In our ongoing Orangeville Campus reflection series, this month’s spotlight is on our Early Childhood Education (ECE) program. 

The ECE program was launched at the Orangeville campus in 2008. Since our first graduating class in 2010, many program graduates have gone on to further education and/or careers in their chosen field. The following are reflections that have been shared by some of those graduates and by members of the Orangeville team who supported them on their Humber journey:

Esther Marculewicz – ECE Graduate - RECE
My time at the Humber Orangeville campus in the Early Childhood Education program was extremely valuable. It was an optimal environment for learning because the class sizes were small which made it easy to interact with fellow students and professors. One of the most important things I learned was the value of relationships. Through building strong relationships with my professors and fellow students, I was able to explore the material at a deeper level and build confidence, self-esteem and social interaction skills. Now on the job as an Early Childhood Educator, I can build on this experience by forming close connections with the children. I observe the children’s interests and follow their lead which increases their engagement. The value of the ECE program at Humber Orangeville will live on in the hearts and lives of many educators and children.

Linda Baker – ECE Graduate - RECE
It is with a very heavy heart to hear that our amazing Humber College in Orangeville is closing their doors for good in June 2021. My experience at the college was truly the best. Humber went above and beyond to help all their students. I believe I succeeded because it was a small College and very personable. The staff did everything possible for your success. Believe me when I say, "they have your back". Being out of school for 40 years was very challenging for me. I graduated with honors in 2017 and if it wasn't for the unbelievable support there, I feel I wouldn't have completed my ECE course. I am very honored and proud to have been a part of this amazing College!!!  

Joanne Osmond RECE - Placement Officer, ECE 
I joined the Orangeville Campus as a Field Advisor for the Early Childhood Education Program in 2011. It was the start of nine wonderful years that would allow me the opportunity to guide and support students completing their Field Practicums at various Orangeville Child Care Centres and Elementary Schools, work with our Community Partners and strengthen our collaborations with them and teach many of the courses offered within the ECE program. I had the pleasure of interacting and spending time with so many inspiring fellow educators as well as fantastic students who were committed to and excited by the field of Early Childhood Education. I felt incredibly lucky and very grateful to work in the community that I live in and have so much love for. As I continue my work at the North campus, I will always look back fondly at my time at the Orangeville campus. I am so proud of everything that was built and accomplished by so many dedicated members of the Humber Orangeville team! 

Deborah Sargeant – Faculty, ECE
Being a part of the Orangeville campus meant being connected, seen, and heard.  While working in Orangeville, I had the opportunity to connect and share with faculty from other programs that I would not have otherwise crossed paths with. I also found that I got to know the students much better through the smaller class sizes, robust discussions, and events on campus. There was an open-door policy for students and staff. Joe welcomed everyone with a smile, and Morag always seemed to have the answers to my questions. I had a positive experience at the Orangeville campus, and I will miss the team spirit.

Jennifer Smith – ECE Graduate - RECE
The Orangeville Campus was a great experience for me. As a mother of two and aspiring to become an ECE during that time in my life was very hard to achieve. Having a campus in my town, I was able to attend full time, while also being a full-time mom, and working part-time. Being in smaller classes gave us more one-on-one opportunities with our educators and was a reason for us all to become successful. I am now currently an RECE in a preschool classroom at a Centre where I had my first placement, and this is because of my amazing experience at Humber Orangeville with the fantastic support of the educators. 

Joanne Tuck – Program Coordinator, ECE
There is a sense of community among the Orangeville ECE students that is hard to replicate. They work collaboratively and support one another in a caring and respectful way. Over time they have contributed to the Early Childhood community in ways that they can be proud of as professionals and as contributing members of a regulated profession.   

We are so pleased and thankful for our students and staff who have had an inspiring time at Humber. Look out for next month’s Orangeville Campus reflection.

Joe Andrews
Principal –Orangeville Campus