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

This Early Childhood Education program is currently offering a $2,000 tuition grant to domestic students starting in September 2024 and January 2025.*

Gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to support children's learning as they grow with the two-year Early Childhood Education (C100) diploma program. Study the developmental stages of infants (from six weeks), toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children (to 12 years) and learn how to design educational programming and respond to a child's unique needs and interests. 

You will also engage with families and the broader community. 

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. This approach prepares graduates to hit the ground running as soon as they enter the workforce. 

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 Torontothe Region of Durhamthe 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

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 College 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: 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

Career Options

Graduates of George Brown's Diploma/Degree program will have the knowledge and practice base to influence pedagogy and curriculum. They will be prepared to move into supervisory, director and curriculum leadership positions in a full range of early childhood programs as their careers unfold or as they pursue further study.

This program prepares graduates for positions as Registered Early Childhood Educators, working in partnership with certified teachers in the Full-Day Early Learning programs that are replacing junior and senior kindergarten.

(C148) graduates may find work in a variety of early childhood settings, including:

  • child care centres
  • early years centres
  • full-day kindergarten
  • parent resource centres
  • pediatric playrooms
  • special education settings
  • integrated kindergartens
  • therapeutic nursery programs
  • in-home care
  • family drop-in programs
  • early intervention services
  • family support programs

Emerging Best Start Child and Family Centres will be integrated with existing early childhood programs and graduates will be well positioned to assume leadership positions within these centres.

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.

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

To learn about the George Brown College 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

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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 Torontothe Region of Durhamthe 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

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 a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education - Honours 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 Early Childhood Education Honours Degree

In the second two years, you will earn your ECE Honours 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 Torontothe Region of Durhamthe 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. 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

Career Options

Graduates of George Brown's Diploma/Degree program will have the knowledge and practice base to influence pedagogy and curriculum. They will be prepared to move into supervisory, director and curriculum leadership positions in a full range of early childhood programs as their careers unfold or as they pursue further study.

This program prepares graduates for positions as Registered Early Childhood Educators, working in partnership with certified teachers in the Full-Day Early Learning programs that are replacing junior and senior kindergarten.

(C148) graduates may find work in a variety of early childhood settings, including:

  • child care centres
  • early years centres
  • full-day kindergarten
  • parent resource centres
  • pediatric playrooms
  • special education settings
  • integrated kindergartens
  • therapeutic nursery programs
  • in-home care
  • family drop-in programs
  • early intervention services
  • family support programs

Emerging Best Start Child and Family Centres will be integrated with existing early childhood programs and graduates will be well positioned to assume leadership positions within these centres.

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.

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

To learn about the George Brown College 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

Visit and discover life in our campus

Book campus tour

Get answers to your questions

Book info session

Sign up to receive tailored resources to make your application, your way.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

CAPTCHA