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.

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 – (45 hours/ Credits) Introduction to Play:
   This course introduces students to children’s wonderment and motivation to play. It examines how the indoor and outdoor play environments are key components for children’s development. Students incorporate theories about play into a play philosophy.
2. INECE 110 – (45 hours/3 Credits) Guiding Children’s Behaviour:
   This course introduces students to the methods of communicating with children that help foster positive self-concept. It provides an introduction to approaches to guiding children in order for children to develop their own self-control in their lives. Students will examine their personal styles of interacting with and guiding children, and how their style influences children’s behaviour.
3. INECE 115 – (45 hours/3 Credits) Health, Safety and Nutrition:
   This course will provide the opportunity to explore methods of meeting children’s needs for health, safety and nutrition in the childcare setting. Children’s needs vary according to culture and environment so students will explore the needs of children in the communities and cultures where they plan to practice. Traditional ways of ensuring health and safety will be considered alongside strategies for educating and working with parents, families and community members. Food Safe Certification will be included.

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

• 135 hours
• 8 weeks delivery of 3 courses
• Roughly 12 hours of instruction per week
• “No practicum”

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

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 I ECE courses through an alternate post-secondary institution, you can transfer that credit. For more information, please reach out to the Admissions Team at 1-306-477-9325