Early Childhood Education Program (Consecutive Diploma/GBC Degree) (C148)
Program Description
Program Overview
Launch your early childhood education career with a diploma and a degree from George Brown College, with the four-year Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) program.
Full Description
As a graduate of the Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) (C148) program, you'll head into the workforce with two George Brown College credentials—an Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma and an Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood degree—that can provide expanded 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: 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.
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 students to apply the theoretical knowledge they are learning with practical, hands-on experience helps you build effective skills as an ECE practitioner and as a leader. Employers value this approach because it prepares our graduates to work as early childhood educators on day one.
Placements are offered in semesters 1, 2, 3 and 4 for two days per week, 14 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 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.
ECE Graduates 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 George Brown's Early Childhood Education diploma program with a GPA of 2.50 or higher will 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.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1000 | Professional Development Workshop 1 |
| ECE 1024 | Field Practice I |
| ECE 1069 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition |
| ECE 1070 | Interpersonal Communication |
| ECE 1075 | Foundations of ECE |
| ECE 1181 | Integrated Seminar I |
| 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 |
| ECL 1202 | Personal Wellness |
| PSY 1075 | Infant and Child Development |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 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 |
| ECL 2201 | Human Development Fundamental Relationships |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
| ECE 1201 | Language Development |
| ECE 1184 | Integrated Seminar IV |
| ECE 2017 | Field Practice IV |
| ECE 2048 | Policy Advocacy 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 | |
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.
** 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. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
† In addition, students in C148 are required to take a university-level general education course for which an extra fee will be charged (semesters 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.
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 60 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: 19 years or older on the first day of class:
- grade 12 English (U) with a grade of 60 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/Science 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 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 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) 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/GBC Degree) (C148)
Program Description
Program Overview
This Early Childhood Education program is currently offering a $2,000 tuition grant to domestic students starting in September 2023 and January 2024.*
*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.
George Brown College's Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) (C148) is a program that offers many distinct advantages, including the ability to graduate with both an Early Childhood Education diploma and an Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership degree from George Brown.
Full Description
This Early Childhood Education program is currently offering a $2,000 tuition grant to domestic students starting in September 2023 and January 2024.*
Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/Degree) (C148) is a four-year program that leads to both an Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma and an Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (ECL) degree from George Brown College.
Years 1 & 2 – Earn Your George Brown ECE Diploma
In the first two years of this program, you will earn your ECE diploma. During that time, you will learn how to support children as they grow. You will study this holistic development of infants (from six weeks), toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children (to 12 years).
You will learn how to design curriculum for child-centred, play-based learning and will develop skills to respond to each child's unique needs and interests as they grow and develop. You'll also have the opportunity to develop relationships with children, their families and the broader community.
Years 3 & 4 – Earn Your George Brown ECL Degree
In the second two years, you will earn your ECL degree. During this time, you will take an in-depth look at leadership and will study pedagogy and policy as it relates to the Early Childhood sector.
In the spring/summer semester following the third year, you will participate in a 10-week internship** in the sector and will have the opportunity to focus on an area of research, policy or practice.
You will learn to conduct research and will complete a research project in an area of your choice.
**PLEASE NOTE: This is an unpaid internship and is a required element of the degree program.
This consecutive diploma/degree program offers some distinct advantages:
- college-level tuition fees for the first two years, rather than higher university fees
- classes with George Brown College faculty who are national leaders in applied ECE
- practical training at one of George Brown’s 12 child-care lab schools located across the Greater Toronto Area
- direct entry into the third year of the George Brown College degree program
- expanded career scope and direction by earning both a diploma in ECE and a degree in ECL
PLEASE NOTE: some of our clinical or work placement partners may require students to show proof of full vaccination. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame. Please visit this page for the latest updates on COVID-19.
*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.
Your Field Education Options
We approach teaching and learning in this ECE diploma/degree program by alternating blocks of classroom theory with field practice. By providing regular intervals for students to apply the theoretical knowledge they are learning with practical, hands-on experience, it helps you build effective skills as an ECE practitioner and as a leader. Employers value this approach because it prepares our graduates to work as early childhood educators on day one.
Placements are offered in semesters 1, 2, 3 and 4 for two days per week, 14 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 1,100 children and their families each year. These 12 child care centres, located across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), 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.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
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.
ECE Graduates 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 George Brown's Early Childhood Education diploma program with a GPA of 2.50 or higher will enter into the third year of the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (Degree Completion) program.
For information on future study options, see Transfer Guide.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1000 | Professional Development Workshop 1 |
| ECE 1069 | Health Safety and Nutrition |
| ECE 1070 | Interpersonal Communication |
| ECE 1075 | Foundations of ECE |
| ECE 2045 | Applied Curriculum |
| ECL 1205 | Composition and Rhetoric |
| PSY 1075 | Infant and Child Development |
| ECE 1024 | Field Practice I |
| ECE 1181 | Integrated Seminar I |
| LSSC 1211 | Introduction to Sociology |
| Select one Liberal Studies Elective | |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1069 | Health Safety and Nutrition |
| ECE 2045 | Applied Curriculum |
| ECL 1202 | Personal Wellness |
| PSY 1075 | Infant and Child Development |
| ECE 1089 | Observation, Planning and Evaluation |
| ECE 1026 | Field Practice II |
| ECE 1182 | Integrated Seminar II |
| ECE 1075 | Foundations of ECE |
| ECE 1070 | Interpersonal Communication |
| ECE 1095 | Anti-racism in the Early Years |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 2048 | Policy, Advocacy and Legislation |
| ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
| ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
| ECE 2054 | Competent Learner/Reflective Practitioner |
| ECE 2056 | Creative Curriculum |
| ECL 2201 | Human Development Fundamental Relationships |
| ECE 1183 | Integrated Seminar III |
| ECE 2014 | Field Practice III |
| ECE 2050 | Working with Families |
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ECE 1080 | Professional Development Workshop 2 |
| ECE 1201 | Language Development |
| ECE 2053 | Curriculum Theory |
| ECE 2048 | Policy Advocacy Legislation |
| ECE 2049 | Inclusion in Early Childhood |
| ECE 2050 | Working With Families |
| ECE 2017 | Field Practice IV |
| ECE 1184 | Integrated Seminar IV |
| ECE 2057 | Current Issues |
| Select one Liberal Studies Elective | |
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 total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the 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.
† In addition, students in C148 are required to take a university-level general education course for which an extra fee will be charged (semesters 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.
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 60 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: 19 years or older on the first day of class:
- grade 12 English (U) with a grade of 60 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/science 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 English Proficiency page for more details.
COURSE EXEMPTIONS
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit 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.
Public Health recommends that people working with young children and other vulnerable communities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame.
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 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) 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
