Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development (Honours)
Discover a career supporting children, families and communities.
- Earn a unique credential as this program is the only one of its kind in Canada which combines early learning and community development
- Link theory to the real world through two mentorships and three different and diverse placement opportunities
- Graduates are eligible to apply to become registered members of the College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
Data is currently unavailable for this program. Please take a moment to report this via our Website Feedback Form. Thank you!
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development (Honours) program prepares you to work with children and families in both the community development and educational sectors and provides you with a variety of transferable skills.
There is an increasing awareness of the importance of early learning in our society. Similarly, there is an ongoing need to develop and support early learning opportunities for children and their families within a variety of settings. The early learning sector is evolving to address these changes. This program is ideal for those who want to play a role in these developments....(read more)
Overview
Discover a career supporting children, families and communities.
The Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development (Honours) program prepares you to work with children and families in both the community development and educational sectors and provides you with a variety of transferable skills.
There is an increasing awareness of the importance of early learning in our society. Similarly, there is an ongoing need to develop and support early learning opportunities for children and their families within a variety of settings. The early learning sector is evolving to address these changes. This program is ideal for those who want to play a role in these developments.
This program combines theory and practice, giving you the skills and knowledge you need for engaging with communities, families and children to create and implement community and school based programs that support early learning and development.
Throughout the program, you have three varied field placements within both community and school settings. These give you the chance to apply your skills to real-world settings. With field placements, applied learning and a semester-long work term, graduates are ready for employment in the community development and education sectors.
Graduates may find work in:
- community health agencies
- kindergartens
- research and advocacy
- early learning programs
- child and family centres
- municipal and provincial government
- non-governmental agencies addressing the needs of families, children, and their communities
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Have strong observational and analytical skills.
- Are willing to work as a member of diverse interprofessional teams.
- Have strong language (oral and written) skills.
- Are self-reliant and enjoy challenges.
- Are interested in learning theories and nurturing children`s learning through play.
- Are comfortable using computers and other forms of technology.
- Enjoy working with children and their families.
- Have an appreciation for the importance of research.
Early childhood education is a physically demanding profession. Individuals entering this profession must be able to lift children, materials and equipment (up to 70 pounds). As well, individuals must be able to move quickly/run between areas in the room and outside in order to ensure children`s safety. In addition, educators must constantly observe children to ensure safety and to assess children`s abilities, skills and interest in order to develop meaningful curricula. Entering the program without these abilities may result in unsuccessful practicum/placement and students who fail to successfully complete these are not eligible to graduate from the program.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
EDU4110
Course Name:
Human Development I
Course Description:
Child development knowledge is used by educators and other professionals to help guide their work with children. Using developmental and lea... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4113
Course Name:
Historical Overview of Early Learning and Family Services
Course Description:
Educational, social and political policies influence early learning programs and family services. Students examine the historical developmen... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4122
Course Name:
Ethics and Legislation in Early Learning
Course Description:
Legislation guides educators as they plan, implement and evaluate early learning programs for children, their families, and their communitie... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1100
Course Name:
Communications and Academic Writing
Course Description:
Effective communication is an integral component of success in the workplace and in lifelong learning. Students review communication theory ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PSY4111
Course Name:
Social Psychology
Course Description:
Social Psychology represents a diverse area of study where scientific methods/principles are used to explain how individual behaviours and w... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4100
Course Name:
Mentorship I
Course Description:
The ability to understand and reflect on their professional roles and responsibilities in the early learning sector is important for a stude... + Read More
Hours:
100.0
Code:
EDU4114
Course Name:
Introduction to Curriculum
Course Description:
Meaningful curriculum is a foundational component of quality learning programs. Using learning theories and theories of play, students exami... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4120
Course Name:
Human Development II
Course Description:
Professionals working with children and families use knowledge of child and adolescent development to guide their practice. Students examine... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4123
Course Name:
Supporting Children with Exceptionalities
Course Description:
Educators require diverse skills and knowledge to work successfully with a wide variety of families who have children with exceptionalities.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHI1000
Course Name:
Logic and Critical Thinking
