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.
Early Childhood Education
(Fast-Track) (C130)
Program Details
- Program Code: C130
- Credential: Ontario College Diploma
- Duration: 10 months plus completion of a two-week orientation course
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: September
- Domestic Tuition: $4,060.00 * †
- International Tuition: $19,220.00 ** †
- Fall 2026 Delivery: Semester 3: On Campus
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Open | Open |
| Winter 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spring 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
- PGWP Eligible: Yes
- CIP Code: 19.0709
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown Polytechnic has been preparing graduates to work as early childhood educators for more than 40 years.
Program Overview
The Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) program is for graduates with a diploma or degree in a related field. This fast-track stream will prepare you for a rewarding career working with children from six weeks to 12 years of age in a variety of early childhood education settings.
Full Description
The Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) (C130) program is for graduates with a diploma or degree in a related field. In just two semesters (10 months, plus two weeks), you will study the holistic developmental needs of infants (from six weeks), toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children (to 12 years). You will learn to design inclusive education and care programming and develop skills to respond to a child's unique needs and interests.
You will also engage with families and the broader community.
To solidify your learning as you go, this program alternates between in-class learning and field placement experiences. This integrated approach not only helps you develop confidence in your skills as you progress throughout the program but will ensure you are ready to work immediately upon graduation.
Fast-Track Program Structure
This program starts in August and ends in June of the same year.
The structure of this Fast-Track program is as follows:
- August: Program starts with a two-week orientation course
- September–December: Semester 3 (includes one seven-week field placement)
- January–April: Semester 4 (includes one seven-week field placement)
- May–June: program concludes with one seven-week field placement
Your Field Education Options
As a student in this Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) program you will complete three seven-week field placement experiences. The first will take place in semester 3, the second will take place during semester 4 and the third will start in May after your classroom studies have been completed. During this time, you will have the opportunity to work with children of different age groups in a variety of settings.
Field placement plays an important role in this ECE program as it provides a continuum of experience that gives you the chance to progressively build on your learning as you develop new skills and progress through the program.
To support your learning outcomes and ensure you have access to facilities that model the best practices we consider essential, we operate Ontario's largest network of college-run lab school child care centres that serve over 1,000 children and their families each year. These 14 child care centres, located across Toronto, will not only expose you to the kinds of environments where you will eventually work but they also provide valuable services to the families and communities they serve.
Please note: Many field placement partners may require you to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (a person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose). As such, if you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you may be unable to complete your program's required field placement component in the regularly scheduled time frame.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
Upon successful completion of this Early Childhood Education(Fast-Track) program, you will be eligible for entrance to Ontario's College of Early Childhood Educators as a Registered Early Childhood Educator.
As a graduate of this George Brown ECE Diploma program, you will have developed the skills to:
- design curriculum for child-centred, play-based learning
- support children’s learning and development by responding to their unique needs and interests
- build caring relationships with children, families and communities
- create safe, healthy and inclusive early learning environments
Educational Pathways
If you graduate from this George Brown Early Childhood Education program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, you may apply to complete the bridge courses for entry into the third year of our Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (Degree Completion) program.
Your Early Childhood Education diploma will give you credit toward degree programs at other institutions.
For information on future study options, see Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1069 | Health, Safety & Nutrition |
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
| ECE 1183 | Integrated Seminar III |
| ECE 2014 | Field Practice III |
| ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy and Legislation II |
| ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
| ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
| ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
| ECE 2056 | Creative Curriculum |
| GNED | General Elective |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
| ECE 1184 | Integrated Seminar IV |
| ECE 2017 | Field Practice IV |
| ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy and Legislation II |
| ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
| ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
| ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
| ECE 2057 | Current Issue |
| GNED | General Elective |
Course Outline URL
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Create learning contexts to enable, build and maintain caring, responsive relationships in partnerships with children, families and communities that value and respect social, cultural and linguistic diversity including Indigenous peoples' world views and Francophone identity.
- Co-create, facilitate and reflect upon inquiry and play-based early years and child care programs and pedagogical approaches to support children's learning, holistic development and well-being following children's capabilities, interests, ideas and experiences.
- Co-design and maintain inclusive early-learning environments to value and support equitable, accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for all children, their families and communities in a range of early years and child care settings.
- Collaborate with children, families, colleagues, agencies and community partners to create, maintain, evaluate and promote safe and healthy early-learning environments to support independence, reasonable risk-taking and healthy development and well-being.
