Early Childhood Education - Alternate Delivery (ECAD)

Ontario College Diploma | 5 Semesters | Barrydowne and Distance Study

Our alternate delivery format in early childhood education is geared specifically to those who are currently working in the field of ECE (must be working for a minimum of six months, directly with children). This unique alternate delivery program is the only one of this type in Ontario and allows you to complete your diploma while continuing to work in the field.

As a student in Early Childhood Education at Cambrian College, you will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the field of early learning and child care. Your studies will blend the theory of child growth and development with practical application experiences in the field.  Through interactive classroom experiences, you will design, plan, implement, and evaluate play-based learning for young children from birth to twelve years of age.

The program will prepare you to work with and support the diverse needs of the children and families you will encounter in your current and future work. You will build a foundation of understanding that children learn through play. This learning approach, combined with a culturally-relevant environment, will reflect that children are curious, capable, competent and rich in potential.

This hybrid program includes brief, intensive, in-person learning (Sudbury, ON), online learning, and facilitated learning. Course credits and/or previous work experience may qualify you to receive Cambrian course credits through our Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition process (PLAR).

Program Highlights

• 5 semesters – 2 years

• Compressed course delivery

• Faculty with expertise across the curriculum

• Combination of facilitated distance study and intensive on-campus (Sudbury, ON), in-person sessions

• Continue to work while completing courses

• The only alternate delivery program of this type in Ontario

Fieldwork/Placement

Field placements are an important component of the program. Since you will already have work experience coming into the program, an individualized placement plan will be developed with you and for you.

Students will be responsible for any expenses incurred related to placement. Agencies will require students to have additional medical and non-medical documents prior to the completion of any community based placement.  

Required documentation includes:

• a vulnerable sector check,
• health documentation (up-to-date immunization, Two-step TB test, freedom from communicable disease)
• First Aid/CPR (for placements 2, 3,and 4)
• Field certifications - Bill 18 requirements   

Registration to Practice – Early Childhood Education Designation

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.

Quick Links

How to Apply

Community Services

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)

Recommended:

• Any grade 11 or 12 family studies (C), (U), or (M)

• Computer competency in relevant software

Additional 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

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Program Delivery

2023-2024

This program will be delivered in the following terms:

Fall Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Fall 2023
2. SEMESTER 2 Winter 2024
3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2024
4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2025
5. SEMESTER 5 Spring 2025

For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule on our website.

Program of Study for 2023-24 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Credits
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
	Credits	20
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
	Credits	19
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
	Credits	14
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
	Credits	16
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
	Credits	19
	Total Credits	88

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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition and Ancillary Fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Graduate Options

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

College/University Degree Opportunities

Graduates from this program may continue their studies at college/university and may receive credit for their prior College education.

Refer to College/University Agreements for further information.