Early Childhood Education - Alternate Delivery (ECAD)

A customized ECE placement plan developed with you, for you 

Geared for those who currently work in early childhood education (ECE), our alternate delivery format is the only one of its type in Ontario. If you’ve been working in ECE for a minimum of six months, this five-semester program offers online, facilitated, and brief, intensive in-person learning that allows you to complete your diploma while you work. 
 
You’ll build a foundation of knowledge that children learn through play. This play-based learning approach, combined with a culturally-relevant environment, will encourage curious, capable, and competent children. You’ll explore how to organize and maintain a stimulating learning environment that ensures the total development of children from birth to 12 years of age. 

Program highlights

• The only alternate delivery program of its kind in Ontario 
• Compressed course delivery 
• Learn while you continue to work 
• Interactive classroom experiences 
• Faculty with expertise across the curriculum 
• Grads can apply to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) 

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

• Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

Additional admission requirements

• Two-step TB test
• Standard First Aid Certificate (prior to second field placement)
• Vulnerable Sector Check is required prior to field placements
• Record of up-to-date immunizations
• Freedom from communicable diseases and fit to work with young children
• Field certifications (Bill 18 requirements)
• Currently working in the field of ECE, directly with children, for a minimum of six months

Recommendations

• Any grade 11 or 12 family studies (C), (U), or (M)
• Computer competency in relevant software

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2027
SEMESTER 5:  Spring 2027

Please note: This program has a brief intensive two-week on-campus component with mandatory attendance. The two-week in-person component takes place in the second and third week of August each year. More information will be provided to you before the beginning of the in-person session.

Registration to practice / additional testing

Persons who wish to work within the College of Early Childhood Education's scope of practice must apply for registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators. A requirement to apply for registration is possession of an Early Childhood Education diploma from an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology. It is the responsibility of the graduate to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators.

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Graduates may find career opportunities as Early Childhood Educators working with a variety of age groups including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children in:

• Early Learning and Child Care Centres (Centre based and/or Home Childcare)
• EarlyON Child and Family Centres
• Kindergarten classrooms

Graduates are also prepared for employment opportunities in/as:

• Agencies that provide services to young children and their families
• Licensed Home Child Care Visitors
• Child and Family Resource Workers that support inclusive practices
• Centres for Newcomer Children
• Nursery Schools/Parent Co-operative Centres