- Use observation strategies to identify children's strengths and challenges and to ascertain when children and families might benefit from additional support or community resources.
- Use professional communication in interactions with children, families, colleagues, employers, the regulatory body, government authorities and children's service agencies to meet legal and ethical standards of the early years sector.
- Act in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, agency policies and procedures and principles of evidence-informed practice and reflect upon their impact on one's own role in early years and child care settings.
- Identify, report and document when a child is in a situation of perceived risk for, or actual neglect or abuse, in accordance with legislation, the College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, policies and procedures.
- Create and engage in partnerships with families, communities, colleagues, interdisciplinary professionals, authorities and child service agencies to advocate for quality early years and child care programs and services.
- Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning in accordance with principles of lifelong learning, evidence-informed practices in the early years sector and requirements of the College of Early Childhood Educators.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,060.00 * †
International Tuition
$19,220.00 ** †
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
† In addition, students in C130 are required to take a preparatory course for which an extra fee will be charged (prior to semester 3).
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or diploma in a related field.
or
- One year completed of an Early Childhood Education credential, plus experience working with children (resumé required).
All qualified applicants must also complete the following as part of the review process:
Successful completion of a two-week orientation course in August. Applicants may receive a conditional offer based on successfully completing the orientation course.
+There is a fee for the two-week orientation course. Applicants who fail the course will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Domestic applicants must apply by July 17, 2026, to be considered for this program.
Please note: successful applicants must complete a two-week orientation course in August., and a final placement in May of the following year.
English Language Proficiency
Domestic applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown Polytechnic English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit English Proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Field placement is a mandatory and complex component of the program. Should accommodation issues arise, an Accessible Learning Consultant may be called upon to assist the applicant in determining whether she/he can meet the requirements necessary for safe caregiving for young children.
In compliance with requests from our student placement partners and requirements from Public Health and Ontario legislation, all students in this program must have completed the following prior to beginning field placement:
- standard first aid with CPR level C course
- police vulnerable sector check
- medical clearance
Students who are unable to provide completed field clearance documents may be unable to complete their field placement and, therefore, be unable to complete the program.
For more information on the ECE field placement requirements, please email ece@georgebrown.ca.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Early Childhood
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2310
Email: ece@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown Polytechnic has been preparing graduates to work as early childhood educators for more than 40 years.
Program Overview
The Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) program is for graduates with a diploma or degree in a related field. This fast-track stream will prepare you for a rewarding career working with children from six weeks to 12 years of age in a variety of early childhood education settings.
Full Description
The Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) (C130) program is for graduates with a diploma or degree in a related field. In just two semesters (10 months, plus two weeks), you will study the holistic developmental needs of infants (from six weeks), toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children (to 12 years). You will learn to design inclusive education and care programming and develop skills to respond to a child's unique needs and interests.
You will also engage with families and the broader community.
To solidify your learning as you go, this program alternates between in-class learning and field placement experiences. This integrated approach not only helps you develop confidence in your skills as you progress throughout the program but will ensure you are ready to work immediately upon graduation.
Fast-Track Program Structure
This program starts in August and ends in June of the same year.
The structure of this Fast-Track program is as follows:
- August: Program starts with a two-week orientation course
- September–December: Semester 3 (includes one seven-week field placement)
- January–April: Semester 4 (includes one seven-week field placement)
- May–June: program concludes with one seven-week field placement
Your Field Education Options
As a student in this Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) program you will complete three seven-week field placement experiences. The first will take place in semester 3, the second will take place during semester 4 and the third will start in May after your classroom studies have been completed. During this time, you will have the opportunity to work with children of different age groups in a variety of settings.
Field placement plays an important role in this ECE program as it provides a continuum of experience that gives you the chance to progressively build on your learning as you develop new skills and progress through the program.
To support your learning outcomes and ensure you have access to facilities that model the best practices we consider essential, we operate Ontario's largest network of college-run lab school child care centres that serve over 1,000 children and their families each year. These 14 child care centres, located across Toronto, will not only expose you to the kinds of environments where you will eventually work but they also provide valuable services to the families and communities they serve.
Please note: Many field placement partners may require you to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (a person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose). As such, if you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you may be unable to complete your program's required field placement component in the regularly scheduled time frame.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
Upon successful completion of this Early Childhood Education(Fast-Track) program, you will be eligible for entrance to Ontario's College of Early Childhood Educators as a Registered Early Childhood Educator.
