About Us
A Career That Makes A Difference
Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education is a non-profit educational environment overseen by a Board of Directors. At the Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education we are proud to lay the foundation for the personal and professional development of our students.
NSCECE offers a two-year Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program that is founded in several decades of research and developmentally appropriate practice. Students enrolled in the program are introduced to various courses dealing with children, families and the ECE profession and will acquire the knowledge, practices and skills that will develop high self-esteem, independence, and beginnings of social responsibilities.
The focus of their studies will be designing, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum ideas in an effort to support the growth and development of children from infancy to age 12. The program includes 870 classroom hours and 600 practicum hours. Students requiring flexibility in their schedule may enroll in evening courses on a part-time basis.
Graduates find employment in a variety of settings, including: childcare centres, schools, private home daycares, nursery schools, developmental centres. Over 95% of NSCECE graduates find ECE employment following graduation.
The program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Financial Assistance is available.
Faculty & Staff
Janet Boutilier
Registrar/Faculty
Janet has been active in the role of Registrar at NSCECE since 1991. She has seen over seven hundred students graduate from the early childhood educator’s program. As Registrar, she maintains student records and oversees the recruitment, admissions, and registration process. She has also developed courses in Communications, Research Issues and Interpersonal Skills. She is a certified facilitator for Personality Dimensions and Instructor at NSCECE.
In addition to teaching courses she also offers professional development workshops in team building and working well with families. Janet’s outside interests include: Zumba, Book Club and Dress for Success Halifax.
Phone: 902-423-7114 Ext. 226
Kathleen Biggs
Admissions and Recruitment
Kathleen has been with the college since 2007 and brings 30+ years’ work experience in the private and public sector. As Admissions Officer Kathleen provides a high standard of service in a friendly and welcoming manner and is a valuable team member. Her educational background includes Accounting Certificate, DRVS; Executive Secretarial Diploma, MSVU; Certified Professional Secretary®, International Association of Administrative Professionals; First Aid Instructor, St. John’s Ambulance.
Tel: 902 423-7114 Ext. 225
Emily Martinello
Faculty Coordinator
Emily Martinello has been working with NSCECE since the fall of 2012, first as a practicum advisor and now as an instructor. She brings with her a background in Early Intervention, supporting families with young children with special needs. She came from Ontario to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Study at Mount Saint Vincent University, and recently completed her Master of Arts in Child and Youth Study.
She has been published in the Journal of Sexuality and Disability and provides workshops in the Early Learning and Care community about children’s healthy sexual development. She is passionate about lifelong learning and is thrilled to be part of a team that values education and collaboration.
Jessica Landry
Lab School Designate (Leeds Street)
Jessica Landry is an Early Childhood Educator with over ten years’ experience working with young children. Jessica has been working with NSCECE since May 2010, first as an Educator at Leeds Street Child Care Centre and more recently continuing her passion with lifelong learning with education and mentoring as a Practicum Advisor to students and educators. Still working at Leeds Street Child Care Centre Jessica was recognized for her innovation and excellence in the field and was the 2019 Prime Minister Award Recipient of Excellence in Early Childhood Education. Jessica is gaining experience and knowledge in leadership and mentoring through many administrative roles and responsibilities. Jessica is pursuing her Early Childhood Administrator – Continuing Education Course at Mount Saint Vincent University.
Sheri Evans
Lab School Designate (Mawio'mi)
Sheri received her Early Childhood Education diploma from St. Joseph’s College in 1998. Since graduation she had the privilege of working along side many great mentors and ECE’s. In 2003 she joined NSCECE, Akerley Child Care Centre as an educator, but then pursued a role as practicum advisor, contact teacher and most recently designate. In 2018, she attended MSVU for the ECE administration course and since then has been putting these skills into her daily work. In August 2020 she accepted a transferred and is now working at one of our sister locations Mawio’mi Child Care Center.
Sheri enjoys spending her downtime with her husband and 3 children. If she isn’t at the rink you can find her at the ballfield always cheering on her children and their teams.
Susan Baker
Faculty
Hello, I’m Susan I live in Dartmouth with my cat Callum. I have a grown son, Justin who lives in Dartmouth as well. In my spare time I love to paint, knit and sew. I work at Tallahassee Children’s Centre as Assistant Director and teach Preschool and in the School Age Program. I’ve worked with children professionally since 1992 after graduating from St. Joseph’s College, now known as Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education. I’ve done many courses and workshops since graduating trying to keep on top of what’s current in the field, including completing my Certification in Early Childhood. I have attended the Management in Early Childhood Setting course at Mount Saint Vincent and obtained my Adult Education Certification from Dalhousie University. I’ve taught Music for Young Children at Jane Norman College and I also work for N.S.C.E.C.E teaching Play as Curriculum. I’m looking forward to meeting students and giving them support on their journey to becoming an Early childhood Educator!
