Program Details

New
  • Program Code: C145
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Diploma
  • Duration:
    4 semesters
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Starting Months: January
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $4,212.00 *
  • International Tuition:
    $19,375.00 **

Program Availability

SemesterDomesticInternational
Fall 2026
Not Available
Not Available
Winter 2027
Open
Open
Spring 2027
Not Available
Not Available
  • Work-Integrated Learning:

    Field Placement

  • PGWP Eligible: Yes
  • CIP Code: 19.0709
  • Please note that field of study/CIP code is only one component of PGWP eligibility. Please consult the official IRCC PGWP eligibility webpage (opens in a new tab) for the most current and complete information.
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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 $500 tuition grant in Semesters 1 and 2 to domestic students starting in January 2027

George Brown's Early Childhood Education (C145) 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 incorporates 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 apply to the 2026/27 academic year. 

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.

 

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Your Field Education Options

As a student in the C145 Early Childhood Education program, you will complete a 14 week field placement each semester.  Students will attend placement 2 days a week with a block placement in week 6.  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 give 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 careers in:

  • child care and early year programs
  • full-day and integrated kindergarten
  • family resource programs
  • special education settings
  • therapeutic nursery programs

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

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