Diploma in Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma Program prepares students to become qualified Early Childhood Educators who contribute to the well-being of children, families and their community. The program integrates theoretical material with laboratory and practicum experience to give graduates the skills and knowledge to work with newborns through to children eight years of age. Students learn to assess and guide child development, promote health and nutrition, communicate and collaborate with children and caregivers, and manage a child care setting. To qualify for an ECE Diploma, students must first complete the requirements for their basic certificate. They may then choose to go on to complete additional courses to qualify for a Special Needs certificate. The combination of these two becomes the Diploma program.Graduates of the Diploma program are qualified to apply for two provincial licences to practice as Early Childhood Educators and Special Needs Educators. Additonally, graduates may also choose to return for a post-diploma Certificate in Infant and Toddler Care, and then apply for a third provincial licence as an Infant/Toddler Educator.