodations and/or modifications. Placements include settings with a focus on inclusive practice, such as the Ryerson Early Learning Centre, Gerrard Resource Centre, primary classrooms and specialized programs. Weekly seminars support the placement experience. Discussions focus on inclusive practice, planning and implementing responsive learning activities, developing supportive relationships, and collaboration with the educator team. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 6 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:(CLD 241 and CLD 262) or Direct Entry
    Corequisites:CLD 342
  • CLD 415 - Concept Development in Science
    Course DescriptionThis course employs a project-based approach to the exploration of how young children develop skills and concepts in science. Students learn about scientific thinking, how to encourage science exploration, and how to support children's scientific inquiry from various perspectives, including Aboriginal, constructivist, reconceptualist, and the Reggio Emilia approach. Students will learn about design and creation of learning environments, projects and assessment tools that advance children's knowledge and skills development.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 212 or Direct Entry
  • CLD 419 - Children and Technology
    Course DescriptionThis course will entail an exploration of various knowledge media in early childhood education. Students will examine the use of computers in teaching and learning, develop a basic working knowledge of computers and online technologies, and learn techniques for assessing various forms of knowledge media intended for ECE educators and children from infancy to age 8. The goal is to engage in the process of rethinking technology in relation to teaching and learning with young children.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 212 or Direct Entry
  • CLD 420 - Children and Nature
    Course DescriptionThis course explores the significance of the relationship of the child to the natural world and introduces students to a pedagogical approach which involves environmental inquiry. Course content includes historical and cross-cultural overviews of our relationship to nature; the psychological significance of nature; the impact of exposure to the natural environment on children's values, attitudes, learning, and behaviour; and therapeutic uses of nature. In this course, students will also be involved in designing curriculum materials or environments for children which have a specific emphasis on incorporating the natural world.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 212 or Direct Entry
  • CLD 421 - Childhood Bilingualism
    Course DescriptionBuilding on the concepts of first language acquisition, this course explores how young children process, navigate and manage more than one language. Bilingualism and multilingualism will be investigated from social, cultural, historical, educational and political perspectives, focusing on young children in the Canadian context, but also drawing on current language landscapes of other countries (e.g. USA, the European Union, Iceland and Japan). Theories of second language learning in the early years will be compared and critiqued. Implications for working with bilingual and multilingual children and families will be discussed. The practical component of the course will allow students to work directly with a bilingual or a multilingual family.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CLD 435 - Theory and Practice of Family Support
    Course DescriptionThis course provides a conceptual framework for examining the principles and practice approaches of family resource and support programs. A variety of perspectives are used to explore the needs of families and caregivers in the context of the community, public and non-profit programs and government policy. Students have the opportunity to apply theory to practice in a community setting. Theories of social support and empowerment are examined as fundamental components of family support. Students explore ways to integrate early childhood education theory and family support into community-based programs.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CLD 442 - Infant Mental Health
    Course DescriptionThis course builds on previous child development courses for a detailed examination of the development of infants and toddlers. Students explore applications of developmental theory to identify and assess infants and toddlers, including those who may benefit from early intervention. Family empowerment intervention models are studied for all families with infants and toddlers. Cultural and economic contexts are stressed to assure responsiveness to diverse family models.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:(CLD 231 and CLD 342) or (Direct Entry and CLD 342)
  • CLD 444 - Therapies for Young Children
    Course DescriptionStudents critically examine the theoretical foundations for therapeutic interventions. A range of intervention models and applications of techniques are explored including therapies in play, art, music, drama and language. Prerequisite: CLD 342
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 342
  • CLD 445 - Inclusion and Consultation
    Course DescriptionThis course examines the changing paradigms of service delivery in early intervention and special education for young children with special needs and their families. Inclusive models of service delivery are explored including collaborative and consultative models currently in use in infant development programs, group child care centres, family day care homes and early primary classrooms. Students consider educational change processes, consultation skills, public policy, interdisciplinary team collaborations, and teaching strategies in inclusive classrooms.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 342 or enrolled in Disability Studies
  • CLD 446 - Children and Chronic Illness
    Course DescriptionThis course examines the impacts of chronic illness on the development of young children. Theoretical frameworks and current research from developmental paediatrics are explored and critically evaluated. Specifically, young children's adaptation to illness and hospitalization will be analyzed through case study examples and problem solving exercises. The role of the child life specialist and evidence-based practice is addressed with particular emphasis on interventions aimed at ameliorating the impact of illness.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 342 or CYC 605
  • CLD 447 - Equity Issues in Ontario ECE
    Course DescriptionThis course examines theories of childhood, community development, and educational equity in the context of Canadian society. The course focuses on four distinct communities in the province of Ontario; English, French, migrant and Aboriginal populations. The course examines social policy, curriculum, health and education for social development in both early childhood and school settings.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 332
    Antirequisites:CLD 448
  • CLD 448 - Childhood in a Global Context
    Course DescriptionThis course examines international perspectives on theories of childhood and community development. Topics in the course include international funding of early childhood programs, global migration, Indigenous education, international organizations working in development and advocacy, and other topics identified by the instructor. The course examines social policy, curriculum, health and education for social development in both early childhood and school settings.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Antirequisites:CLD 447
  • CLD 449 - Research in ECE Lab Schools
    Course DescriptionUniversity-based early learning programs have a long and rich history of providing leadership and contributing to knowledge regarding children and early childhood education. This course builds upon the student's existing research and analytic skills by focusing on research conducted in laboratory school settings. Supervised by the course instructor, students propose and carry out a research project. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in faculty research taking place in the ELC or GRC. Students submit a research paper at the conclusion of the course.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CLD 450 - Indigenous Early Learning
    Course DescriptionStudents explore issues confronting Indigenous children and their families in Canada. Indigenous perspectives on the origins of these issues and the current environment are examined in the context of Indigenous self-determination. Course work focuses on issues from a national, provincial, and local perspective with discussions about world view, history, families, policy, and jurisdictional issues.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CLD 454 - Policy in ECEC
    Course DescriptionThis course introduces students to the development of social policy in Canada with a particular focus on the care and education of young children. The roles of federal, provincial and municipal governments, advocacy, social movements, as well as the sociopolitical and economic context are explored in reference to policy successes/failures. This course challenges students to connect their micro-level experiences as students of early childhood studies to the broader macro social and political context of which they are a part.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • CLD 464 - Senior Internship
    Course DescriptionIn their final field education course, students take initiative to find an internship which emphasizes their ongoing professional learning and prepares them for future employment and/or further academic studies. This may include field and or research experiences in a broad range of geographic locations such as local, provincial, national and international sites. The weekly seminar component of the course supports the students' internship experience. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 6 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:CLD 363
  • CLD 500 - A Caring World for Children
    Course DescriptionThis course will help students conceptualize a normative vision of caring societies in which all children are cared for and can thrive. Students will consider different theoretical perspectives on caring for children at the personal, political and global level. They will explore how distinctive features of a caring society intersect with, build upon or challenge other notions of societies such as the just society. The moral responsibility of caring for children in economic, social, and political contexts will be discussed.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Liberal Studies:UL
    Prerequisites:Not available to Early Childhood Studies students