Early Childhood Education Program (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) (C118)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
Preparing graduates to work as early childhood educators for more than 40 years.
Program Overview
The Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) (C118) program is a joint offering with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). In just four years, you will earn both a Diploma from George Brown and Degree from TMU. Launch your career in early childhood education with both a diploma and a degree in just four years.
Full Description
This Early Childhood Education program is currently offering a $2,000 tuition grant to domestic students starting in September 2024.*
As a graduate of the four-year Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) (C118) program, you'll enter the workforce with two credentials—an Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma from George Brown College (GBC) and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). This program offers distinct advantages including college-level tuition fees for the first two years, rather than higher university fees, and the expanded career scope and direction the two credentials can provide.
*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.
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.
During years one and two (GBC diploma), you will learn:
- the holistic development of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children
- how to support children as they grow
- how to plan and implement programs that support children's learning
You will also engage with families and the broader community.
In years three and four (TMU degree), you will:
- study policy, advocacy and legislation as they relate to the early childhood sector
- explore the cognitive development of young children as it relates to literacy, creativity, science, technology, and more
- engage in a research project
Your Field Education Options
Field placement plays a significant role in this Early Childhood Education Consecutive Diploma/Degree program by providing you with the opportunity to integrate and apply classroom theory to practice.
Placements are offered in semesters 1, 2, 3 and 4, three days per week, seven weeks per semester. During this time, you will have the chance to work with children of different age groups in a variety of settings.
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 Early Childhood Education Consecutive Diploma/Degree program will make you eligible for entrance to Ontario's College of Early Childhood Educators as a Registered Early Childhood Educator.
As a graduate of this 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 the Early Childhood Education diploma program with a GPA of 2.70 or higher, you may apply to complete the bridge courses for entry into the third year of George Brown's Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (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 1 |
ECE 1069 | Health, Safety and Nutrition |
ECE 1070 | Interpersonal Communication |
ECE 1075 | Foundations of ECE |
ECE 1181 | Integrated Seminar 1 |
ECE 2045 | Applied Curriculum |
ECL 1205 | Composition and Rhetoric |
LSSC 1211 | Introduction to Sociology |
PSY 1075 | Infant and Child Development |
Select One Liberal Studies Elective |
Semester 2
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1026 | Field Practice II |
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 the Early Years |
ECE 1182 | Integrated Seminar II |
ECE 2045 | Applied Curriculum |
LSSC 212 | Introduction to Psychology |
PSY 1075 | Infant and Child Development |
Select One Liberal Studies Elective |
Semester 3
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1080 | Professional Development 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 2054 | Competent Learner – Reflective Practitioner |
ECE 2056 | Creative Curriculum |
GNED | General Education Elective |
Semester 4
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
ECE 1184 | Integrated Seminar IV |
ECE 1201 | Language Development |
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 |
Select One Liberal Studies Elective |
*Students take one additional university-level course per semester and will be invoiced and required to pay for the one course each semester.
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.
† In addition, students in C118 are required to take a university-level general education course for which an extra fee will be charged (semester 1, 2, 3, 4).
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 web pages 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
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma with six grade 12 university (U) or university/college (M) courses, with a combined average of 65 per cent or higher
- grade 12 English (U) with a grade of 65 per cent or higher
- grade 11 Mathematics (M or U) or Science (M or U) or grade 12 Mathematics (U) or grade 12 Science (M or U)
OR
Mature student status: 21 years or older and must be out of school for two years:
- grade 12 English (U) with a grade of 65 per cent or higher
- grade 11 Mathematics (M or U) or Science (M or U) or grade 12 Mathematics (U) or grade 12 Science (M or U)
- English and Math/Science with a combined average higher than 65 per cent
- post-secondary credits in English and Math/Science will also be considered (certain courses only)
Please note: subject to competition, applicants may be required to have grades/averages above the minimum.
There is no admissions assessment (testing) for this program.
** There is no mature student testing in the required credits for degree programs. Mature applicants must have the English and Math credits required.
English language proficiency:
George Brown College ESL Level 9; TOEFL 84 overall and 21 in each skill band (online); IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each skill band; MELAB 85; CAEL overall 70 (writing 60).
