CCS3110 Early Learning & Child Care 1

Advanced · 1 credit · HRH - Health, Recreation, and Human Services

Description: Students investigate the roles and responsibilities of a child care worker, and develop communication, observation and skills for guiding behaviour.
Prerequisite: None
Parameters: Access to children between the ages of 0–5 in any of the following ways: a licensed child care centre; a licensed preschool; a licensed or approved family day home; a licensed out-of-school care program; or, a school-based pre-Kindergarten program. (A Kindergarten program will not fulfill the needs of the program due to the age of the children.) Note: This is the first of five courses leading to the provincial certification required to work in licensed child care programs. Upon successful completion of the following courses—Early Learning and Child Care 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5—the student may be eligible to receive certification, providing the objectives of the Orientation Course for Childcare Staff 1 from Alberta Children and Youth Services have been met. Students should be aware that a security check may be required for access to child care facilities.
Supporting courses: HCS3040: Child Care First Aid HSS2020: Nurturing Children

Outcomes The student will:

1 evaluate roles and responsibilities of providing quality care and a safe environment for children
- 1.1 identify personal values, beliefs, culture and personal experiences in relation to the role of a child care professional
- 1.2 differentiate between support functions and primary care responsibilities
- 1.3 describe the responsibilities of providing a safe environment for children
- 1.4 identify qualities of a professional child care worker
- 1.5 explain the meaning and importance of quality care
2 demonstrate skills for effective communication
- 2.1 describe skills, methods and processes of effective communication
- 2.2 demonstrate active listening skills with children in a child care facility to facilitate positive communication
3 observe and record children’s behaviour
- 3.1 interpret the importance of observing young children and methods used to record observations of their behaviour
- 3.2 identify ways caregivers can observe in a child care setting 1. The program of studies, DVD and instructor’s manual for Orientation Course for Childcare Staff is copyrighted and available through Alberta Children and Youth Services (Child Development Branch).
- 3.3 record the effects of culture, experiences, traditions, personal history and biases on observing children’s behaviour
4 demonstrate developmentally appropriate practices when guiding children’s behaviour
- 4.1 differentiate between guidance, discipline and punishment
- 4.2 role-play giving clear guidelines with a positive approach
- 4.3 describe redirection strategies to avoid problem situations
- 4.4 assess appropriate guidance policies for child care programs
5 demonstrate basic competencies
- 5.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
  - 5.1.1 communicate
  - 5.1.2 manage information
  - 5.1.3 use numbers
  - 5.1.4 think and solve problems
- 5.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
  - 5.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
  - 5.2.2 be responsible
  - 5.2.3 be adaptable
  - 5.2.4 learn continuously
  - 5.2.5 work safely
- 5.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
  - 5.3.1 work with others
  - 5.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
6 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
- 6.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
- 6.2 identify steps to achieve goals