DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION (PLAR) PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
PREAMBLE The Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Degree Completion Program at the University of Guelph-Humber is designed to recognize the prior learning and employment experience of successful applicants. An important aspect through which this is demonstrated is the submission of a professional portfolio providing documentation along three key components: 1. Current detailed Résumé 2. Two (2) Letters of Reference (preferably one academic and one employment) 3. Completion of a Professional Philosophy Statement incorporating key areas of learning and growth from prior educational and work experience. Successful applicants will receive credit for 2.0 credits toward their Honours Degree. The parameters of each component are outlined in the following pages. Please Note: Queries regarding the completion of this portfolio can be directed to Paul Sherman Program Head of Human Services (Early Childhood and Family & Community Social Services) at paul.sherman@guelphhumber.ca.
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION OF THE PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO Please review and follow the guidelines below: 1. Print the completed Résumé and Professional Philosophy Statement on plain white paper (8 1/2 x 11) using size 12 Arial OR Times New Roman font (black ink). 2. Correct English language usage and APA style of documentation are important considerations in assessing the Professional Portfolio. 3. Staple the Cover Sheet with your name and Ontario Universities Application Center application number to the completed Professional Philosophy Statement. 4. Place the completed Professional Philosophy Statement and Cover Sheet in one pocket of a plain document or pocket folder. 5. Place the current detailed Résumé and two Letters of Reference in the other pocket. 6. Place the document folder in a sealed envelope. 7. Tape or secure the Identification Sheet with your name and Ontario Universities Application Center application number to the outside of the sealed envelope. Please Note: 1. IMPORTANT: Do not include any Academic Transcripts in your sealed envelope containing portfolio. Academic Transcripts should be submitted in a separate envelope directly from the originating institution to Admissions Services by March 1 st, 2014. Alternatively, Academic Transcripts can also be requested through the OUAC website for a small fee. 2. Do not use graphics, pictures and/or borders, plastic sleeves or protector sheets. 3. Any extra documents will not be reviewed and will be discarded. 4. Portfolios differing from the guidelines will be considered incomplete and will not be assessed. Deliver or mail the portfolio and official transcripts by March 1 st, 2014 to: University of Guelph-Humber Admission Services GH108 207 Humber College Blvd Toronto, ON, M9W 5L7
DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM APPLICANT'S CHECKLIST DOCUMENTS 1. Official Academic Transcripts From all colleges and university programs attended 2. Mature and Transfer Student Profile (available online at guelphhumber.ca.) Must be completed if applicant's Cumulative Average in ECE diploma program (or recognized alternative) is between 70-74% 3. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Portfolio - in sealed envelope with Identification Form attached. Detailed Résumé Two (2) Letters of Reference Professional Philosophy Statement SUBMITTED
DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION SHEET (to be taped or secured on the outside of sealed envelope containing portfolio) Name of Applicant: Ontario Universities Application Center Application #:
PROFESSIONAL RÉSUMÉ Submit a current detailed Résumé chronicling the following: 1. Education (all college and university programs either fully or partially completed) 2. Employment (all experiences - both EC related and 'generic') 3. Professional Development (Training, Workshops and Association Memberships) 4. Volunteer 5. Practica or placements 6. Publications / Documents Written o Although publications and/or documents written are not a requirement of applicants to the Hybrid Study Program, applicants are invited to include the details of any articles or documents authored or co-authored. The Résumé must provide clear indication of: Full or part time study and/or employment. The duration of each experience (month/year). Submission Details: Place the current detailed Résumé with the Letters of Reference in one pocket of the document or pocket folder.
LETTERS OF REFERENCE An important aspect of this portfolio is the appraisal and recommendation of the applicant by professionals directly connected to his/her academic and employment experience. Such professionals are considered to be individuals who know the applicant well enough to provide a realistic appraisal. Two (2) Letters of Reference must be included in the Portfolio Package. One referee should be related to the applicant's employment history (employed for a minimum on one full year). One referee should be related to the applicant's academic history (community college or university professor). If an academic reference is unavailable because the applicant graduated from a college or university program more than 10 years ago (as indicated by the applicant's resume), a second Letter of Reference from another employer or volunteer agency (minimum of one year) can be submitted. Each referee must complete a Letter of Reference Form and a Letter of Reference (on agency letterhead). The referee should seal both the Reference Form and Letter of Reference in an agency envelope with the referee's signature and date across the back seal. Letters that are unsealed, unsigned and/or undated will not be reviewed. Submission Details: Place the two (2) sealed Letters of Reference with the current detailed Résumé in one pocket of the document or pocket folder.
Section A (to be completed by applicant) Name of Applicant OUAC Application # Section B (to be completed by referee) HONOURS BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE, I have known the applicant for (years, and months) in the following capacity: (student, employee, or volunteer) Please clearly indicate your ranking of the applicant according to the competencies below: Ranking Outstanding (upper 5%) Above Average (upper 20%) Average (upper 50%) Professionalism Leadership Interpersonal Communication Understanding/ implementation of age and developmentally appropriate curriculum Understanding/ implementation of play-based approach Critical thinking Below Average (lower 50%) > Please attach a one page letter providing further detail regarding your association with the applicant and his/her capabilities as an Early Childhood Professional supporting young children and families. > Incorporating narrative comments about the applicant and any of the following would be helpful: creating responsive environments for children of varied ages and abilities; family centered practice; inclusive practice; conflict resolution; ethical and administrative responsibility; life long learning (professional development) > The letter must be printed on agency letterhead and signed. > Include the Letter of Reference Form and Letter of Reference in an agency envelope, sealed with your signature and the date across the back flap. Referee's Last Name Position Organization Address Telephone Number Referee's Signature Referee's First Name Email Address Date (m/d/yr)
COVER SHEET PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT Name of Applicant: Ontario Universities Application Center Application #:
PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT Our best future is one in which all children are healthy and secure; emotionally and socially competent; eager, confident, and successful learners; and respectful of the diversity of their peers. (Charles Pascal, 2009) An Early Childhood Professional holds a key role in things that matter - supporting young children and their families. Having a solid understanding of what we do and why we do things is an important aspect of our profession. Reflect on and compose a Professional Philosophy Statement; a brief narrative (2 pages, 500 words maximum) that captures the essence of your professional values and beliefs about teaching and early learning. Incorporate the following in your statement: the role of a responsive Early Childhood Professional in creating nurturing environments; young children's role in their education; what they need to thrive, grow and learn; a specific theoretical approach/program model you feel is fitting for a nurturing setting; inclusive practice; family-centered practice; and culturally sensitive practice; professional responsibilities such as social justice, empowerment and ethical decisions; professional development and lifelong learning additional aspects not included in this list that you feel are important to your philosophy If you choose to incorporate references to support your statement, you are encouraged to provide appropriate referencing. Guidelines can be found on the OWL Purdue Online Writing Lab at: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/