As a graduate of this George Brown ECE Diploma program, you will have developed the skills to:
- design curriculum for child-centred, play-based learning
- support children’s learning and development by responding to their unique needs and interests
- build caring relationships with children, families and communities
- create safe, healthy and inclusive early learning environments
Educational Pathways
If you graduate from this George Brown Early Childhood Education program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, you may apply to complete the bridge courses for entry into the third year of our Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (Degree Completion) program.
Your Early Childhood Education diploma will give you credit toward degree programs at other institutions.
For information on future study options, see Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1069 | Health, Safety & Nutrition |
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
| ECE 1183 | Integrated Seminar III |
| ECE 2014 | Field Practice III |
| ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy and Legislation II |
| ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
| ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
| ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
| ECE 2056 | Creative Curriculum |
| GNED | General Elective |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
| ECE 1184 | Integrated Seminar IV |
| ECE 2017 | Field Practice IV |
| ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy and Legislation II |
| ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
| ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
| ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
| ECE 2057 | Current Issue |
| GNED | General Elective |
Course Outline URL
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,060.00 * †
International Tuition
$19,220.00 ** †
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
† In addition, students in C130 are required to take a preparatory course for which an extra fee will be charged (prior to semester 3).
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or diploma in a related field.
or
- One year completed of an Early Childhood Education credential, plus experience working with children (resumé required).
All qualified applicants must also complete the following as part of the review process:
Successful completion of a two-week orientation course in August. Applicants may receive a conditional offer based on successfully completing the orientation course.
+There is a fee for the two-week orientation course. Applicants who fail the course will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Domestic applicants must apply by July 17, 2026, to be considered for this program.
Please note: successful applicants must complete a two-week orientation course in August., and a final placement in May of the following year.
English Language Proficiency
Domestic applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown Polytechnic English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit English Proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Field placement is a mandatory and complex component of the program. Should accommodation issues arise, an Accessible Learning Consultant may be called upon to assist the applicant in determining whether she/he can meet the requirements necessary for safe caregiving for young children.
In compliance with requests from our student placement partners and requirements from Public Health and Ontario legislation, all students in this program must have completed the following prior to beginning field placement:
- standard first aid with CPR level C course
- police vulnerable sector check
- medical clearance
Students who are unable to provide completed field clearance documents may be unable to complete their field placement and, therefore, be unable to complete the program.
For more information on the ECE field placement requirements, please email ece@georgebrown.ca.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Create learning contexts to enable, build and maintain caring, responsive relationships in partnerships with children, families and communities that value and respect social, cultural and linguistic diversity including Indigenous peoples' world views and Francophone identity.
- Co-create, facilitate and reflect upon inquiry and play-based early years and child care programs and pedagogical approaches to support children's learning, holistic development and well-being following children's capabilities, interests, ideas and experiences.
- Co-design and maintain inclusive early-learning environments to value and support equitable, accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for all children, their families and communities in a range of early years and child care settings.
- Collaborate with children, families, colleagues, agencies and community partners to create, maintain, evaluate and promote safe and healthy early-learning environments to support independence, reasonable risk-taking and healthy development and well-being.
- Use observation strategies to identify children's strengths and challenges and to ascertain when children and families might benefit from additional support or community resources.
- Use professional communication in interactions with children, families, colleagues, employers, the regulatory body, government authorities and children's service agencies to meet legal and ethical standards of the early years sector.
- Act in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, agency policies and procedures and principles of evidence-informed practice and reflect upon their impact on one's own role in early years and child care settings.
- Identify, report and document when a child is in a situation of perceived risk for, or actual neglect or abuse, in accordance with legislation, the College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, policies and procedures.
- Create and engage in partnerships with families, communities, colleagues, interdisciplinary professionals, authorities and child service agencies to advocate for quality early years and child care programs and services.
- Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning in accordance with principles of lifelong learning, evidence-informed practices in the early years sector and requirements of the College of Early Childhood Educators.
Contact Us
School of Early Childhood
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2310
Email: ece@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit George Brown Polytechnic At Toronto Metropolitan University Campus
Book campus tourEarly Childhood Education
(Fast-Track) (C130)
Program Details
- Program Code: C130
- Credential: Ontario College Diploma
- Duration: 10 months plus completion of a two-week orientation course
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: September
- Domestic Tuition: $4,054.00 * †
- International Tuition: $18,700.00 ** †
- Spring 2026 Delivery: Not Available
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Closed | Closed |
| Winter 2026 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spring 2026 | Not Available | Not Available |
- Work-Integrated Learning:
Field Placement
- PGWP Eligible: Yes
- CIP Code: 19.0709
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown Polytechnic has been preparing graduates to work as early childhood educators for more than 40 years.