Course Description:
Logic and critical-thinking skills play an important role in both daily life and ongoing academic studies. As foundational skills, they supp... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
PSY4121
Course Name:
Educational Psychology
Course Description:
Knowledge of how individuals learn is important when developing effective curriculum. Through reflection, students examine their existing be... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4200
Course Name:
Mentorship II
Course Description:
Practical experience working directly with children and families allows students to broaden and deepen their integration of theory with prof... + Read More
Hours:
100.0
Code:
EDU4230
Course Name:
Constructing Intentional Learning Environments
Course Description:
The learning environment is considered to be the "third" educator in early learning spaces. Students analyze elements of time, space, materi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4232
Course Name:
Coregulation in Early Childhood
Course Description:
In early learning environments children require support to nurture their growing ability in developing relationships with others and the wor... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM4233
Course Name:
Legislation and Ethics in Family Services
Course Description:
Legislation in the social welfare sector guides professionals in their work with children and their families. Students examine the legislati... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM4234
Course Name:
Working with Adults
Course Description:
Parents and others working within the early learning profession, through participation in educational programs, are empowered to become lead... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
BIO2200
Course Name:
Botany
Course Description:
Biologists with an interest in plant life may choose to specialize in botany. Beginning with the organic features of life, focusing on plant... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ECO2000
Course Name:
Environmental Economics
Course Description:
Issues pertaining to the environment have a major financial impact on society and government. Environmental economics examines the way human... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2025
Course Name:
Interpersonal Communication
Course Description:
Effectively communicating with others, both professionally and personally, is an art that requires conscious development. Students address t... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLS3101
Course Name:
French as a Second Language-Beginner 1
Course Description:
The French language is an asset when communicating in the workplace. Students with no prior knowledge of French acquire basic forms and stru... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLS3102
Course Name:
French as a Second Language-Beginner 2
Course Description:
The workplace benefits from having professionals with knowledge of the French language. Students with basic knowledge of French gain more co... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED2300
Course Name:
Indigenous Self-Representation in Contemporary Canadian Culture
Course Description:
Historically, Indigenous peoples and their cultures have been dramatically misrepresented and stereotyped in Canadian literature, music, vis... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEO2300
Course Name:
Principles of Urban Planning
Course Description:
Increasingly cities and communities are feeling the pressure of expansion, and people from all walks of life feel disconnected from the proc... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
LAN3101
Course Name:
Spanish-Beginner 1
Course Description:
The Spanish language is an asset when communicating in the workplace. Students with no prior knowledge of Spanish acquire basic forms and st... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LAN3102
Course Name:
Spanish-Beginner 2
Course Description:
The workplace benefits from having professionals with knowledge of the Spanish language. Students with basic knowledge of Spanish gain more ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LAW2014
Course Name:
Law
Course Description:
The reach of the rule of law extends into our lives on a daily basis. As much as it is present in our lives, very few people are aware of th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHI2002
Course Name:
Ethical Decision Making
Course Description:
To avoid potential prosecution, companies and their employees are well-advised to engage in ethical decision-making practices in all busines... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PSI2000
Course Name:
Navigating Canada's Political Landscape
Course Description:
A developed knowledge of government and politics is key to an effective participation in public life. Drawing on current events, students e... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SCI2000
Course Name:
Environmental Science
Course Description:
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary study of how the earth works, human interaction with the earth and how to address the existing... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SOC2000
Course Name:
Introduction to Sociology
Course Description:
When working with individuals and groups it is important to understand both the background and influences present. Students develop a famili... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SOC2001
Course Name:
Anti-Racism: Theory and Practice
Course Description:
Anti-racism is the practice of identifying, challenging, and changing the values, structures, and behaviours that perpetuate systemic racism... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4240
Course Name:
Foundations of Literacy, Numeracy, and Science Development
Course Description:
Research indicates that early literacy and numeracy play an essential role in a child's future success. Using relevant theories as a foundat... + Read More
Hours:
45.0
Code:
EDU4242
Course Name:
Creative Arts for Children
Course Description:
Through the exploration of creative art materials and activities young children develop and demonstrate a wide variety of skills and abiliti... + Read More
Hours:
45.0
Code:
EDU4243
Course Name:
Administrative Practices
Course Description:
Effective administrative practices are essential for developing and managing a program. Students explore governance models and legislative r... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
