EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Resource Consultant Certificate of Achievement
Continuing Education/Part-Time Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this program?
This is a fast-track program for early childhood educators who want to learn the essential skills required to promote the inclusion of young children with special needs in the child care community. (For a PDF copy of our ECE brochure please click here.)
What is the focus of study?
The program offers early childhood educators the opportunity to develop skills that allow them to find appropriate resources, as necessary, to support young children with special needs, and their families, through:
- current, practical course content
- hands-on, interactive classroom activities and discussion
- course work designed for real experience
- faculty who work in the field of special needs
What will I learn?
Students learn the essential skills required to:
- promote the inclusion of children with special needs in the child care community;
- gather information in relation to children with special needs;
- assist families and child care staff in identifying strengths, needs and goals for the child with special needs;
- access and coordinate resources to support children, families and child care staff;
- develop appropriate strategies and service plans to support inclusion of the child with special needs;
- interact with related professionals in the community.
What does the program qualify me to do?
Graduates qualify as Resource Teachers/Resource Consultants under the Day Nurseries Act. Graduates have found employment in:
- Day treatment programs
- Special needs consultation programs
- Community Living Toronto
- Toronto Preschool Autism Services
- Boys & Girls Club of East Scarborough
- Durham Resources for Exceptional Children
- College child studies faculties
- City of Toronto child care resource programs
Will this program allow me to work as a Resource Teacher in the Ontario school system?
No. In order to work as a Resource Teacher in the school system you must possess an Ontario Teacher’s Certificate and your special education credentials. Your credentials will be recognized under the Day Nurseries Act in the licensed child care community.
What credentials do I require to enter this program?
You must possess an Early Childhood Education diploma from an Ontario college or a letter of equivalency granted by the Association of Early Childhood Educators, Ontario (AECEO).
What if I don’t have an ECE diploma, but possess other credentials or training?
You should apply to the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO) to have your credentials evaluated for the purpose of achieving equivalent standing to an ECE diploma. The AECEO can be reached by phone 416-487-3157 or email aeceo@bellnet.ca. More information about the AECEO and equivalency can be found at www.aeceo.ca.
What other skills and experience will help me to be successful in this program?
You should have at least one year of experience in the licensed child care field and experience with children with special needs. You will also need strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to use a computer to produce professional reports.
What is the entry point? (When can I start this program?)
The program is offered starting each September.
Do I need to start at the beginning of the program?
Yes, each course builds on the information and assignments from the previous courses. You must also complete all of Level 1 successfully before moving on to Level 2.
How long does it take to complete this program?
The course is offered in a part-time, fast-tracking route; the courses run consecutively through the year (with a break in the summer), with Saturday classes in each course. The program usually takes approximately 18 months to complete.
How many courses and field placements are there?
There are seven courses and two field placements.
What type of assignments can I expect?
Most of the assignments in the program are “live” and require access to children, birth to 12 years old, in a licensed child care program.
Can I complete my field placements in my workplace?
While you will be able to complete many of your course assignments in your workplace (a licensed child care centre), you will not be able to complete your placements in your workplace. Field placements are designed to allow you to spend time with special needs resourcing professionals to experience the role of the Resource Teacher/Resource Consultant.
How long are the field placements?
Each field placement is 105 hours long. The field placements will require time away from your current job. It is best to begin to think now about how to organize this, so you will be prepared.
How are field placements organized?
You are expected to organize your own placement settings, subject to faculty approval. Information about how to do this will be supplied in field practicum seminars; however, the Program Supervisor will be happy to discuss this process with you at any time.
Will I require a police record check to complete my field placements?
Most special needs resourcing agencies will require proof of a current police record check to protect the best interests of the children and families who utilize their services. You are expected to provide proof of a current police record check as a component of your field placement learning resource plan for faculty approval before beginning your placements. This is a process you can begin now by visiting your local police station and requesting a police record check or utilizing Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC), at http://www.oesc-cseo.org/, to prove your suitability for practicum duties that will bring you into direct contact with children or vulnerable persons.
Will I require a current medical certificate to complete my field placements?
Many special needs resourcing agencies will also require you to present a current medical certificate that confirms you are free from communicable diseases that may compromise the well-being of the children, families, and staff in the agency. You will be expected to visit your physician and have them complete a medical certificate before your field placement.
Are there many textbooks to purchase?
The number of textbooks for the entire program is minimal. As faculty are working in the special needs resourcing field, they bring a great deal of up-to-date information to the classroom in the form of articles, handouts and experiential exploration.
How do I register?
You can register for the first course, Exploring Inclusion (SN-400), and provide a copy of your ECE diploma or AECEO letter of equivalency at the information session or on the first evening of class. In continuing education (part-time studies), you register, and pay, for courses individually as they occur. However, you should note the start dates of each course and/or practicum so you register, and pay, on time.
How can I get more information?
For information on the details of courses (what, when, where and how much), check out the CE Calendar.
For general information on part-time ECE at Centennial, visit centennialcollege.ca/ece or contact program officer Patti Bracken, pbracken@centennialcollege.ca, 416-289-5000 ext 7086.
For a PDF copy of our ECE brochure please click here.
For academic details (transfer credit, etc.), contact program supervisor Robin Lister, rlister2@my.centennialcollege.ca, 416-289-5000 ext. 4201. | 
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