Program Overview
The Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) program is for graduates with a diploma or degree in a related field. This fast-track stream will prepare you for a rewarding career working with children from six weeks to 12 years of age in a variety of early childhood education settings.
Full Description
This Early Childhood Education program is currently offering a $1,000 tuition grant in Semesters 3 and 4 to domestic students starting in September 2025.*
The Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) (C130) program is for graduates with a diploma or degree in a related field. In just two semesters (10 months, plus two weeks), you will study the holistic developmental needs of infants (from six weeks), toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children (to 12 years). You will learn to design inclusive education and care programming and develop skills to respond to a child's unique needs and interests.
You will also engage with families and the broader community.
To solidify your learning as you go, this program alternates between in-class learning and field placement experiences. This integrated approach not only helps you develop confidence in your skills as you progress throughout the program but will ensure you are ready to work immediately upon graduation.
*This opportunity is funded in partnership with the City of Toronto, the Region of Durham, the Region of Peel, the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada under the new Canada-Ontario Early Childhood Workforce Agreement, which provides one-time federal funding to support the retention and recruitment of a high-quality child care and early years workforce.
Fast-Track Program Structure
This program starts in August and ends in June of the same year.
The structure of this Fast-Track program is as follows:
- August: Program starts with a two-week orientation course
- September–December: Semester 3 (includes one seven-week field placement)
- January–April: Semester 4 (includes one seven-week field placement)
- May–June: program concludes with one seven-week field placement
Your Field Education Options
As a student in this Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) program you will complete three seven-week field placement experiences. The first will take place in semester 3, the second will take place during semester 4 and the third will start in May after your classroom studies have been completed. During this time, you will have the opportunity to work with children of different age groups in a variety of settings.
Field placement plays an important role in this ECE program as it provides a continuum of experience that gives you the chance to progressively build on your learning as you develop new skills and progress through the program.
To support your learning outcomes and ensure you have access to facilities that model the best practices we consider essential, we operate Ontario's largest network of college-run lab school child care centres that serve over 1,000 children and their families each year. These 14 child care centres, located across Toronto, will not only expose you to the kinds of environments where you will eventually work but they also provide valuable services to the families and communities they serve.
Please note: Many field placement partners may require you to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (a person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose). As such, if you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you may be unable to complete your program's required field placement component in the regularly scheduled time frame.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
Upon successful completion of this Early Childhood Education(Fast-Track) program, you will be eligible for entrance to Ontario's College of Early Childhood Educators as a Registered Early Childhood Educator.
As a graduate of this George Brown ECE Diploma program, you will have developed the skills to:
- design curriculum for child-centred, play-based learning
- support children’s learning and development by responding to their unique needs and interests
- build caring relationships with children, families and communities
- create safe, healthy and inclusive early learning environments
Educational Pathways
If you graduate from this George Brown Early Childhood Education program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, you may apply to complete the bridge courses for entry into the third year of our Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (Degree Completion) program.
Your Early Childhood Education diploma will give you credit toward degree programs at other institutions.
For information on future study options, see Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1069 | Health, Safety & Nutrition |
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
| ECE 1183 | Integrated Seminar III |
| ECE 2014 | Field Practice III |
| ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy and Legislation II |
| ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
| ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
| ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
| ECE 2056 | Creative Curriculum |
| GNED | General Elective |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
| ECE 1184 | Integrated Seminar IV |
| ECE 2017 | Field Practice IV |
| ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy and Legislation II |
| ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
| ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
| ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
| ECE 2057 | Current Issue |
| GNED | General Elective |
Course Outline URL
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Create learning contexts to enable, build and maintain caring, responsive relationships in partnerships with children, families and communities that value and respect social, cultural and linguistic diversity including Indigenous peoples' world views and Francophone identity.
- Co-create, facilitate and reflect upon inquiry and play-based early years and child care programs and pedagogical approaches to support children's learning, holistic development and well-being following children's capabilities, interests, ideas and experiences.
- Co-design and maintain inclusive early-learning environments to value and support equitable, accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for all children, their families and communities in a range of early years and child care settings.
- Collaborate with children, families, colleagues, agencies and community partners to create, maintain, evaluate and promote safe and healthy early-learning environments to support independence, reasonable risk-taking and healthy development and well-being.
