ECED 1010 – Unit 2 – 2E
Early Child Care and Education
in Canada
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OUR JOURNEY TODAY
• Modern Theoretical Perspectives in Early Childhood Education
• ECE Policies and Universal Child Care Today
• Reflection and Discussion
Modern Theoretical
Perspectives
in
Early Childhood Education
Modern Theoretical Perspectives in Early
Childhood Education
• In recent decades, new approaches to early childhood education have
emphasized child-centered, inquiry-based, and experiential learning.
• These approaches move away from traditional, structured teaching and
focus on fostering children’s natural curiosity, independence, and critical
thinking skills.
Modern Theoretical Perspectives in Early
Childhood Education
Reggio Emilia Approach: Child-Led Learning Through Exploration
• The Reggio Emilia Approach originated in post-WWII Italy, founded by
educator Loris Malaguzzi.
• This philosophy promotes child-led, project-based learning, where
children are seen as active participants in their own education.
Modern Theoretical Perspectives in Early
Childhood Education
Key Principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach
Children as Capable Learners
• Children are viewed as strong, competent, and capable of constructing
their own knowledge.
• Educators act as facilitators rather than instructors, supporting children’s
interests and ideas.
Modern Theoretical Perspectives in Early
Childhood Education
The Environment as the "Third Teacher"
• Learning spaces are designed to be inviting, interactive, and rich in
natural materials.
• Open-ended materials (e.g., loose parts, art supplies, nature-based
objects) encourage exploration and creativity.
Modern Theoretical Perspectives in Early
Childhood Education
Project-Based Learning
• Long-term projects emerge from children’s questions and observations.
• Learning is guided by documentation (e.g., photos, drawings, written
reflections) to track children’s progress.
Modern Theoretical Perspectives in Early
Childhood Education
Collaboration and Community Involvement
• Families are seen as co-educators, playing an active role in their
children’s learning.
• Classrooms function as learning communities, where children work
together on shared inquiries.
Modern Theoretical Perspectives in Early
Childhood Education
Impact on Modern ECE Practices
• Many Canadian preschools and early learning centers have adopted
Reggio-inspired environments.
• The focus on documentation and observation aligns with pedagogical
documentation in frameworks like "How Does Learning Happen?"
• The use of open-ended, natural materials supports sensory play,
creativity, and self-expression.
Modern Theoretical Perspectives in Early
Childhood Education
How does the Reggio Emilia philosophy differ from structured, teacher-led
approaches to ECE?
Modern Theoretical Perspectives in Early
Childhood Education
High/Scope Curriculum: Active Learning and Problem-Solving
• The High/Scope Curriculum was developed in the 1960s as part of the
Perry Preschool Project in the U.S.
• It is a research-based, structured approach that emphasizes active
learning, problem-solving, and daily routines.
Key Features of High/Scope
Active Learning
• Children learn through direct experiences with people, objects, and
events.
• Educators encourage hands-on engagement, questioning, and
experimentation.
Plan-Do-Review Sequence
Each day follows a structured sequence:
• Planning Time: Children decide what activities they want to engage in.
• Work Time: They carry out their plan and explore materials.
• Review Time: Children reflect on what they learned, fostering selfregulation and metacognition.
Plan-Do-Review Sequence
Teacher as a Facilitator
• Educators engage in scaffolding, providing just enough support to extend
children's thinking.
• They use intentional interactions and open-ended questions to guide
learning.
Plan-Do-Review Sequence
Assessment Through Observations
• Teachers observe and document children’s learning to tailor instruction
to individual needs.
Plan-Do-Review Sequence
Impact on Modern ECE Practices
• The Plan-Do-Review cycle is widely used in play-based and emergent
curriculum models.
• The focus on self-regulation and independence aligns with Ontario’s fullday kindergarten approach.
• HighScope’s research-based strategies have influenced public early
learning programs across Canada.
Plan-Do-Review Sequence
How does HighScope’s emphasis on routines and active learning support
children’s cognitive and emotional development?
ECE Policies and Universal
Child Care Today
ECE Policies and Universal Child Care Today
The Move Toward Canada-Wide Early Learning Frameworks
• Canada has made significant strides toward universal early learning and
child care.
• The goal is to create an accessible, affordable, and high-quality early
education system for all children.
ECE Policies and Universal Child Care Today
Current Policy Initiatives
$10-a-Day Child Care Plan (2021-Present)
• The federal government committed $30 billion over five years to lower
childcare costs.
• Provinces and territories signed agreements to expand childcare spaces
and improve educator wages.
ECE Policies and Universal Child Care Today
Full-Day Kindergarten Expansion
• Ontario introduced full-day kindergarten (FDK) in 2010, providing playbased learning led by educators and early childhood professionals.
• Research has shown that FDK improves school readiness, social skills,
and long-term academic outcomes.
Provincial Early Learning Frameworks
Each province has developed its own early learning framework, but they
share common themes
• Play-based, child-centered learning.
• Emphasis on self-regulation and emotional well-being.
• Cultural inclusivity and Indigenous perspectives.
Provincial Early Learning Frameworks
How do Canada’s new early learning policies address accessibility,
affordability, and quality?
Reflection and Discussion
Reflection and Discussion
• As early childhood education continues to grow, new challenges and
opportunities emerge.
Reflection and Discussion
Students will reflect on
• What aspects of modern ECE should be strengthened?
• What gaps still exist in accessibility and quality of child care?
• How can ECE educators adapt to changing family needs and diverse
learning environments?
Reflection and Discussion:
Future Considerations for ECE
Equity and Inclusion
• How can early learning centers better support diverse learners, including
children with disabilities and multilingual backgrounds?
Reflection and Discussion:
Future Considerations for ECE
Technology in Early Childhood Education
• Should digital tools and interactive media be used in early childhood
classrooms? If so, how can they be used effectively?
Reflection and Discussion:
Future Considerations for ECE
Educator Training and Well-Being
• How can policy changes ensure that ECE professionals receive adequate
training, fair wages, and mental health support?
Reflection and Discussion:
Future Considerations for ECE
Sustainability and Nature-Based Learning
• How can outdoor and nature-inspired learning become a greater part of
ECE programs?
QUESTIONS?
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