Early Childhood Studies

O.S.S.D. with six Grade 12 U/M courses including Grade 12 U English and one Grade 11 U/M or Grade 12 U/M Mathematics or Science course.

Notes: 

1. ENG4U/EAE4U is the preferred English.
2. The acceptable Grade 11 U/M or Grade 12 U/M Mathematics or Science courses are: one of MCF3M, MCR3U, MHF4U, MCV4U, MDM4U, PSE4U/PSK4U, SBI3U, SCH3U, SPH3U, SVN3M, SBI4U, SCH4U, SPH4U, SES4U, SNC3M, SNC4M.
3. The grade(s) required in the subject prerequisites (normally in the 70-75% range) will be determined subject to competition.
4. To be admitted to the program students must be capable of successful completion of field education requirements which demand full day commitments in child care centres and schools with young children.
5. Scholarships are awarded to second, third, and fourth-year students based on academic excellence and practical performance.
6. Subject to competition, candidates may be required to present averages/grades above the minimum.

Additional Non-Academic Documentation Required:

Students who are admitted to the School of Early Childhood Studies must present the School with the following additional 'Non-Academic Documentation' in order to be permitted to enrol in field education courses. Information about the following will be provided at the Program Orientation:

• A valid Standard First Aid certificate including CPR for infants and children. Only standard first aid certification will be accepted. Emergency First Aid is NOT acceptable. The CPR certification must qualify the student to perform CPR on infants and children.  First Aid and CPR certificates which clearly indicate that they meet these criteria are accepted from any provider approved by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario. Contact them by phone or visit their website for a list of approved training organizations. The documentation must include an expiration date and students must renew as required.
  
• Medical documentation of a clear two-stage TB test on a form provided by the School. It must be a two-stage process. If the student's medical practitioner does not want to conduct the second stage, documentation of this decision must be provided to the School by the medical practitioner, on the form provided by the School. If religious reasons prevent the student from conducting tests, documentation from a recognized religious officiant is required. This documentation carries an expiration date and students must renew as required.
  
• A satisfactory Disclosure of Police Record Information. More information regarding the Disclosure of Police Record Information will be provided to students during the student orientation process. Out-of-country students must conduct a Police Criminal Reference Check in their home country. This documentation carries an expiration date and students must renew as required.
• One colour passport photo with the student's name and Ryerson student identification number printed on the back of the photo will be submitted at the Program Orientation.
• All students admitted into first year are required to write a mandatory Writing Skills Test (WST). The WST is conducted annually during Orientation Week before the beginning of the first semester. Students who pass the WST, by achieving a grade of 'B+' or higher, may enrol in their chosen liberal studies courses. Those students who do not pass the WST will be required to enrol in one or two of the following courses, as indicated by the WST assessment, for their lower level liberal studies: LNG 121, LNG 111, LNG 112 and LNG 113.
• Upon admission to the program, students are advised that their conduct is governed by the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators' Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Violation of the Code may lead to suspension from the program on grounds of professional unsuitability

Concurrent Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Studies and Bachelor of Education (BEd) (Primary/Junior) with York University

Ryerson University offers a six year joint concurrent Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies (ECS) and Bachelor of Education (Primary/Junior) with York University.  Ryerson University School of ECS full-time program students may apply to the York University BEd (Primary/Junior) program by March of their third year of studies.  Successful students will graduate with a BA in ECS from Ryerson University and a BEd (Primary/Junior) from York University. Further details are available from the School of ECS (opens in new window) .

Degree Completion Program with George Brown College

Ryerson University offers a joint degree completion program in Early Childhood Education/Studies with George Brown College. Students complete the first two years of enriched study in the Department of Early Childhood  at George Brown College. Successful students will enter the third year of the Early Childhood Studies program at Ryerson University.

The School of Early Childhood Studies offers a full- and part-time direct entry program for graduates of the Early Childhood Education Diploma programs from public Ontario Colleges. Admission to the part-time Direct Entry program is available in September and January.

Students who enter the full-time program as a direct entry student pursue a full complement of courses offered in the day-time in the School of Early Childhood Studies. Students who enter the part-time program pursue courses online, in the evenings 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 Studies.

Admission Information

Grade 'B' (70 percent, 3.00 GPA) average in a public Ontario College Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma program or its equivalent, with proof of diploma completion;

plus

All applicants must have completed three lower level single-term (or equivalent) liberal studies courses at the university level with minimum 'B-' (70 percent) grades in each course. Please note the following liberal studies restrictions:

• One of the lower level liberal studies courses must be an English subject.
• College General Education courses cannot be used as substitutions for university level liberal studies courses.
• These courses cannot be part of the ECE diploma studies.
• These courses cannot be introductory level Psychology or Sociology.

Notes:

1. Direct entry program applicants who intend to apply to a Faculty of Education are advised that admission requirements to the Bachelor of Education programs vary, from one faculty of education to another, from year to year. Students should contact individual faculties of education for specific details. 
2. To be admitted to the program, students must be capable of successful completion of field education requirements which demand full-day commitments in early childhood education and care centres, family resource programs and schools. Students will not be permitted to enrol in Field Education courses unless they have provided the School with all “Additional Non-Academic Documentation Required”, as described below, by the required due dates which will be disclosed during the mandatory student orientation process.
3. Students wishing to transfer from the part-time program to the full-time program, under exceptional circumstances, must consult with the program department before submitting the Ryerson Application.  Admission will be based upon the availability of space and the completion of all third year courses.

