Program Details

Early Childhood Education

Attestation of College Studies (ACS)
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About the Program

LaSalle College Montréal’s Early Childhood Education program (ACS) trains educators to work with children from 0 to 12 years old. Experience various observation, integration, and animation internships in an educational environment.

Early childhood educators lay the foundations for children’s education, actively participate in their development, and accompany them in their growth.

Learning Outcomes

  • Observe children to analyze their needs using observation tools.
  • Design educational activities that promote children’s development.
  • Support children with their physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development.
  • Adapt and make environments accessible to allow the inclusion of all.
  • Create a meaningful relationship with children, in close collaboration with their parents.

Profile

Successful Early Childhood Educators have a unique combination of skills, including:

  • Communication Skills

    Convey instructions and provide feedback that encourages language development and social interaction among children.
  • Patience

    Adapt teaching strategies, handle challenging behaviours, and maintain a positive attitude.
  • Observational Skills

    Identify individual strengths and areas that need improvement, and tailor their teaching methods accordingly.
  • Curriculum Planning

    Create stimulating lesson plans that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

Career Prospects

Driven by the increasing number of preschool-age children and government commitments to create new subsidized spaces and recruitment measures, employment opportunities are very favourable.

According to the Canadian Government, Childhood Educators are crucial for the economy, especially in Québec.

To address high demand, “Opération main-d’œuvre” was launched in 2021, aiming to boost learners’ enrollment in this field.

Career Fields

Early Childhood Educators can work in different environments:

  • Educational childcare services;
  • Early childhood centres;
  • Educational childcare services in an educational setting;
  • Educational childcare services in a home environment;
  • Educational services in private and semi-private daycares.

Diploma & Accreditation

This Attestation of College Studies (ACS) is approved by the ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur of Québec and is internationally recognized.

ACS programs are part of continuing education and destined primarily for adults seeking to add value to their skill set or reorient their career.

Prerequisites

Proof of eligibility might be requested for internships. A background check is necessary. This request will be made by the College.

Proof of up-to-date basic immunization might be requested as an internship requirement:

  • Diphtheria,
  • Poliomyelitis,
  • Tetanus,
  • Rubella,
  • Mumps,
  • Measles.

Vaccinations for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and influenza may also be required.

You must be in good health.

Required Materials

A laptop computer is mandatory for study in this program. This laptop must be equipped with the Windows operating system to work with all software.

Mentors may request other standard or student-licensed software mandatory for their courses to be installed.

Learn more about the benefits

It has been determined that a Windows PC is required for your program. If you plan to use a Mac, you may need to configure your Mac laptop to run software on Windows.

Minimum Requirements :

  • Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent  
  • 8 GB of RAM or more  
  • 512 GB or larger SSD (Solid State Drive)  
  • Windows 11 (Home, Education, or Pro versions).  

Recommended Requirements

  • Intel Core i7 processor or equivalent  
  • 12 GB of RAM or more  
  • 512 GB or larger SSD (Solid State Drive)  
  • Windows 11 (Home, Education, or Pro versions).  
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Opportunities

Our unique approach incorporates real-world experience with classroom learning for hands-on, practical education.

  • Collaborate with active industry professionals;
  • Sharpen skills in a practical setting;
  • Observe real interaction between professionals and children at our very own daycare center.

Accelerate your career!

Cutting-edge facilities & equipment

Experiment with cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment, software, and technology in our advanced facilities, including:

Actively participate and collaborate with teachers using these specialized facilities, boosting your motivation and confidence.

Work Experience

Get sought-after practical experience with our Career Service, open-door daycare centre, and Work-Study Program (WSP), which incorporates two paid internships into your program.

Our Early Childhood Education program also includes two practical trainings as part as the curriculum:

  • Introduction to the Profession and Involvement training (180 hours),
  • Intervention training (255 hours).

Admissions Criteria

Exceptions to these admission criteria may be applied.

Every application is reviewed by the College.

To be eligible for acceptance into an ACS program, applicants are generally required to meet one of the following criteria:

  • Have interrupted their full-time studies for at least two (2) consecutive semesters or one (1) full school year; or

  • Have followed post-secondary studies for a period of at least one (1) year; or

  • Have a Secondary School Diploma (DES) or a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS), and the program allows them to receive a technical training that is not available in a DCS program; or

  • Have an equivalent education or an instruction deemed sufficient and meet the admission criteria set for college studies.

Academic Dates

LaSalle College has three annual start dates: fall, winter, and summer.

We accept applications at any time. Registration is open year-round.

Processing time:

  • Canadian applicants: up to two weeks,
  • International applicants: up to six months.

Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure a spot in your desired semester.

Note that applications are not processed until all required, validated documents and admission fees are received.

List of Courses

ACS programs are based on DCS program curricula, but do not have general education courses like French, English, or Philosophy.


Concentration Courses

Semester 1

  • Early Childhood Profession (45 hours)
  • Child Health and Safety in the Educational Setting (75 hours)
  • Child Development from 0 to 2 years old (60 hours)
  • Writing and Summarizing Texts Relevant to the Profession (45 hours)
Semester 2
  • Observing Children in the Educational Setting (45 hours)
  • Workplace Communication (45 hours)
  • Educational Program and a Healthy Lifestyle (75 hours)
  • Child Development from 2 to 12 years old (60 hours)
Semester 3
  • Art and Creativity in the Educational Setting (75 hours)
  • Special Needs and Partnerships (45 hours)
  • Activity Development in the Educational Setting (60 hours)
  • Children’s Emotional Relationships (60 hours)
  • Introduction to the Profession and Involvement Practicum (180 hours)
Semester 4
  • Development of Childhood Autonomy (30 hours)
  • Teaching Approaches and Techniques in the Educational Setting (60 hours)
  • Children’s Adaptation Challenges (30 hours)
  • Intervention Practicum (255 hours)

* The College reserves the right to substitute some courses.

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Open House | Salle Jean-Paul-Morin (2nd floor), LaSalle College

Open House

Discover why, every year, thousands of students choose LaSalle College to achieve their dreams.
  • November 2, 2024
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