- Use observation strategies to identify children's strengths and challenges and to ascertain when children and families might benefit from additional support or community resources.
- Use professional communication in interactions with children, families, colleagues, employers, the regulatory body, government authorities and children's service agencies to meet legal and ethical standards of the early years sector.
- Act in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, agency policies and procedures and principles of evidence-informed practice and reflect upon their impact on one's own role in early years and child care settings.
- Identify, report and document when a child is in a situation of perceived risk for, or actual neglect or abuse, in accordance with legislation, the College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, policies and procedures.
- Create and engage in partnerships with families, communities, colleagues, interdisciplinary professionals, authorities and child service agencies to advocate for quality early years and child care programs and services.
- Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning in accordance with principles of lifelong learning, evidence-informed practices in the early years sector and requirements of the College of Early Childhood Educators.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,054.00 * †
International Tuition
$18,700.00 ** †
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
† In addition, students in C130 are required to take a preparatory course for which an extra fee will be charged (prior to semester 3).
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
- Degree or diploma in a related field.
OR
- One year completed of an Early Childhood Education credential, plus experience working with children (resumé required).
All qualified applicants must also complete the following as part of the review process:
Successful completion of a two-week orientation course in August. Applicants may receive a conditional offer based on successfully completing the orientation course.
+There is a fee for the two-week orientation course. Applicants who fail the course will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Domestic applicants must apply by July 18, 2025, to be considered for this program.
Please note: successful applicants must complete a two-week orientation course in August., and a final placement in May of the following year.
English Language Proficiency
Domestic applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown Polytechnic English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit English Proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Field placement is a mandatory and complex component of the program. Should accommodation issues arise, an Accessible Learning Consultant may be called upon to assist the applicant in determining whether she/he can meet the requirements necessary for safe caregiving for young children.
In compliance with requests from our student placement partners and requirements from Public Health and Ontario legislation, all students in this program must have completed the following prior to beginning field placement:
- standard first aid with CPR level C course
- police vulnerable sector check
- medical clearance
Students who are unable to provide completed field clearance documents may be unable to complete their field placement and, therefore, be unable to complete the program.
For more information on the ECE field placement requirements, please email ece@georgebrown.ca.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Early Childhood
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2310
Email: ece@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown Polytechnic has been preparing graduates to work as early childhood educators for more than 40 years.
Program Overview
The Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) program is for graduates with a diploma or degree in a related field. This fast-track stream will prepare you for a rewarding career working with children from six weeks to 12 years of age in a variety of early childhood education settings.
Full Description
This Early Childhood Education program is currently offering a $1,000 tuition grant in Semesters 3 and 4 to domestic students starting in September 2025.*
The Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) (C130) program is for graduates with a diploma or degree in a related field. In just two semesters (10 months, plus two weeks), you will study the holistic developmental needs of infants (from six weeks), toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children (to 12 years). You will learn to design inclusive education and care programming and develop skills to respond to a child's unique needs and interests.
You will also engage with families and the broader community.
To solidify your learning as you go, this program alternates between in-class learning and field placement experiences. This integrated approach not only helps you develop confidence in your skills as you progress throughout the program but will ensure you are ready to work immediately upon graduation.
*This opportunity is funded in partnership with the City of Toronto, the Region of Durham, the Region of Peel, the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada under the new Canada-Ontario Early Childhood Workforce Agreement, which provides one-time federal funding to support the retention and recruitment of a high-quality child care and early years workforce.
Fast-Track Program Structure
This program starts in August and ends in June of the same year.
The structure of this Fast-Track program is as follows:
- August: Program starts with a two-week orientation course
- September–December: Semester 3 (includes one seven-week field placement)
- January–April: Semester 4 (includes one seven-week field placement)
- May–June: program concludes with one seven-week field placement
Your Field Education Options
As a student in this Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) program you will complete three seven-week field placement experiences. The first will take place in semester 3, the second will take place during semester 4 and the third will start in May after your classroom studies have been completed. During this time, you will have the opportunity to work with children of different age groups in a variety of settings.
Field placement plays an important role in this ECE program as it provides a continuum of experience that gives you the chance to progressively build on your learning as you develop new skills and progress through the program.
To support your learning outcomes and ensure you have access to facilities that model the best practices we consider essential, we operate Ontario's largest network of college-run lab school child care centres that serve over 1,000 children and their families each year. These 14 child care centres, located across Toronto, will not only expose you to the kinds of environments where you will eventually work but they also provide valuable services to the families and communities they serve.
