Early Childhood Education Program (Fast-Track) (C130)

Program Description

Leadership Claims

Preparing graduates to work as Early Childhood Educators for more than 20 years.

Program Overview

The Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) program is designed for graduates with a diploma or degree in a related field. Students gain skills and knowledge through alternating blocks of classroom theory and field practice, providing theoretical and practical training with infants, toddlers, preschool and school-aged children in a variety of early childhood education settings.

Full Description

The Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) program is designed for graduates with a diploma or degree in a related field.

In this condensed diploma program, you will learn how to support children as they grow. You’ll study the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development stages of infants (from six weeks), toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children (to 12 years) and will learn to recognize key behaviours associated with each developmental stage.

We have structured this program to alternate between in-class learning and field placement. This method of teaching helps you to develop confidence in your skills as you learn to apply key concepts from the classroom to a real-world setting. Employers value this approach because it makes our graduates ready to work as early childhood educators on day one.

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.

Your Field Education Options

Students complete a seven-week field placement in each semester of the program. During this time, they will have the opportunity to work with children of different age groups in a variety of settings.

Field placement provides a continuum of experience that gives students the opportunity to integrate and apply theory to practice.

To support student learning outcomes and ensure you have access to facilities that reflect the best practices we consider essential, we operate Ontario's largest network of college-run lab school child care centres located across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). These lab schools 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 this program may find employment in:

  • child care centres
  • early years centres
  • parent resource centres
  • pediatric playrooms
  • special education settings
  • integrated kindergartens
  • therapeutic nursery programs
  • in-home care

Educational Pathways

Students who complete the Early Childhood Education program with a GPA of 2.5 or higher may apply to complete the bridge courses for entry into the third year of the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (C301) program.

Your Early Childhood Education diploma will give you credit toward degree programs at other institutions. It also makes you eligible for entrance to Ontario’s College of Early Childhood Educators.

For information on future study options, see Transfer Guide.

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