Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma Pathway for Newcomers

This pathway equips newcomers with the skills and knowledge to support children's growth and learning from infancy through school age. Students study child development, design inclusive education and care programs, and learn to engage with families and communities.

The program alternates between in-class learning and field placement, giving students the confidence and practical experience they need to succeed in their careers right after graduation.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

This is a tuition-free program, funded through a partnership between the City of Toronto, Region of Durham, Region of Peel, Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada. The program is delivered by WoodGreen Community Services in partnership with George Brown Polytechnic.

Students may also be eligible to receive OSAP funding for living expenses.

Qualifications:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have legal status to study and work in Ontario (Naturalized Citizen under 5 years or Permanent Resident).
• Complete an English Language proficiency assessment (scoring GBP EAP level 6) or present CLB level 6 or a valid IELTS score of 5.5 equivalency.
• Have access to a computer and the internet.
• Be able to commit to 18 hours per week of in-person language training (14 weeks).*if needed
• Be able to commit to 21 to 25 hours per week of ECE classes and 35 hours per week of field placement in alternating 7-week blocks.
• Be able to attending employment focused workshops and guest speaker’s events.

Admissions Process:

1. Prescreening and submitting proof of minimum CLB level 6 or valid IELTS (5.5) equivalency, or completion of GBP EAP level 6 English Language proficiency assessment (Duolingo accepted).
2. Attend a program information session.
3. Submit an online application.
4. Participate in an interview.

Candidates will be notified by email about their acceptance status after completing all steps.

The Community Partnerships Office in Partnership of Woodgreen will hosts information sessions on the following dates:

• April 29, 2026, 4pm – Virtual
• May 6, 2026, 4pm - Virtual

To register for an information session: Early Childhood Education For Newcomers Information Session Registration 2026 – Fill out form

General Inquiries: PreAppPrograms@georgebown.ca

Heather Edmund: 416-415-5000 x 6647 
heather.edmund@georgebrown.ca

Q: What English level do I need for the program?
A: You must show one of the following English test results:

• CLB Level 6 or higher
• IELTS score of 5.5 or higher
• GBP EAP Level 6 assessment
• Duolingo English Test

If you need to take the Duolingo English Test, you can book it online at Duolingo English Test. The test costs about $70 USD, and the participant must pay this fee.

Q: Why do you need to provide your English proficiency level?
A: Your English level will decide when you start the program.

• CLB Level 6: You will start in Session 1 – ELS Training to reach Level 7 (GBP).
  Dates: May – June 2026.
  After you pass Session 1, you will move to Session 2.
• CLB Level 7: You will start in Session 2 – ELS Training to reach Level 8 (GBP).
  Dates: July – August 2026.
  After you complete Session 2, you will move to the ECE training portion of the program.
• CLB Level 8 or higher: You will start directly in the ECE Diploma Program curriculum.
  Dates: September 2026 – June 2028.

Q: How long is the program?
A: The total program time is about 2 to 2.5 years depending on when you start.

Some students will start with English Language Support (ELS) training before the diploma program. This training can take up to 14 weeks, depending on your CLB level (see the question above).

After the English training, students will start the ECE Diploma Program.

• ECE Diploma Program dates: September 2026 – June 2028
• Total program length: About 2years (including English training, if needed)