Active Curriculum

Childcare & Early
Childhood

Build skilled childcare assistants for Canada's $10/day childcare system.

Learner
Syllabus Overview

Structured learning journey.

1
42 Mins

Child Development Fundamentals

This module introduces the fundamentals of child development from birth to six years, focusing on physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth. You will learn key developmental milestones, understand how children progress through different stages, and explore major theories that guide early learning. The module also emphasizes the importance of observation in identifying developmental differences and supporting children effectively in Canadian childcare settings.

Key Terminology

1Child Development: Growth and changes from birth to age six
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2
43 Mins

Early Learning Frameworks

This module introduces the foundations of early learning frameworks used in Canadian childcare settings. You will explore play-based learning, emergent curriculum design, and the role of responsive environments in supporting children’s development. The module also examines the importance of observation and pedagogical documentation in planning meaningful learning experiences, while highlighting how educators build inclusive, engaging, and child-centred programs through relationships, exploration, and family partnerships.

Key Terminology

1Early Learning Framework: A guiding document that supports child-centered, play-based, and developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education.
2Play-Based Learning: An educational approach where children learn through exploration, creativity, interaction, and hands-on experiences.
3Emergent Curriculum: A flexible teaching approach where learning experiences are developed based on children’s interests, questions, and developmental needs.
4Pedagogical Documentation: The process of collecting and displaying evidence of children’s learning through photos, observations, artwork, and written reflections.
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3
41 Mins

Health, Safety & Nutrition

Module 3 focuses on essential health, safety, and nutrition practices in early childhood settings. It covers how to manage food allergies and anaphylaxis, plan balanced meals for young children, reduce choking risks through safe food preparation, and apply proper handwashing and hygiene routines. The module emphasizes prevention, supervision, and consistency in creating safe and healthy childcare environments.

Key Terminology

1Food Allergy:
An immune system reaction to certain foods that can range from mild to severe.
2Anaphylaxis:
A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency treatment.
3Allergen:
A substance (usually a food) that can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals.
4Epinephrine Auto-Injector:
A medical device used to deliver a dose of epinephrine during an anaphylactic emergency.
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4
41 Mins

First Aid & Emergency Response

Module 4 introduces essential first aid and emergency response practices used in childcare and early learning environments. Learners will explore pediatric CPR and First Aid awareness, injury assessment and treatment, emergency evacuation procedures, and professional incident reporting. The module emphasizes preparedness, calm decision-making, safety procedures, and effective communication to help protect children during emergencies and everyday incidents.

Key Terminology

1Pediatric First Aid: Emergency medical care specifically designed for infants and children.
2CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): An emergency procedure used when a person’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
3Pediatric CPR: A modified form of CPR designed for infants and young children.
4Emergency Response: Immediate actions taken to protect health and safety during an emergency situation.
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5
40 Mins

Behavior Guidance & Positive Discipline

Module 5 explores positive approaches to guiding children’s behavior in early childhood settings. Learners will examine the causes of challenging behaviors, strategies for promoting positive behavior, the differences between time-in and time-out approaches, and techniques for de-escalating tantrums and emotional situations. The module emphasizes respectful communication, emotional support, and developmentally appropriate guidance practices.

Key Terminology

1Behavior Guidance: Strategies used to teach children appropriate behavior, self-regulation, and social skills in supportive and respectful ways.
2Positive Discipline: An approach to discipline focused on teaching, guidance, encouragement, and emotional support rather than punishment.
3Challenging Behavior: Behavior that interferes with learning, safety, relationships, or daily routines.
4Emotional Regulation: The ability to manage and respond to emotions in appropriate ways.
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6
39 Mins

Creating Safe Learning Environments

Module 6 introduces learners to the essential practices used to maintain safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate childcare environments. Learners explore indoor and outdoor safety checks, age-appropriate toys and materials, supervision practices, staff-to-child ratios, and hazard prevention strategies. The module emphasizes proactive safety awareness, active supervision, and the educator’s role in protecting children’s physical and emotional wellbeing while supporting healthy exploration and learning.

Key Terminology

1Indoor Safety Check: A routine inspection of classrooms and indoor spaces to identify and remove potential safety hazards.
2Outdoor Safety Check: An inspection of playgrounds and outdoor areas to ensure equipment and environments are safe for children.
3Hazard: Anything that has the potential to cause injury, harm, or danger within a childcare environment.
4Hazard Prevention: Proactive actions taken to reduce or eliminate safety risks before injuries occur.
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7
43 Mins

Infant & Toddler Care

Module 7 introduces learners to the foundational caregiving practices used to support infants and toddlers in early childhood environments. Learners explore diapering, feeding, and sleep routines, emerging language development, attachment and separation anxiety, and sensory play activities. The module emphasizes responsive caregiving, emotional security, developmental support, and creating safe, nurturing environments that promote healthy growth, communication, and early learning.

Key Terminology

1Attachment: The emotional bond that develops between a child and a trusted caregiver, supporting security and healthy development.
2Separation Anxiety: A normal emotional response where young children experience distress when separated from familiar caregivers.
3Responsive Caregiving: Providing consistent, attentive, and supportive responses to children’s physical and emotional needs.
4Diapering Routine: A structured caregiving process that supports hygiene, comfort, safety, and emotional security during diaper changes.
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8
42 Mins

Preschool Programming

Module 8 introduces learners to the principles and practices used to design and implement engaging preschool learning experiences. Learners explore daily schedules and routines, circle time and group activities, creative programming through art, music, and movement, and the development of pre-literacy and pre-math skills. The module emphasizes planning, play-based learning, observation-based programming, and developmentally appropriate teaching strategies that support school readiness and whole-child development.