FLD4244
Course Name:
Practicum 1
Course Description:
Individuals developing the skills to work with children require practical as well as academic experiences. Functioning as part of a kinderga... + Read More
Hours:
175.0
Code:
BIO2200
Course Name:
Botany
Course Description:
Biologists with an interest in plant life may choose to specialize in botany. Beginning with the organic features of life, focusing on plant... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ECO2000
Course Name:
Environmental Economics
Course Description:
Issues pertaining to the environment have a major financial impact on society and government. Environmental economics examines the way human... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2025
Course Name:
Interpersonal Communication
Course Description:
Effectively communicating with others, both professionally and personally, is an art that requires conscious development. Students address t... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLS3101
Course Name:
French as a Second Language-Beginner 1
Course Description:
The French language is an asset when communicating in the workplace. Students with no prior knowledge of French acquire basic forms and stru... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLS3102
Course Name:
French as a Second Language-Beginner 2
Course Description:
The workplace benefits from having professionals with knowledge of the French language. Students with basic knowledge of French gain more co... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED2300
Course Name:
Indigenous Self-Representation in Contemporary Canadian Culture
Course Description:
Historically, Indigenous peoples and their cultures have been dramatically misrepresented and stereotyped in Canadian literature, music, vis... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEO2300
Course Name:
Principles of Urban Planning
Course Description:
Increasingly cities and communities are feeling the pressure of expansion, and people from all walks of life feel disconnected from the proc... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
LAN3101
Course Name:
Spanish-Beginner 1
Course Description:
The Spanish language is an asset when communicating in the workplace. Students with no prior knowledge of Spanish acquire basic forms and st... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LAN3102
Course Name:
Spanish-Beginner 2
Course Description:
The workplace benefits from having professionals with knowledge of the Spanish language. Students with basic knowledge of Spanish gain more ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LAW2014
Course Name:
Law
Course Description:
The reach of the rule of law extends into our lives on a daily basis. As much as it is present in our lives, very few people are aware of th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHI2002
Course Name:
Ethical Decision Making
Course Description:
To avoid potential prosecution, companies and their employees are well-advised to engage in ethical decision-making practices in all busines... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PSI2000
Course Name:
Navigating Canada's Political Landscape
Course Description:
A developed knowledge of government and politics is key to an effective participation in public life. Drawing on current events, students e... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SCI2000
Course Name:
Environmental Science
Course Description:
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary study of how the earth works, human interaction with the earth and how to address the existing... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SOC2000
Course Name:
Introduction to Sociology
Course Description:
When working with individuals and groups it is important to understand both the background and influences present. Students develop a famili... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
SOC2001
Course Name:
Anti-Racism: Theory and Practice
Course Description:
Anti-racism is the practice of identifying, challenging, and changing the values, structures, and behaviours that perpetuate systemic racism... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4353
Course Name:
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Course Description:
When working with infants and their families, educators strive to provide welcoming and supportive environments while creating collaborative... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4354
Course Name:
Exploring Inclusive Communities
Course Description:
As Canada continues to undergo cultural and demographic changes, students are facing the reality of working with diverse children, families ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM4351
Course Name:
Community Organization
Course Description:
Within the community framework there are a wide variety of social services, healthcare, education and recreational organizations that provid... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
NAT4352
Course Name:
Outdoor Play in Early Learning
Course Description:
Increasingly, research indicates the importance of the natural environment for the healthy development of young children. The importance of ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHI2004
Course Name:
Foundations of Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Actions
Course Description:
Fundamental understanding of research process, including knowledge of theoretical principles, methods and considerations for conducting well... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4231
Course Name:
Play-Based Pedagogy
Course Description:
When working with infants and their families, educators strive to provide welcoming and supportive environments while creating collaborative... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4360
Course Name:
Developing Proposals
Course Description:
Many community agencies depend on proposals to access funding and resources. Students examine how funding sources influence the type of prop... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM4362
Course Name:
Group Dynamics and Organizational Behaviour
Course Description:
Educators require a variety of organizational skills to work in the increasingly diverse early learning sector. Using relevant theories, stu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLD4361
Course Name:
Practicum 2
Course Description:
