CONT802: Kindergarten Part 2

Course Schedule

Course Description

In this course, you will deepen your understanding of play-based and inquiry-driven approaches that honour the natural curiosity and developmental needs of young learners. This course invites you to explore the intersection between theory and practice as you examine how thoughtfully designed environment, meaningful documentation and responsive interactions create powerful learning opportunities for kindergarten learners. Through collaborative inquiry and critical reflection, you will strengthen your ability to create inclusive spaces where diverse learners can thrive while building foundations for their learning journey.

Your professional growth in this course extends beyond classroom walls, encouraging you to see kindergarten education through multiple lenses. By engaging with contemporary research, sharing insights with colleagues, and applying concepts in practical ways, you will refine your professional identity and philosophical approach to early learning. This course celebrates the complexity and joy of kindergarten education while providing you with confidence to advocate for developmentally appropriate, play-based approaches in your professional context.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course, you will

• explore and enhance professional practices, knowledge and pedagogical approaches related to play-based and inquiry-driven learning in kindergarten
• design, apply and facilitate dialogue about inclusive learning environments that reflect diversity, equity and inclusion while addressing systemic barriers for young learners
• design and integrate innovative approaches to curriculum planning, assessment and evaluation that honour the holistic nature of early learning
• explore pedagogical documentation as a tool for making learning visible, informing responsive practice and strengthening partnerships with families
• integrate evidence-based strategies that promote self-regulation, well-being and healthy development across biological, emotional, cognitive, social and prosocial domains
• develop and assess outdoor learning experiences, land-based pedagogies and Indigenous perspectives within culturally responsive kindergarten programs
• engage in critical reflection, collaborative inquiry and research to advance professional efficacy, leadership practices and the scholarship of teaching in kindergarten education

Application Requirements

1) OCT Membership showing completion of Part 1

2) CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE FORM

Signed by a Supervisory Official* from your Board confirming that you have one year (194 days) of teaching experience since becoming a certified teacher.

*The Ontario College of Teachers defines "Supervisory Official" as the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent of the school board for a teacher employed by a Board of Education. A principal or headmaster is not recognized in this capacity. For a teacher employed by a private school, the "supervisory official" is the Ministry of Education official (Education Officer) appointed to your school. For overseas experience the appropriate Supervisory Official is the person your Principal reports to.

**Please note that if you have an existing Part 2, Part 3 (Specialist), or Honour Specialist qualification on your OCT record you are not required to submit a form for a Part 2 course. A new form is always required for Part 3 (Specialist).

Please email a copy of your Confirmation of Teaching Experience Form to cedmail@queensu.ca

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.