Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship

Earn the Child Development Practitioner (CDP) apprenticeship certificate while gaining hands-on experience. Prepare for a rewarding career fostering children's growth and development, and get on the path to becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE).

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Duration
Other
Start Date(s)
Other
Locations
Online
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students

Find your career

Start on your pathway to becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) by continuing your studies in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program (available online and full-time at the Belleville campus at Loyalist College). ECE diploma graduates meet the academic and field work requirements needed to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators as a RECE. 

Support children in reaching their full potential by fostering their physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth through engaging programming. Child Development Practitioners (CDPs) work in a range of settings, including: 

  • full-day early learning kindergarten programs 
  • child care centres 
  • nursery schools 
  • private home child care 
  • live in/out nanny 
  • resource centres 
  • cruise ships and resorts 

How you'll learn

Earn while you learn and complete your course requirements with the flexibility of part-time, online learning.

  • This program is delivered online through distance studies. There is no requirement to attend classes or to visit one of Loyalist’s campuses. Any invigilated tests can be completed at a local testing centre in your community.
  • The course outline, schedule, lessons, assessments and web links are posted on Canvas for each course.
  • Students arrange their placements in their Ontario community and submit the details to Loyalist College.
  • Work alongside professionals, gaining hands-on experience and making valuable connections in your field.
  • Learn more about the CDP apprenticeship on the Skilled Trades Ontario web page.
  • Intakes offered in January and July.

Courses

Level A 

  • CDPA 7000, RS 61, Child Development 1
  • CDPA 7003, RS 60, Health, Safety and Nutrition
  • CDPA 7001, RS 63, Foundations of Early Learning Environment
  • CDPA 7002, RS 64, Foundations of Early Learning Environment Placement – 42 hours 

Level B 

  • CDPB 7003, RS 62, Creative Expression
  • CDPB 7002, RS 75, Philosophies and Education Models for ECE
  • CDPB 7000, RS 66, Preschool Learning Environment 1
  • CDPB 7001, RS 67, Preschool Learning Environment 1 Placement – 72 hours 

Level C 

  • CDPC 7003, RS 72, Interpersonal Communication
  • CDPC 7002, RS 71, Inclusive Practice and Advocacy
  • CDPC 7000, RS 73, Infant and Toddler Learning Environment
  • CDPC 7001, RS 74, Infant and Toddler Learning Environment Placement – 54 hours 

Level D 

  • CDPD 7000, RS 76, Preschool Learning Environment 2
  • CDPD 7001, RS 77, Preschool Learning Environment 2 Placement – 78 hours
  • CDPD 7002, RS 78, Child, Family and Community
  • CDPD 7003, RS 65, Child Development 2 

Level E 

  • CDPE 7003, RS 70, Child Protection
  • CDPE 7001, RS 68, School Age Learning Environment
  • CDPE 7002, RS 69, School Age Learning Environment Placement – 39 hours
  • CDPE 7004, RS 80, Child Development 3: Inclusion of Children with Exceptionalities
  • CDPE 7000, RS 79, Legislation and Social Policy in Early Learning Administration 

Level F 

  • CDPF 7000, RS 70, Professional Practice
  • CDPF 7001, RS 70, Advanced Placement – 96 hours 

 

Please note:

  • Important dates for CDP apply to registration, withdrawal with a refund, and withdrawal without academic penalty. For further information, please contact ceece@loylalistcollege.com.
  • Courses are delivered online through Canvas, Loyalist’s learning management system.
  • Registration is directed by MLITSD.
  • Courses can fill up prior to the end of the registration period.
  • ECE diploma graduates must apply with the College of Early Childhood Educators to become a RECE.

 

Questions? Get in touch!

Tel: 613-969-1913 or 1-888-569-2547 ext. 2393
Email: ceece@loyalistcollege.com

 

The following courses are currently available and listed in alpha order below by course code. 

 

CDPD

7001

Preschool Learning Environment 2 Placement

CDPF

7000

Professional Practice

CDPD

7003

Child Development 2

CDPE

7004

Child Development 3: Inclusion of Children with Exceptionalities

CDPB

7001

Preschool Learning Environment 1 Placement

CDPB

7003

Creative Expression

CDPE

7001

School Age Learning Environment

CDPE

7002

School Age Learning Environment Placement

CDPB

7000

Preschool Learning Environment 1

CDPB

7002

Philosophies and Education Models for ECE

CDPD

7000

Preschool Learning Environment 2

CDPF

7001

Advanced Placement

CDPC

7002

Inclusive Practice and Advocacy

CDPD

7002

Child, Family and Community

CDPE

7003

Child Protection

CDPC

7003

Interpersonal Communication

CDPE

7000

Legislation and Social Policy in Early Learning Administration

CDPC

7000

Infant and Toddler Learning Environment

CDPC

7001

Infant and Toddler Learning Environment Placement

 

Learn more about these courses.  

A student in the child development practitioner apprenticeship is smiling beside a group of children at a table. Fourteen light green graphic circles are along the bottom left of the image.

Admission requirements

How do I apply? 

  • To get started, apply for an apprenticeship and sign a training agreement with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). This will require you to find a sponsor or employer who will provide you with on-the-job apprenticeship training.
  • Once you have a valid client identification number from the Ministry, contact Loyalist to register in-class training. Reach out to ceece@loyalistcollege.com, or contact us at 613-969-1913 or 1-888-569-2547, ext. 2393.

Placement requirements 

  • Criminal Record Check: In order to participate in placements, students are required to produce a clean criminal record check, including the screening for vulnerable populations, by their local police service. If you have been convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code for which you have not been pardoned, you may be ineligible for placements.
  • Health, CPR and First Aid: Students are also required to have a valid Standard First Aid, CPR Level “C” and negative 2 step TB screening test .

Costs

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) covers most in-class apprenticeship training costs. Once you’re registered, MLITSD will send details on schooling, costs, and available financial assistance options.

Please note that students may be responsible for additional costs related to completing their placement.

A student in the child development practitioner apprenticeship is smiling beside a group of children. Fourteen light blue graphic circles are along the bottom left of the image.

Further study

Complete your CDP apprenticeship certificate 

Students have seven years to complete the CDP program requirements. To earn the CDP apprenticeship certificate, students must present the following:

  • A minimum of 50 percent in all courses and a pass in all placements, all recorded on their Loyalist transcript
  • An overall GPA of 60 percent or higher
  • Copy of your Standard First Aid and CPR Level “C”

Turn your certificate into a diploma 

Upon earning your CDP apprenticeship certificate, complete the following requirements to earn your Early Childhood Education diploma program:

  • College Writing Skills
  • Three approved General Education courses

Become a RECE 

ECE diploma graduates meet the academic and field work requirements needed to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators as a RECE.

Pathways and university transfer

Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.