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.
Program
Childcare Development Practitioner Pre-Apprenticeship
School
- School of Early Childhood
- Community Partnerships Office
Location
George Brown Campus at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
Duration
Total length: 28 weeks
- Academic Upgrading: (September 1 to September 18)
3 weeks, 5 days per week, 20 hrs per day, On-Campus (TMU) - Level 1 Training: (September 26 to December 11)
12-weeks - Secondary Trades Training: (December 14 to December 18)
1-week, On-Campus (TMU) - Field Placement: (January 11 to March 5)
8-weeks, Onsite – various locations
Starting Date
September 1, 2026
Year of Study
2026 to 2027
Credentials
Program graduates will receive a certificate of completion and Ministry recognized Level 1 trades training.
Method of Study
Hybrid (Mix of in-person and online). Academic upgrading will likely be delivered online, while the Level 1 skills training will be in person (TMU campus, in the SHE building - 99 Gerrard Street East).
Program Description
The Childcare Development Practitioner Pre-Apprenticeship is a FREE employment-focused program that enables students to explore and develop skills related to the Childcare Practitioner (620C) trade. This program you will develop your gain practical knowledge and experience working with children from 6 weeks to 12 years old in a variety of early childhood settings.
Courses
- Students will learn:
- Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Child Development 1 & 2
- Foundations of Early Learning Environment
- Creative Expression
- Preschool Learning Environment I
- Child Protection
- Inclusive Practice & Advocacy
- Program content is based on input from industry and George Brown Polytechnic’s School of Early Childhood Education.
- Courses provide graduates with Ontario Public College credits which may be applied towards an apprenticeship program.
- First aid and safety certification included.
Tuition and Fees
There are no fees. This program is funded by the Province of Ontario. It is not eligible for OSAP funding.
How to Qualify and Apply
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Interested applicants will be assessed for English skills (Ontario Grade 12 or equivalent)
- Applicants must have a current resume and be able to demonstrate interest and suitability to both training and employment as a Childcare Development Practitioner.
- Must be able to work in Ontario
- Must be a Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen
Admissions Process:
The admissions process for the Childcare Development Practitioner Pre-Apprenticeship program consists of 4 steps:
- Submitting an online application
- Attending a program information session
- Completing an online literacy assessment
- Participating in an interview
Once all these steps have been completed and results reviewed, candidates will be notified by email as to their acceptance status.
All elements of the application process are considered, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.
Information Sessions
The Community Partnerships Office hosts information sessions regularly.
For more information or to book an information session at your location please contact:
General Inquiries: PreAppPrograms@georgebown.ca
Heather Edmund: 416-415-5000 x 6647 – heather.edmund@georgebrown.ca
Contact Us
General Inquiries: PreAppPrograms@georgebown.ca
Heather Edmund: 416-415-5000, ext.6647
heather.edmund@georgebrown.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the literacy assessment required for admission to the Childcare Development Practitioner Pre-Apprenticeship program and how do I prepare for the assessment?
A: Literacy assessments are required for all candidates interested in pursuing the program because they provide us with a baseline understanding of individuals’ skills and where they may need more support.
The assessment is a measure of the transferable skills applicants already utilize in common/familiar contexts, so preparation is not a requirement.
However, if you want to have a better sense of what the assessment looks like, please visit the Practice Essential Skills Group page, where you will find a set of practice questions that will give you a good idea of the kinds of contextualized questions applicants will encounter in the actual assessment.
Q: Do I need to be a resident of Ontario to participate in this program?
A: Yes. You must be a resident of Ontario and eligible to work in the province.