Early Childhood Education (ACS)

This Early Childhood Education Attestation is a two-year Continuing Education certification program designed for people interested in a career working with young children in a variety of childcare settings (daycares, pre-schools, extended day programs, and home daycares).

With the International Early Childhood Education Attestation at Vanier College, you will:

• Be introduced to best practices to support children and families in various childcare settings
• Discover early learning principles and child development
• Have opportunities for planning, designing, and implementing activities
• Learn to create meaningful relationships with children and coworkers
• Understand the importance of guidance strategies and emotional support in the classroom
• Practice hands-on techniques led by highly qualified, experienced teachers in small groups
• Have access to:
  • peer mentoring, tutoring and student support
  • excellent job opportunities in an expanding field
  • Meeting Early Childhood Needs Quebec’s universal childcare program
• Bonus: Learn French as you take the program!

Background Check

Students will have a background check performed by local law enforcement within the first few months of the program. This background check is mandatory to be eligible to work with young children and vulnerable populations during fieldwork.

Course Descriptions

• The Early Childhood Education Profession (322-703-VA)
• Safety in Child Care (322-713-VA)
• Observing Children (322-714-VA)
• Professional Communication Skills (322-724-VA)
• Meaningful Relationships with Children (322-773-VA)
• Overall Child Development 0 to 5 years (350-704-VA)
• Pedagogical Aims (322-843-VA)
• English Writing for the ECE Profession (603-700-VA)
• Child Health and Nutrition (322-799-VA)
• Overall Child Development 5 to 12 years (350-714-VA)
• Educational Activities for Children 0 to 2 years of age (322-734-VA)
• Autonomy in Children (322-823-VA)
• Educational Activities for Children 5 to 12 years of age (322-754-VA)
• Special Needs Children (322-813-VA)
• The Environment (322-835-VA)
• Educational Activities for Preschoolers (322-745-VA)
• Professional Partnerships (322-833-VA)
• Guidance (322-824-VA)
• Fieldwork 1 & 2 (322-710-VA & 322-720-VA)

Upon completion of the program, you will receive an AEC/ACS (Attestation of Collegial Studies), authorized by the Minister of Education (MELS) and recognized by potential employers. Certified graduates will be able to work in various daycare environments (i.e., privately owned “garderies”, government run Centres de la Petit Enfance or “CPE’s”, home childcare and school based childcare programs).

The objective of this program is to enable a person to develop the skills required of an Early Childhood Educator of children from 0 to 12 years. Our graduates are prepared to join a team of educators in various areas of education, where they will lead routines, create and implement developmentally appropriate activities and form meaningful bonds with children and their families.

Most graduates will find work in one of the following positions:

• Early childhood educator
• Assistant educator
• Shadow for special needs children
• School-based daycare technician
• Day camp animator

Successful completion of the Attestation, combined with 3 years full-time work experience in a licensed childcare setting, will allow the student to work in the field as a qualified educator.

Some of our graduates go on to pursue further studies in Special Care Counselling, Elementary Education, Child Studies or Social Sciences

Professional Development Courses

Students will have to take various professional development courses as part of their program. These courses are specifically designed for international students interested in gaining the necessary language and professional training to engage well in the Canadian workforce. Students will receive an extra certificate of completion from Continuing Education for taking these courses. Courses include: Beginner French, Low Intermediate French, French for the ECE Profession and Dynamic Job-Seeking Methods.