Roles and Responsibilities | School of Early Childhood Education | Seneca Students

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES 

Please read the following items carefully as they pertain to your role and responsibilities:

Professionalism

Early childhood education is an important, recognized, regulated and relationship-focused profession. Therefore, all students are expected to demonstrate a serious and committed attitude towards their studies. Students should attend classes regularly and participate during classroom activities. During class time, students are expected to remain focused on the goal of the class and display professional courtesy to other members of the class including students, professors and guest speakers. During group projects and activities, students are expected to contribute equally and in ways that support to the group. Students are also expected to check their course Blackboard Sites and Seneca email accounts regularly.

Creating a Climate of Respect and Relationship

Building knowledge collaboratively, (social constructivism) is the theoretical cornerstone of the School of ECE programs. To be consistent with that philosophy, the program supports the creation of a culture of respect and collegiality among faculty, students and staff. We encourage students to work together in a collaborative atmosphere. Students are expected to demonstrate respect by keeping appointments to be on time for classes, to be respectful in listening to diverse perspectives and to each other, and to be clear and sensitive in communications. If a student knows that they are going to miss a class or a group meeting or be late for whatever reason, it is respectful to contact the professor.

Confidentiality

In the our programs, personal information is often shared in class. Sharing one’s opinions and experiences is encouraged and is viewed as a component in individual and collective learning. The expectation is that personal sharing/disclosure be respected and that issues of a personal nature will remain within the group/classroom. Students are encouraged to practice the principles of privacy and confidentiality as practiced in the field of early childhood education.

Some assignments will require the collection of confidential information of children and families. Appropriate procedures for the collection of confidential information will be followed in your class and will be detailed as part of your course outline.

When classes take place virtually, students who live with others, should wear headphones to maintain confidentiality.

Communication

Please communicate with your professor to discuss course content and the application of those ideas in the field of early childhood education. If you are having trouble completing an assignment or would like more information about a particular topic, your professor will be able to guide you. Please contact your professors by email or during their office hours.

FACULTY AND STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

Professors/Instructors have academic qualifications and professional experience to teach at the post-secondary level.  They teach in ways that enrich your learning.  They will:

• Provide you with knowledge of course content, learning outcomes, delivery modes, required preparations, and sources
• Explain how the course and Blackboard will be organized
• Explain specific classroom procedures
• Inform you about methods of evaluation (assignments, tests, etc.) and where and how to submit work
• Provide feedback on your assignments (within in a 2-week time frame) and how you have obtained your grades
• Inform you about and when you can communicate with them during their office hours and outside of class time
• Set assessment due dates so that you have a minimum of 30 per cent of your final course grade one week prior to the last date to withdraw without academic penalty
• Help you access extra support when needed
• Refer you to your Student Adviser or Academic Coordinator if required                            

Academic Coordinators | Apprenticeship Coordinator

Academic Coordinators are faculty members who have an overview of the program.  They can give you advice about the program and your progress.

They can help with academic advice on issues such as:

• course load
• special scheduling/timetables
• implications of adding or dropping subjects
• advanced standings/transfer credit process
• equivalencies
• procedures for transferring from one program to another
• pre-requisites and co-requisites
• academic honesty policies and procedures
• grade appeals
• questions about transcripts and GPAs
• gaining access to your academic record in the ECE program
• clarification of any academic policies and procedures
• how to access College services: Counseling, Tutoring, Registration etc.

Student Advisers | Support Service’s Officer

Student Advisers provide information to students about services students can access throughout the College. If you need advice about which department or person you should contact, the Student Adviser should be able to help you. As well, your Student Adviser can answer routine questions concerning:

• courses recommended each semester – professional and General Education requirements
• timetables
• general information about services and departments on campus
• pathway opportunities with other institutions

Field Placement Liaisons

Field Placement Liaisons will be your Seneca College contacts for all field placement activities and inquires.  They will support and visit you at community placements and evaluate your progress in your field placement courses.  They will let you know when and how you can contact them throughout the semester.  Your Field Liaison will work with you to support your success. 

Chairs 

Chairs are administrators at Seneca Polytechnic who provide academic leadership in their departments. Our Chair is another person who can support you within the department.  If you have a concern that involves course work or field placement, you should contact your professor however, if the matter cannot be resolved, you could contact the Chair of the School of ECE.  Additionally, if you have any concerns about safety in the classroom or online, you should contact the Chair immediately. 

Dean

The Dean is responsible for all the programs in the Faculty of Applied Arts and Health Sciences at Seneca Polytechnic at both King and Newnham and is the principal of King Campus.

Welcome to The Service Hub can provide help answer many of your questions.