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Early Childhood Education (ECEP)

Ontario College Diploma | 4 semesters | Barrydowne Campus

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 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.

Program Highlights

  • 2 years – 4 semesters

  • Placement in each semester

  • Opportunities for international placements 

  • Faculty with diverse work backgrounds and expertise across the curriculum

  • Community guest speakers and field trips to local agencies

  • Practical learning in the mock child care classroom on campus in Sudbury, ON

  • Opportunities to earn additional certificates as part of existing course content

  • Graduates are eligible to apply to become Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE)

Fieldwork/Placement

In each semester, students meeting requirements, will have the opportunity to complete a community placement. Students will be responsible for any expenses incurred related to placement, such as Paramed consultation for medical and non-medical requirements, transportation including parking if applicable, meals, and accommodation.

Agencies will require students to have additional medical and non-medical documents prior to the completion of any community based placement.  Students are responsible for acquiring the necessary medical and non-medical requirements by a set program deadline. Paramed will be responsible for the coordination of the required documentation in consultation with the students prior to the commencement of 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   

4D Learning Opportunities

Each year, Cambrian College offers a variety of opportunities for students to work across disciplines in exciting community and College endeavors.  In the past, students have been a part of projects like Share a Book where students collect new and gently used books for local health clinics and/or food banks and the Teddy Bear Picnic– where students facilitate activities for young guests at the annual College event raising funds for pediatric cancer research. Students are encouraged to get involved and make connections while building their skill set.

Registration to Practice – Early Childhood Education Designation

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.

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

Before the first field placement, students will consult with Paramed 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
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Program Delivery

2022-2023

This program will be delivered in the following terms:

Spring Term Start

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

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

Spring Term Start

  1. SEMESTER 1 Spring 2024
  2. SEMESTER 2 Fall 2024
  3. SEMESTER 3 Winter 2025
  4. SEMESTER 4 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 1Credits
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
 Credits22
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
 Credits22
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
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits20
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 2450 Inclusive Theory & Practices 3
ECE 2455 Program for the School Age Child 4
 Credits23
 Total Credits87
1

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.

Books & Supplies

The cost of books and supplies for Year 1 is approximately $2,000. This is the best information available at the time of publishing to the website and is subject to change.

Graduate Options

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

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.

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.