Program Details

  • Program Code: C148
  • Credential:
    George Brown College Bachelor's Degree
    Ontario College Diploma
  • Duration:
    4 years (8 semesters) 2 years diploma / 2 years degree C305
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Starting Months: January, September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $4,226.00 * †
  • International Tuition:
    $18,875.00 ** †
  • Spring 2026 Delivery:
    Semester 2: On Campus; Semester 3: Not Available

Program Availability

SemesterDomesticInternational
Fall 2025
Closed
Closed
Winter 2026
Closed
Closed
Spring 2026
Not Available
Not Available
  • Work-Integrated Learning:

    Field Placement

  • PGWP Eligible: No
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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) program will help you launch your early childhood education career with a diploma and a degree from George Brown Polytechnic in just four years.

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 September 2025.*

As a graduate of the Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) (C148) program, you'll have the distinct advantage of heading into the workforce with an Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma and a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours degree. These two George Brown Polytechnic credentials will help expand your career scope and direction.

This program alternates between in-class learning and field practice to help you develop confidence in your skills as you apply concepts from the classroom in a practical setting.

Here's what you'll learn:

Years one and two (ECE diploma)

  • holistic development of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children
  • how to design curricula for child-centred, play-based learning
  • how to respond to each child's unique needs and interests as they grow and develop

You will engage with families and the broader community.

Years three and four (degree)

  • leadership, pedagogy and policy as it relates to the early childhood sector
  • how to conduct research and complete a research project in an area of your choice

You will also take part in an internship* in the sector and focus on an area of research, policy or practice.

*This is an unpaid internship and a required element of the degree program.

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.

*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

We approach teaching and learning in this ECE diploma/degree program by alternating blocks of classroom theory with field practice. Providing regular intervals for you to apply the theoretical knowledge you are learning with practical, hands-on experience. This integrated approach helps you build effective skills as an ECE practitioner and as a leader. Employers value this program design because it prepares our graduates to work as early childhood educators on day one.

Placements are offered two days per week, 14 weeks per semester in semesters 1, 2, 3 and 4. 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 of this combined Diploma/Degree program, you will have developed the knowledge and practice base to influence pedagogy and curriculum. You will be prepared to move into supervisory, director and curriculum leadership positions in a full range of early childhood programs as your career unfolds or as you pursue further study.

As a graduate of this program, you will qualify for Registered Early Childhood Educator,positions and will work in partnership with certified teachers in the Full-Day Early Learning programs that are replacing junior and senior kindergarten.

You may find work in a variety of early childhood settings, including:

  • 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
  • family drop-in programs
  • early intervention services
  • family support programs

 

Industry

Successful completion of George Brown's ECE 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 ECE program, you will have developed skills 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 George Brown's Early Childhood Education diploma program with a GPA of 2.50 or higher, you can enter into the third year of the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood (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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To learn about the George Brown Polytechnic student experience in the Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/GBC Degree) (C148) program, watch this short testimonial.

Raymund Hip Loy Lee (Student 2021, Consecutive Diploma/GBC Degree)
George Brown College Bachelor's Degree
Ontario College Diploma