Individuals developing skills to work with children and families within the broader community require practical, as well as academic experie... + Read More
Hours:
189.0
Code:
EDU4478
Course Name:
Early Learning and Community Development Work Term
Course Description:
The work term experience provides an experiential learning opportunity for individual students which are directly related to the field of st... + Read More
Hours:
420.0
Code:
EDU4241
Course Name:
Pedagogical Communication and Program Evaluation
Course Description:
Educators use pedagogical communication and program evaluation to support the quality of early learning and community-based programs. Studen... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4472
Course Name:
Special Studies in Early Learning and Community Development I
Course Description:
Combining acquired skills and knowledge with individual interest areas, students research relevant issues in early learning and community de... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLD4474
Course Name:
Practicum 3
Course Description:
Individuals developing the skills to work with children and community partners in the natural environment require practical, as well as acad... + Read More
Hours:
98.0
Code:
NAT4473
Course Name:
Outdoor Early Learning Environments
Course Description:
The outdoor environment is an integral component to quality education and health in the early years. Students explore international, nationa... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
QUA2001
Course Name:
Statistics for the Social Sciences
Course Description:
Professionals in the social sciences evaluate quantitative evidence to make decisions. In this course, students explore descriptive and infe... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4400
Course Name:
Global Perspectives of Pedagogy
Course Description:
The early years are widely recognized as a critical part of life that lay the foundation for development and well-being. Early learning peda... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
EDU4480
Course Name:
Special Studies in Early Learning and Community Development 2
Course Description:
Increasingly the early learning sector requires individuals with strong analytical and interpretive skills to carry out well-grounded resear... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM4482
Course Name:
Leadership, Community Development and Advocacy
Course Description:
Early Childhood Education is greatly influenced by a community's ability to mobilize and advocate for marginalized and vulnerable population... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
CUL4000
Course Name:
Global Citizenship
Course Description:
Informed citizens in today's world appreciate the meaning of civic life at the local, national and global level. Students reflect on and dev... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL4016
Course Name:
World Literature
Course Description:
Exposure to broad sources of literature promotes an open-minded perspective on today's global society and encourages an appreciation of dive... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL4100
Course Name:
Creative Writing
Course Description:
Whether for personal or public consumption, many people enjoy writing short fiction to express their creative energy while improving upon th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL4200
Course Name:
New Worlds and Alternative Realities: Speculative Fiction
Course Description:
Speculative fiction gathers together all those works of fiction in which new worlds or alternative realities are envisioned. Within this ca... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHI4000
Course Name:
Philosophy and Popular Culture
Course Description:
Many facets of today's popular culture engage, directly or indirectly, with the concerns of a variety of philosophical traditions. Drawing o... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHI4002
Course Name:
The Philosophy of Drugs
Course Description:
Drugs are everywhere: professionals prescribe them to us to make us "better"; we take them recreationally; we give them to our children, pet... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHI4003
Course Name:
The Philosophy of Love and Sex
Course Description:
Love and sex are central to the human condition, and have been topics of academic inquiry and controversy throughout history. Various practi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHI4004
Course Name:
Technology, Society and the Environment
Course Description:
Environmental issues have come to occupy a central place in the marketplace, politics, policy, and society at large. Owing largely to the ma... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHI4100
Course Name:
Survival in the Information Age: Risk and the Media
Course Description:
On an almost daily basis, the media, through its various outlets - television, radio, web sites, RSS, and podcasts - reports on issues that ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
PHY4000
Course Name:
Black Holes, Big Bangs and the Cosmos
Course Description:
The dynamic and exciting field of Cosmology outlines our current understanding of the Universe from its start, at the so-called Big Bang, th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SOC4000
Course Name:
Criminology
Course Description:
The interdisciplinary study of social science examining the individual and social aspects of crime is known as criminology. Students work th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SOC4001
Course Name:
Global Perspectives
Course Description:
Sociology, through its exploration of the organization of society and the connections between people and their surroundings, provides new wa... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates of this program are eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators. Graduates may find employment opportunities in community health agencies, Early ON centres, municipal and provincial government and non-government agencies, addressing needs of families, children, and their communities. Entrepreneurial opportunities (e.g. consulting, marketing of educational toys, etc.) are emerging.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Contribute to early learning and community development for children and families using research and evidence-based practice from the fields of psychology, early learning, education, sociology, and social work.
