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 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
ECE 1050 Health & Nutrition 3
ECE 1115 Intro Early Childhood Education 3
ECE 1024 Child Growth and Development 3
ECE 1130 Field Seminar I 1
ECE 1140 The Creative Learning Environment 3
ENG 1002 College Communications 3
ISP 1046 Introduction to Computers 1
PSY 1050 Introduction To Psychology I 3
 Credits20
Semester 2
ECE 1201 Curriculum Planning I 3
ECE 1205 Observation and Documentation 3
ECE 1230 Field Seminar II 1
ECE 1239 Field Practicum II 6
ECE 1295 Child Guidance 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits19
Semester 3
ECE 2040 Culturally Relevant Practice 3
ECE 2301 Curriculum Planning II 3
ECE 2320 Infant and Toddler Care 3
ECE 2330 Field Seminar III 1
ECE 2339 Field Practicum III 4
 Credits14
Semester 4
ECE 2395 Family Liaison 3
ECE 2450 Inclusive Theory & Practices 3
ECE 2455 Program for the School Age Child 4
ENG 1700 Communications II 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits16
Semester 5
ECE 1012 Leadership in ECE 3
ECE 1013 Child Abuse 3
ECE 2315 Curriculum Models In ECE 3
ECE 2430 Field Seminar IV 1
ECE 2439 Field Practicum IV 6
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits19
 Total Credits88
1

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

Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.