Please visit the English Proficiency page for more details.
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 8 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
Early Childhood Education Program (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) (C118)
Program Description
Program Overview
Launch your career in early childhood education with both a diploma and a degree with the four-year Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) (C118) program—a joint program with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
Full Description
This Early Childhood Education program is currently offering a $2,000 tuition grant to domestic students starting in September 2024.*
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.
As a graduate of the four-year Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) (C118) program, you'll enter the workforce with two credentials—an Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma from George Brown College (GBC) and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). This program offers other advantages, including college-level tuition fees for the first two years, rather than higher university fees, and the expanded career scope and direction the two credentials can provide.
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.
During years one and two (GBC diploma), you will learn:
- the holistic development of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children
- how to support children as they grow
- how to plan and implement programs that support children's learning
You will also engage with families and the broader community.
In years three and four (TMU degree), you will:
- study policy, advocacy and legislation as they relate to the early childhood sector
- explore the cognitive development of young children as it relates to literacy, creativity, science, technology, and more
- engage in a research project
Your Field Education Options
Field placement plays a significant role in this Early Childhood Education Consecutive Diploma/Degree program by providing students the opportunity to integrate and apply classroom theory to practice.
Placements are offered in semesters 1, 2, 3 and 4 for three days per week, seven weeks per semester. During this time, students will have the chance to work with children of different age groups in a variety of settings.
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 that 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 the 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 Early Childhood Education Consecutive Diploma/Degree program will make you eligible for entrance to Ontario's College of Early Childhood Educators as a Registered Early Childhood Educator.
Graduates of this 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 diploma program with a GPA of 2.70 or higher may apply to complete the bridge courses for entry into the third year of George Brown's Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (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 1 |
ECE 1069 | Health, Safety and Nutrition |
ECE 1070 | Interpersonal Communication |
ECE 1075 | Foundations of ECE |
ECE 1181 | Integrated Seminar 1 |
ECE 2045 | Applied Curriculum |
ECL 1205 | Composition and Rhetoric |
LSSC 1211 | Introduction to Sociology |
PSY 1075 | Infant and Child Development |
Select one Liberal Studies elective |
SEMESTER 2
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1026 | Field Practice II |
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 the Early Years |
ECE 1182 | Integrated Seminar II |
ECE 2045 | Applied Curriculum |
LSSC 1212 | Introduction to Psychology |
PSY1075 | Infant and Child Development |
Select one Liberal Studies elective |
SEMESTER 3
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1080 | Professional Development 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 2054 | Competent Learner – Reflective Practitioner |
ECE 2056 | Creative Curriculum |
GNED | General Education elective |
SEMESTER 4
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
ECE 1184 | Integrated Seminar IV |
ECE 1201 | Language Development |
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 |
Select one Liberal Studies elective |
*Students take one additional university-level course per semester and will be invoiced and required to pay for the one course each semester.
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.
† In addition, students in C118 are required to take a university-level general education course for which an extra fee will be charged (semester 1, 2, 3, 4).
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
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma with six grade 12 university (U) or university/college (M) courses, with a combined average of 65 per cent or higher
- grade 12 English (U) with a grade of 65 per cent or higher
- grade 11 Mathematics (M or U) or Science (M or U) or grade 12 Mathematics (U) or grade 12 Science (M or U)
OR
Mature student status: 21 years or older and must be out of school for two years:
- grade 12 English (U) with a grade of 65 per cent or higher
- grade 11 Mathematics (M or U) or Science (M or U) or grade 12 Mathematics (U) or grade 12 Science (M or U)
- English and Math/Science with a combined average higher than 65 per cent
- post-secondary credits in English and Math/Science will also be considered (certain courses only)
Please note: subject to competition, applicants may be required to have grades/averages above the minimum.
There is no admissions assessment (testing) for this program.
** There is no mature student testing in the required credits for degree programs. Mature applicants must have the English and Math credits required.
English language proficiency:
George Brown College ESL Level 9; TOEFL 84 overall and 21 in each skill band (online); IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each skill band; MELAB 85; CAEL overall 70 (writing 60).
Please visit the English Proficiency page for more details.
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 8 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