CONT803: Kindergarten Specialist
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.
Learning Outcomes
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
Assessments
Module 1
Responsive Learning Environments
Module 2
Leadership in Professional Learning
Module 3
Strengthening Educational Partnerships
Module 4
Deepening Instructional Approaches
Module 5
Documentation and Assessment
Module 6
Self-Regulation and Well-Being
Module 7
Course Consolidation