Early Childhood Education Resource Consulting

This course introduces students to early learning pedagogy and play-based strategies as the cornerstones of supporting children with special needs. Through a lens of curriculum principles that guide inclusive early learning programs, students will examine and analyze developmental characteristics of children in order to recommend program adaptations and modifications that build on children's strengths. In addition, students will utilize observation skills and screening tools in order to recommend centre policies and practices that promote meaningful and maximum early learning program participation.

Students are introduced to the Family Service Plan as the consultation platform that integrates perspectives from families, early learning educators, health professionals and community services providers in order to adapt and modify curriculum practices. Students examine early learning environments and create a plan that recommends strategies, adaptations and modifications that promote the benefits of inclusive learning for children with special needs. In addition, students develop a proposal of how they plan to communicate this information to the full Family Service Team. This course highlights the importance of working in consultation with the whole team in order to support children.

This course examines how research, current legislation, regulations, and ethical and professional standards impact evidence informed practices of resource consultants. Students assess a variety of observation and screening tools, family engagement models and learning strategies in order to understand child development and advise families and early learning educators. They utilize and reflect on professional knowledge and plan further learning related to teaching and inclusive practices.

Through a range of interactive, community-based learning opportunities, this course will examine methodologies and strategies to engage others in the consultation process to support families, early learning educators, and other community professionals. Students will apply plan, deliver and evaluate educational opportunities for families, early learning educators and community professionals in supporting the healthy development of children living with diverse abilities. In addition, students will identify and critique organizational practices and create a consultation plan to engage stakeholders in the development of a shared philosophy of inclusion.

This field placement experience introduces students to the work of ECE resource consulting. Building on prior skills and knowledge students examine current legislation, policies and evidence informed practices to reflect on how the roles of the RECE and ECE resource consultant complement each other to support children living with special needs. Students demonstrate collaborative professional practices as they promote and advocate inclusive policies and environments. In consultation with the service team, students select, administer and interpret observation techniques and screening tools in order to contribute to the Family Service Plan. In addition, they recommend program adaptations and modifications that demonstrate the principles of early learning pedagogy and inclusive play-based early learning practices, empower parents as decision-makers. Students reflect on the effectiveness of those strategies as well as on their own personal development as early childhood interventionists.

This course emphasizes the reciprocal partnership between the families of children living with diverse abilities and the service team within the community. Students will examine the structural, cultural, and developmental diversities of families in order to empower them as the primary support for their children's learning and development. Working in collaboration with the family and the service team, students will demonstrate strategies that engage in family-centered and strength-based decision making regarding the learning and development of the child. In addition, students will research community resources and learn to make referrals and advise families.

This final field placement extends the student's understanding of the role of the ECE resource consultant. Working as a member of the service team, students act in accordance with legislative regulations, agency policies and professional standards. They demonstrate family-centred strategies as they guide families to navigate potential supports and services and make recommendations that support the healthy development of children living with special needs. Through the use of reciprocal communication and evidence informed practices, they apply principles of adult learning in order to co-ordinate and facilitate case management meetings, educational opportunities and referral discussions. They reflect upon their consultation practices and create a plan for further professional development.