The School of Early Childhood Education helps students learn about the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children, and provides the skills and knowledge necessary for planning and carrying out programming which optimizes individual development of young children. The programs blend theory about how children develop with a hands-on application of theoretical principles.

Students are given the opportunity to explore child development theory and to apply it to programming for infant, toddler, preschool and school-aged children. Included in this sequence is developmental theory and practice for children with special needs as well as an overview of relevant communications theory and philosophy. Seneca's two lab schools are model child care centres that provide observation and programming opportunities for students.

STUDENTS LEARN TO: Provide a physically safe, mentally healthy, and intellectually stimulating environment for groups of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school aged children. Observe and interpret children's developmental levels and reactions to situations. Implement flexible curriculum, which will meet the needs of individual children in the group. Communicate positively and purposefully with children, parents, and other adults in the preschool and community.

BY DEVELOPING SKILLS IN: understanding psychological, sociological, and developmental theories and principles; understanding their own communication patterns and the ways these effect children and adults; observing, assessing, and analysing children's behaviour; deciding which of many curriculum ideas would be appropriate for the children; implementing these ideas so that children can expand their learning. Students will demonstrate they have developed the necessary competencies to meet these aims and objectives in community field placement settings.