Early Childhood Education (ECEP)

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 one year when you graduate 

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

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