- Communicate professionally, in all modalities to support children, their families and their communities to document research findings and inform the public and profession.
- Use cross cultural competencies and evidence-based practice to initiate and develop supportive, respectful, responsive and professional relationships when working with children, families and the broader community, including Indigenous peoples and Francophone culture.
- Develop inclusive curricula by using observation strategies and applying research and evidence-based practices in early learning and community development pedagogy.
- Design and deliver effective needs assessments, draft action plans, and implement and evaluate community based early learning projects.
- Co-create and evaluate inclusive, equitable, safe and healthy learning environments for children, families, and communities.
- Apply relevant legislation, regulations, standards and the College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice to inform the development, implementation and evaluation of programs for children, families and their communities.
- Identify and analyze local, national and international standards, trends and directions in the early learning profession to inform leadership practices.
- Coordinate, implement and lead early learning services and community partners and stakeholders through the assessment and analysis of data on organizational structures and behaviours.
- Develop a personal philosophy of early learning and community development using methodologies of reflective practice and evidence-based theoretical perspectives.
- Apply a variety of leadership skills to work collaboratively with community partners and stakeholders, families and children to advocate for quality early learning programs and services.
- Advocate for the importance of the natural environment in supporting the development of healthy communities for children and their families through the application of current research and knowledge.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
- Mature students are applicants who have not achieved the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent and who are at least 19 years of age on or before the commencement of the program in which they intend to enroll. Mature students applying for Degree programs satisfy College Eligibility by having demonstrated academic abilities equivalent to those of Ontario high school graduates, verified by successful completion of at least one full-time term at the post-secondary level (minimum five courses taken concurrently in an academic program of study).
Program Eligibility
- Six Grade 12 university (U) or university/college (M) courses with a minimum 65% average including:
- One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum 65%.
- Please note that mature students must meet the following subject-specific Program Eligibility requirements, either directly or through equivalencies:
- One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum 65%.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Additional Requirements:
Upon acceptance into the program the following requirements must be met. Valid First Aid and CPR Certification (St. John Ambulance, Red Cross or equivalent) must be completed prior to the commencement of classes. This certificate must be valid for the duration of the program. Students must have Standard First Aid certification. Failure to complete these requirements will prevent students from participating in the field placement and work term components of the program.
Health Requirements:
The physical and emotional health of each applicant to the program must be such that he or she can successfully cope with the program of instruction including the demands of field placement (e.g. stress and time management). Individuals who have concerns about their ability to meet these requirements should contact the coordinator of the program prior to submitting an application.
Police Records Check Documentation:
Students must provide the College with a current Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) prior to the deadline identified by the department and students are responsible for any associated costs. If this documentation in not submitted on time, students may not be placed and registration in the program will be jeopardized. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate and will be asked to withdraw.
Experiential Learning, Work Term and Field Placement Eligibility:
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of Standard First Aid certification, CPR level C, PRCSVS, and complete immunizations through ParaMed. ParaMed services are the third party provider who collects all field placement documentation for the Community Studies department.
Mature students are applicants who have not achieved the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent and who are at least 19 years of age on or before the commencement of the program in which they intend to enroll. Mature students have demonstrated academic abilities equivalent to those of Ontario high school graduates, verified by successful completion of courses at the postsecondary level.
If you are an International Student:
International students require a work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to authorize the student in completing the essential work component in the three placement courses and work term in the 4-year BELCD degree.
International students must have a work permit in order to participate in the practice teaching courses. This permit should be obtained as soon as possible. At the port of entry to Canada, students should let the customs officer know that they need the work permit and should include a letter issued by the International Admissions office to add support to the request.
Students who wait until they start the program to apply for the permit might not obtain it in time to begin their first practice teaching course.
Current processing times for the work permit are found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/temp.asp.
Application Information
BACHELOR OF EARLY LEARNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (HONOURS)
Program Code 1617X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Algonquin College has been granted consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting May 10, 2022. The College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable timeframe.
Students may apply for transfer of academic credits from Algonquin College (internal transfer) or from other institutions (external transfer). College Policies AA09 and AA10 apply to transfer of credits. For more information visit: www.algonquincollege.com/directives. Students may apply for credit by challenging courses using Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). College Policy AA06 applies to PLAR. Students pay a fee for each course they wish to be exempt from and, through either a portfolio or challenge examination, a PLAR may lead to the acceptance of work and life experience in lieu of taking certain courses. For more information visit: www.algonquincollege.com/col/plar.html.
