Student Testimonial - Jessica

Your Name: Jessica
Program: Early Childhood Education
What semester are you in: 2020 Graduate

Why did you choose Humber College?

While I visited various colleges in the GTA I didn’t receive the same home feeling Humber provided me with. At the open house when I stepped foot in the Carol Reid Resource Centre and Humber Child Development Centre I knew this is where I belonged. Humber’s Early Childhood Education Program is unique unlike any other existing program. As I viewed the variety of toys, books, learning materials, and experiences the Carol Reid Resource Centre offers students to take with them on placement I knew Humber College would be my first choice.

What are your career aspirations?

Creating a safe inclusive learning space where children, students, families, and guardians feel welcome would be one of my main aspirations. Through experiencing the programs variety of field placements, I discovered I wanted to pursue my education to learn more about how to support children who have disabilities while actively working in the field. I plan on becoming involved in professional development opportunities that spark my curiosity and enhance the learning experiences I provide children. As I work alongside a diverse population I hope to learn about different cultures and traditions they practice in order to enhance the curriculum I offer. In the future I hope to offer families affordable quality care and education by operating a home childcare.

How have the faculty helped you on your road to reaching your goals?

While studying in the program the ECE faculty created a safe learning space where I could ask questions and share ideas. I connected with various faculty to talk about my options after graduation and they offered me choices that reflect my individual aspirations. To this day I have established a network with faculty which has expanded my opportunities for community collaborations and public speaking events. This has allowed me to build my professional portfolio even further. Each faculty brought into the classroom unique lived experiences which allowed me to view myself working in the role.

What would you say has been the single best learning experience in the program you are in?

In my third semester of the program, I was the first section of students to be offered the opportunity to travel to a Guatemala to complete a portion of my field placement. While abroad I introduced play-based learning and implemented learning experiences for the children. I also prepared a workshop for the teachers that introduced loose parts as a sustainable way to maintain a play- based curriculum especially when the school is in a rural community. This trip is now being offered to current ECE students, my hope is now you peruse this opportunity as it was life changing.

What elements of the program are best preparing you for your career?

As my role as a Registered Early Childhood Educator there are many aspects of my career that are evolving. When I graduated from the program in 2020, I entered the field and worked frontline during the pandemic. Humber instilled the importance of flexibility and adaptable when facing challenges. The pandemic uprooted and completely changed how childcare functioned. Although working frontline had its challenges, I was able to use what I learned at Humber and adapted to new working conditions.

As a student I was involved in ECE Student Council which allowed me to discover the importance of advocacy and see how impactful it is within our sector. ECE Student Council impowered me to advocate on issues and most recently when CUPE went on strike. As a student I was also offered a variety of workshops facilitated by the Carol Reid Lab Technician. These workshops offered me innovative experiences when providing children engaging play-based learning opportunities that I use daily in the field.

Would you recommend this program to others and why?

Yes, I would highly recommend the Early Childhood Education Program at Humber College. Humber’s ECE program has provided me a quality educational experience that impowers me to practice innovation in the field. Humber has provided me unimageable opportunities and I am a proud graduate from Humber’s ECE program. ECE rocks!