CONT803: Kindergarten Specialist

Course Schedule

Course Description

This course will empower you as a leader in early childhood education, guiding you through a learning journey grounded in the unique context of kindergarten. You will deepen your understanding of play-based and inquiry- driven pedagogy while exploring how to create inclusive, responsive learning environments that honour every child’s identity, voice and potential. Through a critical examination of your practice, you will strengthen your ability to support holistic development, foster equity and well-being and advocate for excellence in your school community.

As you build your leadership capacity, you will learn to design impactful professional learning experiences, foster meaningful collaboration within teaching teams, and strengthen partnerships within families and communities. Through reflection, research and collaborative inquiry, you will expand your influence beyond your classroom, enhancing your practice and the quality of kindergarten programs across your professional network.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to

• analyze and enhance professional practices related to play-based and inquiry-driven learning in kindergarten, demonstrating pedagogical approaches
• design and facilitate inclusive learning environments that reflect diversity equity and inclusion while addressing systemic barriers for young learners
• develop and implement approaches to curriculum planning, assessment and documentation that honour the holistic nature of early learning
• integrate evidenced-based strategies that promote self-regulation, well-being and healthy development across domains
• create and evaluate outdoor learning experiences and land-based pedagogies that enhance learners’ connection to the natural world
• develop partnerships within teaching teams, with families and across professional communities to enhance kindergarten programs
• design and facilitate professional learning experiences that build capacity and leadership within kindergarten education
• engage in critical reflection, collaborative inquiry and research to advance professional efficacy and leadership practices in kindergarten education

Application Requirements

1) OCT Membership showing completion of Part 2.

2) CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE FORM Signed by a Supervisory Official* from your School Board confirming that you have two years (388 days) of teaching experience since becoming a certified teacher, one year (194 days) of which is in the subject area of this course.

*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 a new form is always required for a Part 3 (Specialist) course as experience is course/subject specific.

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

Course Materials

N/A

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.