Please note: Many field placement partners may require you to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (a person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose). As such, if you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you may be unable to complete your program's required field placement component in the regularly scheduled time frame.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
Upon successful completion of this Early Childhood Education(Fast-Track) program, you will be eligible for entrance to Ontario's College of Early Childhood Educators as a Registered Early Childhood Educator.
As a graduate of this George Brown ECE Diploma program, you will have developed the skills to:
- design curriculum for child-centred, play-based learning
- support children’s learning and development by responding to their unique needs and interests
- build caring relationships with children, families and communities
- create safe, healthy and inclusive early learning environments
Educational Pathways
If you graduate from this George Brown Early Childhood Education program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, you may apply to complete the bridge courses for entry into the third year of our Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (Degree Completion) program.
Your Early Childhood Education diploma will give you credit toward degree programs at other institutions.
For information on future study options, see Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1069 | Health, Safety & Nutrition |
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
| ECE 1183 | Integrated Seminar III |
| ECE 2014 | Field Practice III |
| ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy and Legislation II |
| ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
| ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
| ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
| ECE 2056 | Creative Curriculum |
| GNED | General Elective |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
| ECE 1184 | Integrated Seminar IV |
| ECE 2017 | Field Practice IV |
| ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy and Legislation II |
| ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
| ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
| ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
| ECE 2057 | Current Issue |
| GNED | General Elective |
Course Outline URL
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,054.00 * †
International Tuition
$18,700.00 ** †
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
† In addition, students in C130 are required to take a preparatory course for which an extra fee will be charged (prior to semester 3).
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
- Degree or diploma in a related field.
OR
- One year completed of an Early Childhood Education credential, plus experience working with children (resumé required).
All qualified applicants must also complete the following as part of the review process:
Successful completion of a two-week orientation course in August. Applicants may receive a conditional offer based on successfully completing the orientation course.
+There is a fee for the two-week orientation course. Applicants who fail the course will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Domestic applicants must apply by July 18, 2025, to be considered for this program.
Please note: successful applicants must complete a two-week orientation course in August., and a final placement in May of the following year.
English Language Proficiency
Domestic applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown Polytechnic English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit English Proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Field placement is a mandatory and complex component of the program. Should accommodation issues arise, an Accessible Learning Consultant may be called upon to assist the applicant in determining whether she/he can meet the requirements necessary for safe caregiving for young children.
In compliance with requests from our student placement partners and requirements from Public Health and Ontario legislation, all students in this program must have completed the following prior to beginning field placement:
- standard first aid with CPR level C course
- police vulnerable sector check
- medical clearance
Students who are unable to provide completed field clearance documents may be unable to complete their field placement and, therefore, be unable to complete the program.
For more information on the ECE field placement requirements, please email ece@georgebrown.ca.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Create learning contexts to enable, build and maintain caring, responsive relationships in partnerships with children, families and communities that value and respect social, cultural and linguistic diversity including Indigenous peoples' world views and Francophone identity.
- Co-create, facilitate and reflect upon inquiry and play-based early years and child care programs and pedagogical approaches to support children's learning, holistic development and well-being following children's capabilities, interests, ideas and experiences.
- Co-design and maintain inclusive early-learning environments to value and support equitable, accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for all children, their families and communities in a range of early years and child care settings.
- Collaborate with children, families, colleagues, agencies and community partners to create, maintain, evaluate and promote safe and healthy early-learning environments to support independence, reasonable risk-taking and healthy development and well-being.
- Use observation strategies to identify children's strengths and challenges and to ascertain when children and families might benefit from additional support or community resources.
- Use professional communication in interactions with children, families, colleagues, employers, the regulatory body, government authorities and children's service agencies to meet legal and ethical standards of the early years sector.
- Act in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, agency policies and procedures and principles of evidence-informed practice and reflect upon their impact on one's own role in early years and child care settings.
- Identify, report and document when a child is in a situation of perceived risk for, or actual neglect or abuse, in accordance with legislation, the College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, policies and procedures.
- Create and engage in partnerships with families, communities, colleagues, interdisciplinary professionals, authorities and child service agencies to advocate for quality early years and child care programs and services.
- Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning in accordance with principles of lifelong learning, evidence-informed practices in the early years sector and requirements of the College of Early Childhood Educators.
Contact Us
School of Early Childhood
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2310
Email: ece@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page