Additional Non-Academic Documentation Required

Students who are admitted to the School of Early Childhood Studies must present the School with the following additional 'Non-Academic Documentation' in order to be permitted to enrol in field education and/or practice teaching courses. Information about the following will be provided at the Program Orientation:

• A valid Standard First Aid certificate including CPR for infants and children. Only standard first aid certification will be accepted. Emergency First Aid is NOT acceptable. The CPR certification must qualify the student to perform CPR on infants and children. First Aid and CPR certificates which clearly indicate that they meet these criteria are accepted from any provider approved by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario. Contact them by phone or visit their website for a list of approved training organizations. The documentation must include an expiration date and students must renew as required.
• Medical documentation of a clear two-stage TB test on a form provided by the School. It must be a two-stage process. If the student's medical practitioner does not want to conduct the second stage, documentation of this decision must be provided to the School by the medical practitioner, on the form provided by the School. If religious reasons prevent the student from conducting tests, documentation from a recognized religious officiant is required. This documentation carries an expiration date and students must renew as required.
• A satisfactory Disclosure of Police Record Information. More information regarding the Disclosure of Police Record Information will be provided to students during the student orientation process. Out-of-country students must conduct a Police Criminal Reference Check in their home country. This documentation carries an expiration date and students must renew as required.
• One colour passport photo with the student's name and Ryerson student identification number printed on the back of the photo will be submitted at the Program Orientation.
• Upon admission to the program, students are advised that their conduct is governed by the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators’ Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Violation of the Code may lead to suspension from the program on grounds of professional unsuitability.

The Bachelor of Arts (Early Childhood Studies) program offers a combination of academic studies and professional education including practicum experiences.  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 of Early Childhood Studies offers a full- and part-time Direct Entry Program for graduates of the Ontario Colleges ECE programs. Qualified successful applicants enter the third year of the Bachelor of Arts (Early Childhood Studies) program. Students who enter the part-time program pursue courses in the evening, on Saturdays or online which are offered and administered by The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education in partnership with the School of Early Childhood Studies.

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 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.

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 wishing to transfer, under exceptional circumstances, from the part-time program to the full-time program must consult with the program department before submitting the Ryerson Application. Admission will be based upon the availability of space, and the completion of all third year courses.

The School of Early Childhood Studies reserves the right to reassess a student’s eligibility to continue in the program after three consecutive semester stop-outs.

Program planning can be completed on an individual basis by the student and the part-time direct entry program co-ordinator.

The part-time Direct Entry Program Co-ordinator is available to discuss admission requirements, School policies and provide continuous program consultation for the part-time student. To reach the part-time program co-ordinator please call the School of Early Childhood Studies at (416) 979-5000 ext. 7636.

Regular program students must take three lower level liberal studies courses and three upper level liberal studies courses to graduate. Students must not choose courses that are restricted for their program or major.

Liberal Studies for Direct Entry

Students must take three upper level liberal studies courses to graduate. If an upper level liberal studies course requires a prerequisite, students MUST apply for a transfer credit for that prerequisite. This will only serve as proof of prerequisite and will not apply toward the degree.

Please refer to the liberal studies chapter of this calendar for more information on the Liberal Studies Policy. Further information on liberal studies can also be found at the Faculty of Arts' Liberal Studies website (opens in new window) .

Table A - Lower Level Restrictions

Table B - Upper Level Restrictions

Students may pursue any Minor offered by Ryerson (with some exceptions). Please refer to the Minors chapter of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and exclusions.

Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible program exclusions. Please refer to the Certificate Registration section of the Curriculum Advising website (opens in new window)  for complete details.

* Students can elect to take CLD 464 as an International Field Education course during the Spring/Summer term before 7th and 8th semester.

Direct Entry students will normally be admitted into 5th semester (3rd Year) of this program. Students should refer to their Offer of Admission for details.

* Students can elect to take CLD 464 as an International Field Education course during the Spring/Summer term before 7th and 8th semester.

Direct Entry students will normally be admitted into 5th semester (3rd Year) of this program. Students should refer to their Offer of Admission for details.

* Students can elect to take CLD 464 as an International Field Education course during the Spring/Summer term before 7th and 8th semester.

In addition to the general criteria used to determine Academic Standing, students in this program must also meet the following conditions:

A failed grade in any Field Practice course will result in a PROBATIONARY Standing:

Students will remain on Probation, until they have successfully passed the failed course.

Given its importance and the vital role it plays in the integrity of the program, students are not permitted to fail the same field practice twice. If a student fails the same field practice course twice, the student will be assigned a PERMANENT PROGRAM WITHDRAWAL Standing, and will be ineligible to continue in the program.

A student will be removed in a situation in which children, family members, colleagues or others are placed at risk by the student’s behaviour; or in a situation in which the student consistently violates expectations for professional and/or ethical conduct. This will result in the student receiving an “F” grade.

In this circumstance, students will have established rights of appeal; however, they cannot remain in the course while an appeal is underway. The appeal will be conducted promptly in order to protect student rights.

A Program Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of volunteers that provides expert advice to a school or department on program related matters such as curriculum, program review, technology and trends in the industry, discipline or profession. For more information, see  (PDF file) Senate Policy #158 (Program Advisory Councils).

Joan Arruda
Chief Executive Officer
Family Day Care Services

Maru Barrera
Paediatric Health Psychologist; Senior Associate Scientist
The Hospital for Sick Children

Kimberly Bezaire
Professor
School of Early Childhood
George Brown College

Kevin Malcolm
Superintendent of Schools - Area 7
Toronto Catholic District School Board

For post-publication updates please see the department's Program Advisory Committee page (opens in new window) .