Early Childhood Education Program (C100)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
Preparing graduates to work as early childhood educators for more than 40 years.
Program Overview
George Brown's Early Childhood Education Diploma program will prepare you for a rewarding career in a rapidly evolving sector. In just two years, you'll learn to work 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 $2,000 tuition grant to domestic students starting in September 2024 and January 2025.*
George Brown's Early Childhood Education (C100) Diploma program will give you the knowledge and practical experience you need to support children's learning as they grow. You'll study the holistic developmental needs of infants (from six weeks), toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children (to 12 years) and will learn how to design inclusive education and care programs and respond to the unique needs and interests of a child.
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.
To begin this program in January or May 2025, apply to the 2024/25 academic year. If you want to begin your studies in either January or May 2026, apply to the May 2025/26 intake for this program.
ACCELERATED OPTION (16 consecutive months)
If you are eager to enter the field and can study without significant breaks, we offer an accelerated stream for 16 consecutive months (four continuous semesters). Visit the Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) (C160) program page for more details.
FAST-TRACK – DIRECT ENTRY (10 months)
You may qualify for the Fast-Track program with a diploma or degree in a related field. Visit the Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) (C130) program page for more details.
*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.
Your Field Education Options
As a student in the Early Childhood Education program, you will complete a seven-week field placement in each semester. During this time, you will have the opportunity to work with children of different age groups in a variety of settings.
Field placement provides a continuum of experience that will given you an invaluable opportunity to integrate and apply classroom theory as you develop a hands-on practice.
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 13 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 their 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
Successful completion of this program will make you eligible for entrance to Ontario's College of Early Childhood Educators as a Registered Early Childhood Educator.
Upon graduating from this Early Childhood Education program, you will have learned 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 complete this Early Childhood Education Diploma program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, you may apply to complete the bridge courses for entry into the third year of George Brown's Bachelor of Early Childhood Education - Honours (Degree Completion) program.
For information on future study options, see the 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
Required Courses
Semester 1
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts* |
ECE 1000 | Professional Development Workshop 1 |
ECE 1024 | Field Practice I |
ECE 1069 | Health, Safety and Nutrition |
ECE 1070 | Interpersonal Communication |
ECE 1075 | Foundations of ECE |
ECE 1181 | Integrated Seminar I |
ECE 2045 | Applied Curriculum |
PSY 1075 | Infant and Child Development |
Semester 2
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1026 | Field Practice 2 |
ECE 1069 | Health, Safety and Nutrition |
ECE 1070 | Interpersonal Communication |
ECE 1075 | Foundations of ECE |
ECE 1089 | Observation, Planning and Evaluation |
ECE 1095 | Anti Racism in Early Years Programs |
ECE 1182 | Integrated Seminar II |
ECE 2045 | Applied Curriculum |
GSSC 1064 | Introduction to Sociology |
PSY 1075 | Infant and Child Development |
Semester 3
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
ECE 1183 | Integrated Seminar III |
ECE 2014 | Field Practice III |
ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy, and Legislation |
ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
ECE 2056 | Creative Curriculum |
ECE 2061 | Social Policy in the Early Years |
GNED | General Education Elective |
Semester 4
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1184 | Integrated Seminar IV |
ECE 2017 | Field Practice IV |
ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy, and Legislation |
ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
ECE 2057 | Current Issues |
GNED | General Education Elective |
*Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit the Assessment Centre for more information.
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
International Tuition
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.
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.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U) PLUS any additional (3) grade 12 C, U, M or grade 11 C, U or M credits***
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
*** grade 11 English (ENG3C) cannot be used toward meeting one of the additional 3 credits 12 C, U, M or grade 11 C, U or M credits
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
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 College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Early Childhood
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2310
Email: ece@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
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
Early Childhood Education Program (C100)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
Preparing graduates to work as early childhood educators for more than 40 years.
Program Overview
Get ready for a rewarding career working with children from six weeks to 12 years of age in a variety of early childhood education settings with the Early Childhood Education diploma program.
Full Description
This Early Childhood Education program is currently offering a $2,000 tuition grant to domestic students starting in September 2024 and January 2025.*
Gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to support children's learning as they grow with the two-year Early Childhood Education (C100) diploma program. Study the developmental stages of infants (from six weeks), toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children (to 12 years) and learn how to design educational programming and respond to a child's unique needs and interests.
You will also engage with families and the broader community.
This program alternates between in-class learning and field placement to help you develop confidence in your skills as you apply concepts from the classroom to a real-world setting. This approach prepares graduates to hit the ground running as soon as they enter the workforce.
ACCELERATED OPTION (16 consecutive months)
If you are eager to enter the field and can study without significant breaks, we offer an accelerated stream for 16 consecutive months (four continuous semesters). Visit the Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) (C160) program page for more details.
FAST-TRACK – DIRECT ENTRY (10 months)
You may qualify for the Fast-Track program with a diploma or degree in a related field. Visit the Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) (C130) program page for more details.
*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.
Your Field Education Options
Students in the Early Childhood Education program will complete a seven-week field placement each semester. During this time, students have the opportunity to work with children of different age groups in a variety of settings.
Field placement provides a continuum of experience that gives students the opportunity to integrate and apply theory to practice.
To support student 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 12 child care centres, located across Toronto, will expose you to the kinds of environments where you will eventually work and provide valuable services to the families and communities they serve.
Please note: Some field placement partners may require students to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (a person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after their second dose). As such, students not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may be unable to complete their program's required field placement component in the regularly scheduled time frame.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
Successful completion of this program will make you eligible for entrance to Ontario's College of Early Childhood Educators as a Registered Early Childhood Educator.
Graduates of this Early Childhood Education program will:
- learn 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
Students who complete the Early Childhood Education program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher may apply to complete the bridge courses for entry into the third year of George Brown's Bachelor of Early Childhood Education - Honours (Degree Completion) program.
For information on future study options, see the 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
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1000 | Professional Development Workshop 1 |
ECE 1024 | Field Practice I |
ECE 1069 | Health, Safety and Nutrition |
ECE 1070 | Interpersonal Communication |
ECE 1075 | Foundations of ECE |
ECE 1181 | Integrated Seminar I |
ECE 2045 | Applied Curriculum |
PSY 1075 | Infant and Child Development |
COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts** |
SEMESTER 2
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1026 | Field Practice 2 |
ECE 1069 | Health, Safety and Nutrition |
ECE 1070 | Interpersonal Communication |
ECE 1075 | Foundations of ECE |
ECE 1089 | Observation, Planning and Evaluation |
ECE 1095 | Anti Racism in Early Years Programs |
ECE 1182 | Integrated Seminar II |
ECE 2045 | Applied Curriculum |
GSSC 1064 | Introduction to Sociology |
PSY 1075 | Infant and Child Development |
SEMESTER 3
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
ECE 1183 | Integrated Seminar III |
ECE 2014 | Field Practice III |
ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy, and Legislation |
ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
ECE 2056 | Creative Curriculum |
ECE 2061 | Social Policy in the Early Years |
GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 4
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1184 | Integrated Seminar IV |
ECE 2017 | Field Practice IV |
ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy, and Legislation |
ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
ECE 2057 | Current Issues |
GNED | General Education Elective |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit the Assessment Centre for more information.
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
International Tuition
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 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 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 2024. 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.
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.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U) PLUS any additional (3) grade 12 C, U, M or grade 11 C, U or M credits***
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
*** grade 11 English (ENG3C) cannot be used toward meeting one of the additional 3 credits 12 C, U, M or grade 11 C, U or M credits
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
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 College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Early Childhood
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2310
Email: ece@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
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