Early Childhood Studies
| Degree Awarded: | Bachelor of Arts (BA) |
| Program Website: | ryerson.ca/ecs |
| Administered by: | School of Early Childhood Studies |
| Program Format: | Full-time, four-year program. Full-time and part-time, third-year direct entry programs. |
The Early Childhood Studies program provides diverse learning opportunities that prepare students to work with children from birth to age eight and their families in a variety of settings that enhance their development, learning and healthy adaptation.
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:
- ENG4U/EAE4U is the preferred English.
- 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.
- The grade(s) required in the subject prerequisites (normally in the 70-75% range) will be determined subject to competition.
- 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.
- Scholarships are awarded to second, third, and fourth-year students based on academic excellence and practical performance.
- 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. Information about the following, including submission deadlines, 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. 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 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.
- Proof of the following medical immunizations: tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (dTap), measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis B, and the annual influenza vaccine. Out-of-country students are encouraged to obtain these immunizations in their home country, if possible.
- Declaration by a healthcare professional that the student is medically fit and able to fully participate in work with children birth to five years of age on a form provided by the School.
- A satisfactory Disclosure of Police Record Information. Out-of-country students must conduct a Police Criminal Reference Check in their home country. More information regarding the Disclosure of Police Record Information will be provided to students during the student orientation process. This documentation carries an expiration date and students must renew as required.
- All students admitted into first year are advised to attend the Writing Skills Initiative (WSI) in the Faculty of Community Services at the beginning of fall semester. The in-class program helps students succeed in writing effectively and professionally in an academic environment.
- 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
Collaborative Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Early Childhood Studies and Bachelor of Education (BEd) (Primary/Junior) with York University
Ryerson University offers a unique 16-month consecutive Bachelor of Education (Primary/Junior specialization) in conjunction with York University. Students in their final year of studies (eligible for spring graduation) may apply to the York University BEd (Primary/Junior) program during the fall term. The BEd program commences in the spring term. Further details are available from the School of ECS.
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:
- 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.
- 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 鈥淎dditional Non-Academic Documentation Required鈥, as described below, by the required due dates which will be disclosed during the mandatory student orientation process.
- 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, including submission deadlines, 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. 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 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. Out-of-country students must conduct a Police Criminal Reference Check in their home country. More information regarding the Disclosure of Police Record Information will be provided to students during the student orientation process. This documentation carries an expiration date and students must renew as required.
- Proof of the following medical immunizations may be required: tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (dTap), measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis B, and the annual influenza vaccine. Out-of-country students are encouraged to obtain these immunizations in their home country, if possible.
- Upon admission to the program, students are advised that their conduct is governed by the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators鈥 Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Violation of the Code may lead to suspension from the program on grounds of professional unsuitability.
Collaborative Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Early Childhood Studies and Bachelor of Education (BEd) (Primary/Junior) with York University
Ryerson University offers a unique 16-month consecutive Bachelor of Education (Primary/Junior specialization) in conjunction with York University. Students in their final year of studies (eligible for spring graduation) may apply to the York University BEd (Primary/Junior) program during the fall term. The BEd program commences in the spring term. Further details are available from the School of ECS.
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), specialized 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.
First Two Years (Regular Program)
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 disabilities and becoming an effective learner and professional.
Field Education
Field education experiences constitute one quarter of a student's timetable each year. They provide excellent opportunities for students to apply theory learned in the classroom within authentic workplace settings which enhance students' opportunities to achieve the program learning outcomes. Extensive field education experience permit 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 studies.
Professional Roles after Graduation
Graduates of the program are qualified for positions as early childhood educators in early learning and care programs, programs for children with disabilities 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, curriculum theory, speech therapy, family intervention and social work programs.
Transfer and Withdrawal Information
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鈥檚 eligibility to continue in the program after three consecutive semester stop-outs.
Program Planning Support (Part-Time Program)
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.
Liberal Studies
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
Minors
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.
The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Certificates
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.
1st & 2nd Semester
3rd & 4th Semester
3rd Semester
REQUIRED:
PROFESSIONAL: One course from the following:
PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED: One course from Table I.
4th Semester
REQUIRED:
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
PROFESSIONAL: One course from the following: