This course provides an introduction to the early childhood learning environment in British Columbia, including the types of businesses and services, professions, and regulations in the province. Students learn about the Early Learning Framework: foundations of early learning in BC, thinking with pedagogical narration, and living inquiries whilst practicing general understanding using activity sheets.  Students also become knowledgeable in the concept of learning through play and the ‘Ready Set Learn’ – activities which support all early learning areas outlined in the Early Learning Framework. A significant portion of the course is activity-based combining the foundational information about how to arrange an environment with an exploration of the characteristics and abundant examples of learning centers rich with materials and possibilities.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to design and implement early learning environments that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in young children. They will understand the importance of a well-structured learning space and how to utilize resources and materials to enhance children’s learning experiences.

• Childcare and Regulation in BC
• Early Learning Framework
• The importance of Environment
• Establishing an Emotional, Supportive and Equitable Environment
• Designing Schedules, Transitions, Groupings and Assignments
• Arranging an Effective Environment’
• Design Consideration
• Manipulative and Sensory Learning Centres

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain how to use B.C.’s Early Learning Framework, and describe its key concepts
• Identify and research the legislation, frameworks, and human rights agreements that are part of the foundation of the Early Learning Framework
• Describe the principles of the Early Learning Framework
• Define and describe pedagogical narration, how to engage in the process and its entry points
• Describe the four living inquiries (areas of learning): well-being and belonging; engagement with others, materials, and the world; communication and literacies; and identities, social responsibility, and diversity, with further description of the pathways (learning goals) for each inquiry
• Use activity sheets to apply the principles of pedagogical narration
• Observe and record the observations in various aspects of early learning environments, including:
  • The emotionally supportive, equitable environment
  • Schedules and transitions
  • Learning centres and arrangements
  • Design considerations
  • Manipulative and sensory centres
• Plan, design, and prepare activities for various learning centres in an early learning environment.

• Lecture/presentation
• Discussion
• Individual assignments
• Slide presentations, videos, and visual representations
• Facilitated group work
• Facilitated observations and recording activities
• Supervision of hands-on creation and conducting of learning centre activities