I love to learn which motivates me to teach.
Shannon Brown
Faculty
Shannon graduated as an Early Childhood Educator 25+ years ago, following the completion of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology/Psychology. After receiving her ECE diploma, Shannon worked in before/after school child care programs, kindergarten child care programs and operated a home child care program. In 2002, Shannon was hired by the Municipal Government as a Resource Consultant in an Ontario Early Years Centre and then moved to the role of regional Early Literacy Specialist. In 2007 Shannon accepted the position of Supervisor responsible for the operations of four regional Ontario Early Years Centres, the Data Analysis Coordinator Program, Infant Hearing Screening, Child Care Fee Subsidy, Early Literacy Consultation and Child Care Quality Improvement supports. In 2017, Shannon was appointed to the position of Children’s Services Department Manager and continues to work in this role where she is responsible for the planning and service management of a child care and early years system serving thirteen municipalities with a total population of 100,000 people.
Jane Cawley
Faculty
Jane Cawley is an early childhood/adult educator with 45 years of experience working with children, families, and educators. After retiring as the Executive Director of NSCECE in 2016 Jane joined the Lawson Foundation funded Physical Literacy in the Early Years (PLEY) Project at Dalhousie University. She can also be found teaching a course or two at MSVU and at NSCECE. Jane is committed to excellence in the education of young children and in the education and professional development of those who teach them.
Erin Harvey
Faculty
Erin has been working with young children for over 15 years. She specializes in working with children with disabilities, both locally and internationally. She received a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies from Ryerson University where she completed a thesis researching alternative therapies for young children with mental health concerns.
Cathy Ramos
Faculty
Cathy Ramos is an early childhood educator who began her work in the sector more than 20 years ago. Her experiences include working with children of all ages; supporting children and families in inclusive childcare programs; team building and supporting ECEs in an administrative role; and currently supporting childcare programs as an Early Childhood Development Consultant. Cathy is also an adult educator and has been NSCECE faculty as well as a facilitator for a variety of professional development opportunities. Being active in the field of early childhood is also very important to Cathy as she has had voluntary roles on the boards of directors of the NSCCA and the Canadian Child Care Federation.
Sarah Silver
Faculty
Sarah Silver has worked in Early Childhood Education since 1998. She has had the opportunity to work in varying settings with children and families across Nova Scotia.
She has a Diploma in Early Childhood Studies, Degree in Child and Youth Study and Certificate in Management in Early Childhood.
Sarah has worked as an ECE in Family Resource Centres, Child Care Centres, and Respite Care with children of all ages. Her passion for supporting children and families in inclusive early learning programs led her to support and mentor ECEs in administrative roles as a Program Coordinator as well as Executive Director.
Sarah has a passion for learning, facilitation, and resource development. Currently Sarah supports Early Learning Programs as an Early Childhood Development Consultant.
Susan Stacey
Faculty
Susan has been in the ECE profession for over 30 years in various roles, such as: Early Childhood Educator, Director, Practicum Advisor, College Instructor and Consultant. She has worked in both Canada and the U.S., and is particularly interested in curriculum approaches, literacy, and art. She presents and writes regularly on these topics, and is inspired by approaches from Reggio Emilia and inquiry-based practices.
Susan studied at MSVU here in Halifax and at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, CA.
Courteny White
Faculty
Courteny is from a small village located in Guysborough County, she now resides just outside of HRM. She graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University and has experience working in childcare settings as well as experience as a Behavioural Interventionist in British Columbia working primarily with children who have Autism, she is currently the lead ECE for a Pre-Primary program within HRCE and absolutely loves it.
In her spare time Courteny can be found with her family, camping and swimming are some of their favourite activities. She also enjoys crafting especially with her Cricut.
Michelle Williams
Student Counsellor
My name is Michelle Williams and I am excited to be joining the NSCECE team as your Student Counsellor. Last year, I graduated from the University of Manitoba with my Bachelor of Social Work degree. I started and ended my degree while working for the Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention Program (EIBI) through the IWK and NSH and while raising my three children. In my current position as a Community Outreach Worker in Mental Health and Addictions, I spend time with clients developing plans and helping them to implement strategies to meet their goals. While working in the community, I take great pleasure in linking people to Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions services and linking services to community partners. As a student counsellor, I can support you with creating realistic and measurable change in order to better manage stressors during challenging times. Brief intervention sessions can include solution focused approaches for wellbeing, managing mood, sleep hygiene, skills for problem solving and mindfulness.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and our dog, renovating my century home and playing my ukulele.