Cultivate curious children with play-based learning
In this innovative program, you will examine how children grow and discover how children learn through play. This play-based learning approach, combined with a culturally-relevant environment, nurtures children who are curious, capable, competent, and rich in potential.
Interactive classroom exercises will train you to design, plan, implement, and evaluate play-based learning for children from birth to 12 years of age. You’ll gain practical experience in our on-campus mock childcare classroom. You can apply to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator upon graduation and be eligible to work in a variety of childcare settings in the community.
Program highlights
- Recognized by the College of Early Childhood Educators
- Placement in each semester
- Opportunities for international placements
- Community guest speakers and field trips to local agencies
- Opportunities to earn additional certifications built into the program
- Option to earn a second diploma in another community services program in just 1 year when you graduate
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 1050 | Health & Nutrition | 3 |
| ECE 1024 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE 1115 | Intro Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 1130 | Field Seminar I | 1 |
| ECE 1140 | The Creative Learning Environment | 3 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| PSY 1050 | Introduction To Psychology I | 3 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| 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 |
| ENG 1242 | Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I | 3 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| 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 |
| ECE 2395 | Family Liaison | 3 |
| ECE 2450 | Inclusive Theory & Practices | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| 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 |
| ECE 2455 | Program for the School Age Child | 4 |
| One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Total Credits | 87 | |
- 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
Before the first field placement, students will consult with Synergy and show proof of the following:
- Two-step TB test
- Standard First Aid Certificate (prior to second field placement)
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- Record of up-to-date immunizations
- Freedom from communicable diseases and fit to work with young children
- Field certifications (Bill 18 requirements)
- Co-op permits for placement in all four semesters for international students registered in a field practicum course
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
Spring term start
SEMESTER 1: Spring 2026
SEMESTER 2: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 3: Winter 2027
SEMESTER 4: Spring 2027
Registration to practice / additional testing
Persons who wish to work within the 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, preschool, 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
- Agencies 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.
