Indigenous Early Childhood Education (INECE) Level 1

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Program Description

The Indigenous Early Childhood Education (ECE) Level 1 program is a three-course program that delivers the basics in Early Childhood Professional Education in alignment with provincial ECE standards. This program includes three core Level 1 ECE courses rooted in Indigenous worldviews, perspectives, history, literature, engagement with Elders, and land-based education practices.

Students have the option in this Accelerated Level 1 Early Childhood Education program to use their prior experience and knowledge to apply for a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) assessment to obtain credit in 1,2 or 3 courses. Courses will also be run independently from the PLAR process. This program will give students the foundational beginnings to begin a career as a childcare provider.

Program Delivery

There are two ways to obtain credit for each of the three courses as part of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Level 1 program:

1. Online Study: This program is suited for those who are currently working in or are interested in working either full-time or part-time in a childcare facility. This online program includes 3 courses – 45 hours of study time for each course, over 4 months.
2. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR): If you have one or more years of experience working in a childcare facility within the last five years, you may be eligible to obtain credits for one or more of these courses through the PLAR process. Please see below for more information about the PLAR process.

Admission Requirements

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

This program includes core Level 1 ECE courses rooted in Indigenous worldviews, perspectives, history, literature, engagement with Elders, and land-based education practices.

1. INECE 105 Play:
   Learn how play and promoting play behaviours foster child development and learning.
2. INECE 110 Guiding Children’s Behaviour:
   Learn how to apply positive knowledge to communicate, guide, and support children in building their own communication skills.
3. INECE 115 Health, Safety and Nutrition:
   Learn how to promote the health and well-being of children through your professional practice.

Tuition & Fees

This program is supported by the Government of Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Advanced Education through a grant and is tuition-free for all accepted applicants.

What to Expect

Day to Day

Delivery Method

• Online study (45 hours per course of online instruction in addition to independent study time)
• PLAR: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (Independent Study – approximately 10 to 12 hours per week)

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Each program has specific attendance requirements that must be adhered to in order to graduate. For this program, the attendance requirement is 90%.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated according to the successful completion of all program components.

Graduation

To graduate, students must achieve 50% in each of the courses: INECE 105, INECE 110 and INECE 115, with an overall average of 60%.

If you complete this program, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement from SIIT and will also be eligible to apply for an ECE Level 1 Certification through the Government of Saskatchewan.

Career Opportunities

Completing the Indigenous Early Childhood Education Level 1 program at SIIT will prepare you to enter careers in Early Childhood Education or pursue Post-Secondary programs in the related field. Applicants will be eligible to apply for their Saskatchewan certification in Early Childhood Education Level 1 (ECE Level 1). Those who receive their ECE Level 1 certification can work over 65 hours or more per month in a childcare centre.

PLAR – Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

You may be eligible to gain credit for INECE courses through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. It is available to students with professional experience and previous knowledge in early childhood settings. Credit for a course obtained through PLAR involves independently completing 3-6 knowledge demonstration assignments per course and reviewing related resources. You will still be required to meet with an instructor for scheduled meetings. Your program coordinator and instructor will determine if you are eligible to PLAR one or more courses. The PLAR program is not recommended for students that would benefit from attending class. Students challenging a course by PLAR will be asked to submit an updated resume.

For more information, please contact the INECE coordinator on your acceptance letter, once admitted to the INECE program.

INECE program Transfer Credit: If you have gained credit for one or more level 1 ECE courses through an alternate post-secondary institution, you can transfer that credit. For more information, please reach out to the Admissions to Team at 306-477-9325.