Program Details

  • Program Code: C118
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Diploma
    Toronto Metropolitan University Bachelor's Degree
  • Duration:
    4 years (8 semesters)
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Starting Months: September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $4,212.00 * †
  • International Tuition:
    $19,375.00 ** †
  • Fall 2026 Delivery:
    Semester 1, 3: On Campus
  • Winter 2027 Delivery:
    Semester 2, 4: On Campus

Program Availability

SemesterDomesticInternational
Fall 2026
Closed
Closed
Winter 2027
Not Available
Not Available
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

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

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 Polytechnic (GBP) 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.

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 (GBP 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 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 from this Early Childhood Education Consecutive Diploma/Degree program, you may find employment with careers in:

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

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.

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Narmin Pirani was finishing her bachelor’s degree in sociology when she took a job in a hospital child care centre to help pay her bills. That’s where she found her true calling.

"I discovered that I loved working with little kids. It came naturally to me, and I knew it was the kind of job that I’d look forward to every day," she remembers.

Narmin knew she'd need training if she wanted to get serious. When she looked at the options, George Brown Polytechnic's Early Childhood Education program interested her right away, particularly the seven weeks of in-class followed by the seven weeks of field placement.

"The courses at George Brown sounded more academic compared to the other ECE programs I was considering, but the main thing that appealed [to me] was the amount of field placement," says Narmin. "We learned how to handle every possible situation in the classroom, but then when you have to use that information for real, you discover all the things that can't be taught in a book. There’s no better way to learn."

Narmin Pirani
Ontario College Diploma
Toronto Metropolitan University Bachelor's Degree

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