CONT923: Kindergarten Specialist

Course Schedule

Course Description

What pedagogies, studies, findings and methods are necessary to create an inclusive, equitable and accessible Kindergarten classroom? How can self-reflection and examining your educational context support your practice and help co-create a vibrant and engaging classroom? In what ways can the BC curriculum and other early learning resources deepen your understanding of the importance and necessity of literacy and numeracy?

This course offers opportunities to analyze and compare different bodies of research to apply in your own context. You’ll be given space to recognize the significance of viewing the Kindergarten environment through the lenses of equity, diversity and inclusion, investigate a variety of social-emotional and universal design for learning strategies and apply the spiral of inquiry method to improve your practice.

Throughout this course, you’ll collaborate with colleagues to assemble an ongoing collection of resources and practical strategies for your classroom. You’ll also design and implement a personal inquiry project that will enrich your current practice and provide an opportunity to share your learning with others.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to

• analyze an extensive body of research in the field of early learning by identifying key studies, findings and methodologies
• examine your educational context, which includes school culture, students, their families and the larger community
• describe who you are as an educator and a human being in relation to your learners and your broader community
• access research, resources and support for your teaching to improve the lives of the children in your care and, by association, their families
• apply the Kindergarten curriculum and its related documentation to design engaging learning activities
• create an inclusive community of Kindergarten learners
• practice applying the spiral of inquiry to deepen your learning and identify and implement changes in your teaching practice and classroom community

Application Requirements

1) Courses and Post-Graduate Certificates are approved by TQS for Category Upgrade. If you would like these courses to be used towards Category Upgrading, you must have a valid BC Teacher Certificate.

ECEs, EAs, and other education professionals are welcome to take the courses without Certification.

2) Completion of Kindergarten Part 2

*Teaching Experience is not required but it is advised that candidates gain some experience before completing the second and specialist courses. There are many opportunities to gain experience through volunteer work and community based programs.

Course Materials

Accommodations

Applicants who require accommodations for a specific learning need (e.g., learning disability) within their AQ/ABQ course, should click here for further information and support.

Have a question? Contact us!

Refund Schedule

• If you drop a course by the midpoint of the course, you will receive 100% of your course fee
• If you drop a course after the midpoint, before the end of the course, you will receive 50% of your course fee

For more about our refund policies, visit our Fees & Refunds page.