Information for Students
Access with Student Card
ECE students are required to have their student ID cards activated at orientation to access the ELC for observations. If you are an ECE student and your card has not been activated, please contact us through the Contact Us Link. Once we contact you, we will need you to provide your full name, number on the back right corner of your student card (not your student ID number), and a copy of your timetable to verify your registration in the ECE program.
Online Algonquin College Students
Online students are required to activate their students cards through the online activation form found on your Brightspace Student Hub ECE Content Page. Please view the YouTube tutorials and videos on the ECE Content Page before visiting the Early Learning Centre. For more information please contact the Online ECE Department.
Please sign in and out at the counter when you enter and exit the ELC.
Program Schedules
Infant Program Schedule Infant Schedule
Toddler/Preschool Schedule Preschool/Toddler Schedule
Please refer to the individual program schedules for specific observation needs.
Observation Rooms Policy
Please note all observations rooms are closed daily between 12:30 – 2:30 during sleep time.
Expectations When Using Observation Rooms
- NO Food or drinks in the ELC
- Please use quiet voice and appropriate language while in the ELC
- Please leave your book bag and other things in the observation room
- Please keep lights OFF or at a dim while in the observation room
- Please be aware of transition time and wait until the children have finished their transition before entering into the room
- As a courtesy, please ask before coming into the room to observe
- Please check with an educator BEFORE you take pictures
- Absolutely NO VIDEO RECORDING allowed in the ELC
Preschool/Toddlers: For indoor observation purposes, the educators request that only 2 students come onto the floor at a time. For outdoor observations the programs can accommodate more students. Please do not interrupt circle/group time (use the observation room during those times)
Infants: The educators request that you use the observation rooms exclusively whenever possible. If it is necessary to observe within the program, 1 student at a time may request to observe inside the room. Unfamiliar faces can be upsetting to infants so please be aware of your presence.
Virtual Tour of our Observation Room
Program and Curriculum
The program and curriculum are guided by “How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years” (2014). Children have the opportunity to manipulate, investigate, solve problems and ask questions in our indoor and outdoor classrooms. The educators carefully observe individual children, and from their observations, a challenging and developmentally appropriate learning environment is planned to provide child-led, adult- supported experiences and activities which reflect the interests and learning levels of the children. Each child will be supported and nurtured in all areas of development within a positive learning setting that encourages self-regulation. Pedagogical documentation of each child’s active participation in the program will make their learning visible and will allow families to become involved through discussion and collaboration.
The health, safety and well-being of the children are a priority through the provision of nutritious meals and attention to the physical environment. All children are provided with the opportunity to rest on their own cot or crib. The ELC is an integral component of Algonquin College through the provision of experiential learning experiences for Early Childhood Education students. The College provides natural community partners for the ELC through various departments and resources. The program and practices of the ELC are documented and reviewed on a regular basis.