Capital College

Early Childhood Education Diploma

Early Childhood Education Diploma

his program offers students the knowledge and skills to work in licensed childcare settings such as preschools and daycares, and to contribute to the well-being of children, families and their community. The course content meets the requirements of the Early Childhood Educator Registry to obtain the ECE License to Practice and Infant/ Toddler License to Practice. This program also offers students University general courses which will assist them in progressing into a Bachelor degree.

  • Academic: 923 hours
  • Practicum: 669 hours

“This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training”.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing all the requirements for graduation students will receive:

At the end of this program, you will have developed the necessary knowledge and understanding of various philosophies within the early childhood field and the practice experience to become a competent early childhood and infant & toddler educator.

Admission Requirements

Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in English in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages.

  • 2 years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in English in a country where the English is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS).
  • Where English is the program’s language of instruction, evidence of achievement in a recognized standardized language test/assessment* at an overall level equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (academic) or higher. All accepted language tests/assessments must be listed with a minimum score/level specified for each. ‘Or equivalent’ will not be accepted. Language tests must include assessments of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  • Evidence of graduation from language program with a minimum grade/level from a Languages Canada accredited institution with an established pathway/articulation agreement allowing direct entry (no further testing required) to a diploma or degree program at a public institution in Canada. The pathway/articulation agreement must be current at the date of enrolment.
  • Evidence that a language standard defined and accepted by a third-party regulator has been met.
  • Important note: this option may only be applied when:
    • English is the program’s language of instruction, and
    • the applicant is a mature domestic student facing barriers, and
    • the applicant cannot access their educational records or cannot provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined in this policy
    • Accuplacer:Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit Page 3 2025.02.11
      Applicant is [X] years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and Applicant provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English* in a country where the English is one of the principal languages, and Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:
    • Reading: 230, and
    • Writing: 230, and
    • WritePlacer: 4

Required documents

  • Diploma and transcript in English for High School or Junior College graduate. Transcript and diploma/ certificate in English for Bachelor’s degree holder;
  • Three English letters of references testifying to the suitability of the applicant for work in the early childhood field;
  • Written Interview;
  • Two recent 1” x 1” photos;
  • Photocopy of ID;
  • Physician’s Health Declaration;
  • A Valid Canadian Criminal Record Check Clearance issued by Criminal Records Review Program

Program Highlights

  • This 2 year Diploma program offers students including:
    *University General Courses – 12 credits
    *ECE-Basic Courses – 36 credits
    *ECE-Post-Basic Courses 19 credits
  • At the end of this program you will become a competent Early Childhood and Infant & Toddler Educator.
  • This program also offers students general University courses which will assist them in progressing into a Bachelor degree program.
  • May waive more than 50 credits into the Bachelor degree of ECE program at certain Canadian public universities.

Couse Outline

  • EDUC 166 - 40 hours
    Child Development 1
  • EDUC 267 - 50 hours
    Child Development 2
  • EDUC 170 - 30 hours
    Health, Safety & Nutrition
  • EDUC 173 - 90 hours
    Curriculum 1 - Play
  • EDUC 273 - 90 hours
    Curriculum 2 - Learning to Look ​
  • EDUC 179 - 45 hours
    Guiding Behavior
  • EDUC 274 - 60 hours
    Advanced Curriculum
  • EDUC 276 - 112 hours
    Practicum 1
  • EDUC 277 - 136 hours
    Practicum 2
  • EDUC 278 - 186 hours
    Practicum 3
  • EDUC 350 - 48 hours
    Advance Child Growth and Development
  • EDUC 348 - 50 hours
    Program Planning for Infant and Toddlers
  • EDUC 370 - 45 hours
    Advanced Health, Safety and Nutrition
  • EDUC 371 - 45 hours
    Child, Family and Community for Infant and Toddlers
  • EDUC 321 - 45 hours
    Advanced Administration
  • EDUC 373 - 30 hours
    Reflective Teaching
  • EDUC 349 - 235 hours
    Infant and Toddlers Practicum