Key Terminology

1Preschool Programming: The planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate learning experiences for preschool-aged children.
2Daily Schedule: An organized plan that outlines routines, activities, and transitions throughout the childcare day.
3Routine: A predictable sequence of activities that helps children feel secure and understand expectations.
4Transition Strategy: Techniques used to help children move smoothly between activities or routines.
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9
40 Mins

Inclusion & Special Needs Support

Module 9 introduces learners to inclusive childcare practices and strategies used to support children with diverse developmental, behavioral, physical, communication, and learning needs. Learners explore supporting children with autism, ADHD, and other exceptionalities, developing and implementing Individualized Program Plans (IPPs), collaborating with Early Childhood Educators and support professionals, and using adaptive equipment and inclusive strategies. The module emphasizes inclusion, accessibility, individualized support, teamwork, and creating respectful learning environments where all children can participate successfully.

Key Terminology

1Inclusion: Creating environments where all children can participate meaningfully regardless of their abilities or needs.
2Special Needs: Diverse developmental, physical, behavioral, or communication needs that may require additional support.
3Individualized Program Plan (IPP): A structured plan outlining goals, strategies, and supports for a child’s development.
4Accommodation: Adjustments made to the environment or activities to support a child’s participation.
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10
43 Mins

Family Partnerships & Communication

This module explores how early childhood educators build strong, respectful relationships with families through effective communication. It covers daily communication logs, parent conferences, cultural sensitivity, and strategies for handling difficult conversations. The focus is on creating trust, supporting collaboration, and ensuring families are actively involved in their child’s learning and development.

Key Terminology

1Daily communication logs: Ongoing written or digital records used to share daily updates about a child’s care, activities, and well-being between educators and families.
2Parent conference: A scheduled meeting between educators and families to discuss a child’s development, progress, and learning needs.
3Progress sharing: The process of communicating a child’s developmental growth, strengths, and areas for support with families.
4Cultural sensitivity: The ability to recognize, respect, and respond appropriately to cultural differences without judgment or bias.
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11
38 Mins

Digital Tools for Childcare

This module introduces the use of digital tools in childcare settings to support communication, documentation, and program management. It covers childcare management apps, photo and video documentation, digital check-in systems, and communication platforms for families, with an emphasis on efficiency, transparency, and professionalism.

Key Terminology

1Childcare management app: A digital platform used to organize daily childcare operations, including communication with families, attendance tracking, documentation, and program management.
2Real-time communication: The immediate sharing of updates between educators and families through digital platforms or apps.
3Digital documentation: The use of electronic tools to record and share information about a child’s learning, development, and daily activities.
4Photo documentation: The practice of capturing still images to record children’s learning experiences and developmental progress.
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12
43 Mins

Canadian Childcare Regulations

This module introduces the key regulations that govern childcare in Canada, including the $10/day childcare program, provincial licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and mandatory reporting obligations. It emphasizes the importance of compliance, safety, and legal responsibility in early childhood settings.

Key Terminology

1$10/day childcare program: A national initiative aimed at reducing childcare costs and increasing access to affordable, high-quality childcare across Canada.
2Licensing: Legal approval required for a childcare program to operate, based on meeting provincial standards.
3Provincial regulations: Rules and standards set by each province or territory that govern childcare operations.
4Compliance: Following all required laws, regulations, and standards in a childcare setting.
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13
40 Mins

Professionalism & Ethics

This module explores the core ethical principles and professional responsibilities that guide early childhood educators. It focuses on the Code of Ethics, confidentiality and privacy, maintaining professional boundaries with families, and the importance of self-care to prevent burnout and support sustainable, high-quality practice.

Key Terminology

1Code of Ethics: A set of guiding principles that outline professional values, responsibilities, and standards of conduct for educators.
2Professional integrity: Acting honestly, ethically, and responsibly in all professional situations.
3Ethical decision-making: The process of evaluating and choosing actions based on professional values and ethical standards.
4Duty of care: The legal and ethical responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of children in your care.
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14
40 Mins

Activity Planning & Implementation

This module focuses on designing and delivering meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences in early childhood settings. It covers lesson planning for different age groups, integrating STEAM learning, promoting outdoor and nature-based play, and incorporating cultural diversity into programming.

Key Terminology

1Lesson planning: The process of designing structured learning experiences based on children’s developmental needs, interests, and goals.
2Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP): An approach that aligns activities with children’s age, abilities, and individual development.
3Play-based learning: A learning approach where children explore, discover, and develop skills through play.
4STEAM education: An integrated approach to learning that includes Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
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15
35 Mins

Certification & Career Advancement

This module explores career pathways in early childhood education, including the roles of ECE Assistant and RECE. It also focuses on building a professional portfolio, developing effective job search strategies, and engaging in ongoing professional development to support long-term career growth.

Key Terminology

1ECE Assistant: An entry-level role that supports early childhood educators in daily routines and activities under supervision.
2Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE): A qualified professional who has completed required education and registration to independently practice in early childhood education.
3Certification: Formal recognition that an individual has met required education and training standards for a profession.
4Professional registration: The process of officially being recognized by a regulatory body to practice in a profession.
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Professional Certification

Complete 15 modules to unlock your verified certificate.