George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Choose a career that never gets old
George Brown Polytechnic’s School of Early Childhood has been preparing Early Childhood Educators (ECE's) for more than 40 years. With diploma, degree and specialized continuing education programs, we are committed to teaching you the skills employers want.
Our Approach is Based on Three Guiding Principles
Block placement
Our experience has shown that the best way to build confidence and support our students as they develop their early childhood skills is through a block placement format – seven weeks in class followed by seven weeks in an early learning setting. This gradual but immersive approach, helps students apply what they've learned in the classroom to the early childhood education and care sector working with children and their families.
GTA Lab School Child Care Centres
George Brown’s School of Early Childhood offers Ontario’s largest network of school owned and operated child care centres. These 14 centres model the best practices that we teach in our classrooms and provide top-notch training for our students as well as care for the children and families that we serve. Learn more about our 14 child-care centres here.
Connected to Industry
With over 350 partners across the Greater Toronto Area, we have well-established partnerships that extend into a variety of sectors that include public and private child care centres, school boards, community organizations, hospitals, and government to name a few. Learn more about our industry partners here.
You can learn more about our programs below.
Ready to apply?
Find the right Early Childhood Education full-time program for you
Apply now and start in May 2026
Early Childhood Education (C100)Apply to this two-year program stream if you are in high school or are a mature student with no previous post-secondary credential.
Apply now and start in September 2026
Early Childhood Education (C100)
Apply to this two-year program stream if you are in high school or are a mature student with no previous post-secondary credential.
Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) (C118)
Apply to this program stream if you want to earn a degree in Early Childhood. Students graduate with a diploma from George Brown Polytechnic and a degree from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) (C130)
Apply to this fast-track program stream if you have a diploma or degree in a related field. Program is 10 months plus a two-week orientation course.
Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) (C160)
Apply to this condensed program stream if you are able to study for 16 consecutive months.
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours (Degree Completion) (C305)
Apply to this Degree Completion program stream if you have a diploma in Early Childhood Education and would like to pursue a degree that focuses on leadership as it relates to the Early Childhood sector.
Apply Now and Start in January 2027
Early Childhood Education (Online) (C150)
Apply to this 16-month online program to develop the skills you need to work with children from six weeks to 12 years of age in a variety of early childhood education settings. This program alternates between online classes and in-person field placement experiences.
Early Childhood Education (C100)
Apply to this 18-month (continuous program with summer classes) stream if you are in high school or are a mature student with no previous post-secondary credential.
Apply to one of the following part-time programs:
If you are passionate about early childhood education but don't think you have the time to attend a full-time program, consider one of George Brown’s part-time Early Childhood Education programs. Whether you are just starting out or are looking to build on your existing credentials, our part-time programs have been designed to suit your busy schedule.
To start the application process to one of our Early Childhood Education part-time programs, please complete this form.
Student Success Story
To learn about the George Brown Polytechnic student experience in the Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/GBC Degree) (C148) program, watch this short testimonial.
Raymund Hip Loy Lee (Student 2021, Consecutive Diploma/GBC Degree)
Have questions?
Please contact the School of Early Childhood
Toronto Metropolitan University
Eric Palin Hall
99 Gerrard Street East, Room 597
Toronto, ON M5B 2L4
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2310 (between 8a.m. – 5p.m.)
Email: ece@georgebrown.ca