Child Growth and Development I 

This course begins with an overview of the life cycle.  It progresses to an intensive study of child development from conception to five years of age with emphasis on physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.  A segment of the course also deals with developing observation and recording skills.  The Native view of child development, cultural diversity, and differences in outlook are studied.  Specific topics include prenatal influences and development; birth, feeding and nurturing; developmental milestones and developmental alerts; characteristic behaviours of each age; and stages of play.

Methods I:  Role of the Teacher 

Upon completion of this course, the student understands the role of the day care teacher in interacting with and teaching children and in planning the program for a day care environment.  In addition to specific aspects of legislation from the Day Nurseries Act and the Child and Family Services Act, the course also examines the history of education for First Nation peoples, including the impact of residential schools, the “Indian Way” of educating, and the use of legend to guide children in culturally appropriate ways.

Introduction to Native Studies 

This introductory course surveys the traditions, cultures, histories, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples of North America.  Your exploration will cover such themes as European intrusion, colonial administration and policies, residential schooling, Indian Act, Treaties, and self-determination.  As well, you will learn of the Native Arts, Literature, and the contemporary quest for social justice as Indigenous peoples struggle to find meaning and a place in modern society.

Personal Growth and Development I

It is an Anishinabe belief that “before you can help others, you must help yourself.”  This belief is the foundation of this course.  With the help of experienced resource people and trained helpers, the students will illustrate their life paths, examine personal issues, recognize the external influences on their lives, and learn strategies to deal with negative issues and strengthen the positive ones.

Methods II:  Curriculum Planning

This course provides introductory skills in curriculum planning using age and culturally appropriate activities.  Content areas include math, science, art, music, literature, drama, storytelling and puppetry.

Child Growth and Development II

This course begins with a review of the development al concepts and perspectives presented in the “Lifespan Perspectives on Child Growth and Development I” course.  The life stages from a Native perspective from prenatal development to age five are also reviewed briefly.  This course provides an intensive study of child development from 6 years to late adulthood. Particular emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, after-school care, school-age child interests and activities, behavioral characteristics and specific needs of each age group.  Recording and observation skills are further developed.

Parenting and Parenting Relationships

This course explores the balance in relationships and parenting.  Topics include roles and responsibilities, balance, building healthy relationships, teenage mothers, mixed parentage, and parenting skills.

Infant & Toddler Care

This is a course designed to familiarize the student with theories and research related to infant and toddler development and with developmentally appropriate practices for very young children.  Sections of the Day Nurseries Act dealing with the child less than 18 months of age are studied. This course prepares students to work with very young children in-group care.  Methods of caring for and nurturing babies are studied, taking into account physical and cultural variations in development.  Infant nutrition, communicable disease common to the young child, play activities, and equipment to enhance development are addresses. 

Health & Nutrition

This course offers a concise examination of the basic principles of nutrition, diet, and selection of food.  The course deals with normal nutrition, including a study of basic nutrients and their sources; factors affecting nutritional requirements for all stages of development; traditional Native foods; types of diet for individuals with a variety of health problems; and menu planning for day care children.

Field Work II

Students further develop the skills acquired in Field Work I.  Native child care settings are used whenever possible.  Specific requirements of this block placement include programming for children in arts and crafts and nature experiences.

Observation of Young Children

N/A

Methods III:  Advanced Applications

This course provides theory and further practice in curriculum planning.  Students develop skills to adapt and implement curriculum for specific ages, including infant, toddler, pre-school and school-age children.

Community Development

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to examine community development in Native communities in Canada.  This course will focus on community – based initiatives in Native Communities; skills required for compiling a community profile and a short overview of research / survey skills which are important to those engaged in the promotion of wellness in Native Communities.

Methods IV:  Program Management

This course deals with administration, financial management and legal issues.  The course also deals with procedures for accountability to First Nations and/or other agencies.

Exceptional Child

The course examines exceptionalities in children.  Appropriate programming for special needs is an essential part of this course.  Specific topics include integration, legislation that applies to the special needs child, role of the resource teacher, related role of the day care teacher, and the significance of assessment tools in the development of Individual Program Plans (IPPs).  Case studies are used.

Field Work III

This is a block fieldwork experience.  Whenever possible, the student is placed in a Native childcare setting.  Emphasis is placed upon putting into practice and refining the learning acquired through proceeding courses and previous fieldwork experiences

Field Preparation for 317

N/A

Day Care in the Community

This course provides skills in identifying and mobilizing community resources to support and promote day care within the Native community.  It includes needs analysis, program planning, forming, and working with committees.  Strategies to respond to community expectations of promotion and retention of language and culture are included.

Emergent Curriculum

N/A

Native Culture – Artistic Expression

N/A

Field Work IV

This course integrates the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.  It includes selection of a topic, report preparation, and presentation.  This is the final segment of field practice.  At this time, the student takes an active role in a child care center in program planning, room and group supervision, some administrative tasks, plus attendance at child care meetings, staff meetings, and any other meetings that impact on the child care center.  The experience includes menu planning, cooking, and other non-teaching activities.

Field Preparation for 317

N/A