Teaching at any level is a rewarding career, but early childhood teachers have a special opportunity to help children in their earliest stages. Early childhood education programs at Ontario colleges teach students the skills they need to get children started on a successful journey through the education system.
If you have a keen interest in childhood development and are interested in early childhood education (ECE) as a career, here’s what you need to know.
Early Childhood Education Courses
Early childhood education training is structured to teach both the theoretical and practical sides of early childhood development (children 12 and under).
You will learn about basic health, safety and behaviour as well as how to understand children’s environments and early learning mechanisms. You will develop your writing and communication skills to work with children, parents, and members of the education and teaching system.
ECE programs have extensive field placement opportunities, placing students in preschools, childcare programs, hospitals and kindergartens for real-world experience.
General Early Childhood Education Program Requirements
Many colleges offer this program at an entry level, meaning requirements include only an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, with a grade 12 English credit (additional academic requirements may be added by specific institutions).
Additional requirements could include health certificates and immunizations, Police Record Checks and admissions testing. Experience working with young children will be seen as a definite asset, and may be required by many institutions.
Early childhood education careers could lead into a number of positions, including (but not limited to):
- Early childhood educator / education assistant
- Home child-care provider
- Child-care consulting
Links (below) to Colleges with Early Childhood Education Programs
Algonquin, Cambrian, Canadore, Centennial, Collège Boréal, Conestoga, Confederation, Durham, Fanshawe, George Brown, Georgian, Humber, Lambton, Loyalist, Mohawk, Niagara, Northern, Sault, Seneca, Sheridan, Sir Sanford Fleming, St-Claire, St. Lawrence
Links (below) to Educational Institutes with Early Childhood Education Programs
Anishinabek Educational Institute, First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI), IOHAHI: IO, Native Education & Training College, Oshki Wenjack, Six Nations Polytechnic, Seven Generations EI, Kenjgewin Teg
View video from Oshki Wenjack EI Early Childhood Education Diploma Program
Oshki Wenjack EI ECE Diploma Program Flyer NEW
Links (below) to assist you in your professional learning journey
College of Early Childhood Educators
Ontario ECE Grants | Qualifications Upgrade & Leadership Programs
Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario
Early Childhood Resource Teacher Network of Ontario