ACADEMIC PROBATION:
Students who have two or more F grades in a given term or whose term grade point average falls below C- are considered to be on academic probation (Policy AA14 Grading System). This requires the student to meet with their academic advisor or coordinator to sign a learning contract which identifies the conditions which must be met to continue in the program. Students who do not meet the terms of their learning contract are withdrawn from the program.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:
Students must achieve a minimum of a 1.7 final G.P.A to meet graduation status.
Completion of the total number of work terms listed under the courses section on the program page are mandatory for graduation. Students must make every effort to remain on schedule and participate in work term(s) as planned. Students who fail to complete work term(s) as scheduled may be required to take an unscheduled break in their studies, resulting in a delay in graduation in order to complete their work term at a later date. Taking an unscheduled break in studies can impact an international student’s immigration status, including, in most cases, the ability to work. International students are advised to consult with the International Education Centre to understand the potential implications of unscheduled breaks at www.algonquincollege.com/international/student-handouts/scheduled-unscheduled-breaks/.
Contact
Lisa Lalonde
Program Coordinator
Room C230h
Lisa Lalonde is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), she is a graduate of Algonquin College’s ECE program, and has a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management from Royal Roads University. She currently is pursuing a PhD in Applied Psychology & Human Development, Early Learning through OISE, University of Toronto.
Lisa has over 15 years of experience working with children, families, and the broader early learning community. She participated in the College of Early Childhood Educators Leadership Project, and is engaged in building professional capacity within the early childhood sector, both locally, Ottawa, and provincially. Her areas of interest are examining the professional identity of ECE’s, and the use of technology in early childhood settings.
Sharmeen Charania
Professor
Room C230p
Sharmeen Charania, PhD is a full time faculty with the Bachelor of early learning and community development program. Professor Charania is a member of the College of ECE and has a PhD in Early Childhood Education from the Arizona State University. She also has a Masters degree in Education from the University of West Georgia with a minor in Teacher Education. She has worked with families and parents in her various roles. Professor Charania is the proud recipient of the Algonquin Students’ Association Excellence in Teaching award in 2020.
Barbara Leigh Golden
Professor
Room C230
Dr. Golden is a member of the LGBTQ community, a feminist, and the mother to two Indigenous children. She is a leader and strategist with 20 years experience of management experience (government, non-for-profit sector and academia). She has a diverse academic background including a PhD in Planning and Development, a Masters of Education, and Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies. She is an educator, facilitator and coach who strives to reduce barriers and create opportunities. Her community work and research focus on equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice. In 2021, Dr. Golden won The New Faculty Teaching Award. And in 2022, Dr. Golden won the Algonquin Students’ Association Faculty Recognition Awards (Excellence in Teaching) for demonstrated excellence and innovation in teaching and her passion for supporting students’ success. Overall, Dr. Golden strives to empower diverse learning styles and create a safe place for sharing, collaborating and nurturing learning.
Carlos Pereira
Professor
Room J117
Carlos Pereira has a B.A. in developmental psychology from Carleton University, a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Algonquin College, a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Ottawa and is currently working on completing his Ph.D. thesis in Applied Psychology and Human Development at the University of Toronto. Carlos has held a number of roles in the ECE field for the last 27 years and is currently a professor at Algonquin College where he works with students across the various early learning programs being offered at the college.
Anjali Chander
Admissions Officer
Catherine Hewlett
Professor
Heather Beaudin
Professor
Room C230
Dr. Heather Beaudin, RECE, is an experienced educator with a strong background in early learning. She is currently a full-time faculty member at Algonquin College, teaching in the Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development program. Dr. Beaudin holds a Doctor of Education from Western University, where her research focused on leadership in early childhood education, particularly in distributed leadership and building educators’ leadership capacity.
Before transitioning to post-secondary teaching, Dr. Beaudin held various roles in the early learning sector, including Pedagogical Leader, where she supported educators in practice, as well as Preschool and Kindergarten educator. At Algonquin College, she is passionate about fostering dynamic, student-centred learning environments where students are engaged and connected.