Program Details

  • Program Code: C100
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Diploma
  • Duration:
    2 years (4 semesters, September start) or 16 months continuous with summer classes (January, May start)
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Starting Months: January, May, September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $4,178.00 *
  • International Tuition:
    $18,825.00 **
  • Spring 2026 Delivery:
    Semester 1, 2, 4: On Campus; Semester 3: Not Available

Program Availability

SemesterDomesticInternational
Fall 2025
Closed
Closed
Winter 2026
Closed
Closed
Spring 2026
Open
Open
  • Work-Integrated Learning:

    Field Placement

  • PGWP Eligible: Yes
  • CIP Code: 19.0709
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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 $1,000 tuition grant in Semesters 1 and 2 to domestic students starting in May 2025, September 2025 and January 2026.*

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 2026, apply to the 2025/26 academic year. If you want to begin your studies in either January or May 2027, apply to the May 2026/27 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.

logos for City of Toronto, Durham Region and Region of Peel

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 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 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

Career Options

Upon graduation of this Early Childhood Education program, you may find employment in:

  • child care programs
  • early years programs
  • full-day kindergarten
  • family resource programs
  • pediatric playrooms
  • special education settings
  • integrated kindergartens
  • therapeutic nursery programs
  • in-home care

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.

Latest Alumni Stories

Visit George Brown Polytechnic At Toronto Metropolitan University Campus

Book campus tour

Get answers to your questions

Book info session

To learn about the George Brown Polytechnic student experience in the Early Childhood Education (C100) diploma program, watch this short testimonial.

Kevin Kelo (Student, Early Childhood Education)
Ontario College Diploma

"By the end of first year, I had gained knowledge from courses that I was able to apply to my field placements. That hands-on experience was invaluable to me because the placements were immersive and allowed me to grow and experience diversity. All of this helped me get a job immediately upon graduating!"

Alice Lee
Ontario College Diploma

Program Details

  • Program Code: C100
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Diploma
  • Duration:
    2 years (4 semesters, September start) or 16 months continuous with summer classes (January, May start)
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Starting Months: January, May, September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $3,998.00 *
  • International Tuition:
    $18,130.00 **

Program Availability

SemesterDomesticInternational
Fall 2024
Closed
Closed
Winter 2025
Closed
Closed
Spring 2025
Closed
Closed
  • Work-Integrated Learning:

    Field Placement

  • PGWP Eligible: No
Add to Comparison +Compare Programs

Get answers to your questions

Book info session

Program Description

Leadership Claims

Preparing graduates to work as early childhood educators for more than 40 years.

Program Overview

Eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Yes
CIP code: 19.0709

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 Torontothe Region of Durhamthe 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.

logos for City of Toronto, Durham Region and Region of Peel

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 14 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

Career Options

Graduates of this Early Childhood Education program may find employment in:

  • child care centres
  • early years centres
  • full-day kindergarten
  • parent resource centres
  • pediatric playrooms
  • special education settings
  • integrated kindergartens
  • therapeutic nursery programs
  • in-home care

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.

Latest Alumni Stories

Visit George Brown Polytechnic At Toronto Metropolitan University Campus

Book campus tour

Get answers to your questions

Book info session

To learn about the George Brown Polytechnic student experience in the Early Childhood Education (C100) diploma program, watch this short testimonial.

Kevin Kelo (Student, Early Childhood Education)
Ontario College Diploma

"By the end of first year, I had gained knowledge from courses that I was able to apply to my field placements. That hands-on experience was invaluable to me because the placements were immersive and allowed me to grow and experience diversity. All of this helped me get a job immediately upon graduating!"

Alice Lee
Ontario College Diploma