| The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma Program prepares students to become qualified Early Childhood Educators who contribute to the well-being of children, families and their community. The program integrates theoretical material with laboratory and practicum experience to give graduates the skills and knowledge to work with newborns through to children eight years of age. Students learn to assess and guide child development, promote health and nutrition, communicate and collaborate with children and caregivers, and manage a child care setting. To qualify for an ECE Diploma, students must first complete the requirements for their basic certificate. They may then choose to go on to complete additional courses to qualify for a Special Needs certificate. The combination of these two becomes the Diploma program. Graduates of the Diploma program are qualified to apply for two provincial licences to practice as Early Childhood Educators and Special Needs Educators. Additonally, graduates may also choose to return for a post-diploma Certificate in Infant and Toddler Care, and then apply for a third provincial licence as an Infant/Toddler Educator. |
These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
Applicants must meet General College Admission Requirements.
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| Additional Admission Requirements: | - Letter(s) of Reference
- Work Experience
Other requirements include: be age 18 by December 31st of the year you enter the program; suitability is determined on the basis of an overview of an applicant's emotional stability, physical health, formal education, the ability to work in a team setting and life experience; two letters of reference from individuals who are not related to you (character references from reputable community members and/or individuals familiar with your experience in working with young children). Reference letters should not be written by the person who completes your volunteer verification form. If you have an ECE basic license to practice, you would complete a work history form which includes references.
Complete and show evidence of 20 hours of volunteer or work experience in a licensed Early Childhood Education setting with children from birth to age six. The 20 hours documentation of volunteer or work experience form must be complete and submitted prior to enrollment in practicum courses; Criminal Record Check (information will be provided by Enrolment Services); medical declaration or assessment indicating a satisfactory level of physical and emotional health. The workload of the programs and the close contact with individuals in practical settings require students to be in good mental and physical health. NOTE: Applicants who have completed 9 or more post-secondary credits must be in good academic standing (with a minimum GPA of 1.5) for admission to any ACS program. |
* We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.