ECE
Overview
Thinking about a career working with young children? The Early Childhood Education (ECE) course at Centre High is your introduction to the field. It's offered in two progressive levels that together prepare you for ECE certification programs at local post-secondary schools.
ECE Level 1
Start here. You'll hear from guest speakers working in the field, volunteer in real workplace settings with children, and learn about a range of special needs and the challenges faced by people in the community. The course builds foundational teamwork and interpersonal skills while teaching you how to plan and implement activities that enrich the experience of people with diverse needs.
ECE Level 2
Builds on Level 1 with deeper practicum, more advanced child-development content, and progress toward the ECE certification. Students complete additional contact hours and take on more responsibility in the classroom setting.
Planning your next step
You'll also plan your post-secondary and career path with guidance throughout the course — deciding whether to continue into ECE certification, Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
Career Opportunities
- Educational Assistant — Supporting students with diverse needs in the classroom
- Teacher — Planning and delivering instruction in elementary or secondary schools
- Daycare / Dayhome Worker — Caring for and educating young children in childcare settings
- Recreation Coordinator — Planning activities and programs for children and youth
- School Support Staff — Assisting with daily operations and student support in schools
- Child and Youth Care Worker — Supporting at-risk children and youth in community settings
- Social Worker — Helping individuals and families navigate challenges and access services
- Counsellor — Providing guidance and mental health support to clients
- Group Home Support Worker — Assisting people with disabilities in residential care
- Mental Health Worker — Supporting individuals with mental health challenges
- Occupational Therapist — Helping people develop skills for daily life after injury or disability
- Speech & Language Therapy Assistant — Supporting clients with communication challenges
- Music Therapist — Using music to support emotional, cognitive, and social well-being
- Community Disability Services Practitioner — Coordinating support for people with disabilities
- Community Health Representative — Connecting communities to health services and resources
Post-Secondary Programs
MacEwan University — Educational Assistant Certificate
www.macewan.ca
MacEwan University — Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies
www.macewan.ca
MacEwan University — Bachelor of Child and Youth Care
www.macewan.ca
MacEwan University — Social Work Diploma
www.macewan.ca
MacEwan University — Bachelor of Social Work
www.macewan.ca
MacEwan University — Hearing Aid Practitioner Diploma
www.macewan.ca
MacEwan University — Therapist Assistant Diploma — PTA & OTA Major
www.macewan.ca
MacEwan University — Therapist Assistant Diploma — Speech Language Pathologist Assistant Major
www.macewan.ca
NorQuest College — Educational Assistant Certificate
www.norquest.ca
NorQuest College — Child and Youth Care Diploma
www.norquest.ca
NorQuest College — Early Learning and Child Care Certificate
www.norquest.ca
NorQuest College — Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
www.norquest.ca
NorQuest College — Social Work Diploma
www.norquest.ca
NorQuest College — Therapeutic Recreation Diploma
www.norquest.ca
NorQuest College — Disability Studies Diploma
www.norquest.ca
Concordia University of Edmonton — Bachelor of Education (After Degree)
concordia.ab.ca
The King's University — Bachelor of Education — Elementary (After Degree)
www.kingsu.ca
The King's University — Bachelor of Education — Secondary (After Degree)
www.kingsu.ca
University of Alberta — Bachelor of Education — Elementary Education
www.ualberta.ca
University of Alberta — Bachelor of Education — Secondary Education
www.ualberta.ca
Transferable Skills
- Empathy & patience — Understanding and responding to the needs of people with diverse abilities
- Communication — Adapting how you speak and listen to connect with different individuals
- Teamwork — Collaborating with teachers, therapists, families, and support workers
- Activity planning — Designing and leading activities that are inclusive and engaging
- Observation — Noticing changes in behavior, mood, and ability to provide better support
- Professionalism — Maintaining appropriate boundaries and ethical conduct in caring roles
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