First Nations Child Care

Health & Community Studies

First Nations Child Care

NOC-4214

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Program Description

Are you interested in helping young children in their early development? SIIT’s First Nations Child Care program will help you take the next step into a career in early childhood education.

The First Nations Child Care (FNCC) program is a full time program delivered as a one-year certificate. Students have the option to continue on to complete the second year for a two-year diploma. Courses and practicums are designed to prepare you to provide quality care to children according to both mainstream and Indigenous theory and practice. The FNCC program is available at our campuses in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Regina, and in select community locations.

Graduates can expect to work as early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214) in elementary and high school environments, youth centres and care facilities. Most employers require criminal record and vulnerable sector checks.

Admission Requirements

High School Diploma, ABE 12 or GED
Must provide a current criminal record and vulnerable sector check

Mature Admissions

Must be 21 years of age or older
The applicant must have a minimum of five years related work experience
Complete an academic assessment and achieve a Grade 11 minimum
Provide an updated resume
Provide official transcripts if available

Acceptance Policy

Strong preference is given to applicants who are Status First Nations, but SIIT programs are open to anyone.

English Language Benchmark

SIIT is not currently legislated to accept International Students. You must be a Canadian/ Permanent Resident to apply.

To be admitted into this program you must be able to understand and communicate in English (Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment of six – CLB6).

Courses

Certificate Level Courses

Year 1

Child Development I (DEVL 141)
Interpersonal Communications (COMM 130)
Introduction to Play (PLAY 119)
Child Development II (DEVL 142)
Communicating with Children & Guiding Children’s Behaviour (GUID 131)
Foundations of Curriculum Planning (CURC 120)
Practicum 125 (PRAC 125)
The Learning Environment (CARE 122)
Curriculum Design and Implementation (DESN 121) (80 hrs)
Introduction to Human Behaviour (BEHV 140)
Practicum 126 (PRAC 126) (160 hrs)

Diploma Level Courses

Year 2

Health, Safety & Nutrition (HSNT 245)
Children and Youth with Special Needs (NEED 240)
Caring for Infants & Toddlers (TODD 215)
Practicum 225 (PRAC 225)
Creativity: Art, Puppets, Stories, Music and Props for Preschoolers
Communication Skills for Professional Helpers (COMM 231)
Practicum 226 (PRAC 226)
Administration to Planned Change (ADMIN 235)
Practicum 227 (PRAC 227)

Tuition and Fees

Year One/Certificate

Tuition	Textbook	Compulsory Fees	Total*
$4,284	$1,000	$575	$6,389
Please note: All tuition and fees are subject to change. Compulsory fees may include: student fees, field trip and/or practicum fees, laboratory fees, apprenticeship fees, PPE & other equipment, exam fees, online fees, consumables, safety and first aid training, and tools. Total amount does not include the required U-Pass Transit Bus Pass for Saskatoon & Regina students.

Year Two/Diploma

Tuition	Textbook	Compulsory Fees	Total*
$4,284	$1,000	$575	$6,389
Please note: All tuition and fees are subject to change. Compulsory fees may include: student fees, field trip and/or practicum fees, laboratory fees, apprenticeship fees, PPE & other equipment, exam fees, online fees, consumables, safety and first aid training, and tools. Total amount does not include the required U-Pass Transit Bus Pass for Saskatoon & Regina students.

Additional Fees- U-Pass - Saskatoon and Regina Transit Bus Passes

UPass
$278.00 per year	The U-Pass is a City Transit bus pass for students that allow you to save on transportation costs. The U-Pass fee is provided at a reduced cost compared to a standard monthly City Transit pass and is mandatory for most SIIT students in Saskatoon and Regina. You may use the U-Pass as many times as you would like during the academic term. Students who meet certain requirements can opt-out of the U-Pass. Please contact the Admissions department for more information.
Please note: U-Pass fees are subject to change.

UPass

$278.00 per year

The U-Pass is a City Transit bus pass for students that allow you to save on transportation costs. The U-Pass fee is provided at a reduced cost compared to a standard monthly City Transit pass and is mandatory for most SIIT students in Saskatoon and Regina. You may use the U-Pass as many times as you would like during the academic term. Students who meet certain requirements can opt-out of the U-Pass. Please contact the Admissions department for more information.

Please note: U-Pass fees are subject to change.

Funding

Depending on your status, different forms of financial assistance are available to you. Please click here to explore options for funding. If you require assistance finding funding, please contact supportservices@siit.ca.

What to Expect

Day to Day

Delivery Method

Primarily in-class instruction, with some group- based learning, Monday to Friday, 6 hours per day.
5-10 hours per week of independent (homework learning).

Work Integrated Learning

Students in the First Nations Child Care Program have the opportunity to complete five practicums. You must provide a current criminal record and vulnerable sector check to participate.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Each program has specific attendance requirements that must be adhered to in order to graduate.

If you have been approved for funding, you must maintain the attendance required by your sponsoring agency to remain eligible to receive payment.

Graduation Requirements and Credential

You must maintain a GPA of 60% to graduate. Graduates will receive a First Nations Child Care Certificate or Diploma and an SIIT Transcript.

Additional Licensing Required for Employment

In Saskatchewan, Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certification is required if you work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children for 65 hours or more per month in a licensed child care centre. All applicants must apply directly to the Ministry of Education for ECE Certification.

Career Path

Career Opportunities & Salaries

Graduates of this program can find employment as early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 4214).

Early childhood educators plan, organize and implement programs for children between the ages of infancy and 12 years. Early childhood educator assistants provide care for infants and preschool- to school-age children under the guidance of early childhood educators. Early childhood educators and assistants lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth and ensure their security and well-being. They are employed in child-care centres, day-care centres, kindergartens, agencies for exceptional children and other settings where early childhood education services are provided.

Progression to senior positions, such as daycare supervisor, is possible with several years of experience or with experience and advanced ECE qualification levels.