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Early Childhood Education 

An early childhood education student is smiling and working with a baby outside in the winter. They are both wearing winter gear, surrounded by baskets and snow.

Registered early childhood educators are committed to supporting young children, their families and communities in settings designed to build and maintain inclusive, responsive relationships that support holistic development, optimal learning and well-being.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Early Childhood Education 
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Two years
Start Date(s)
May (Spring)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Port Hope
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students

Find your career

Graduates work as registered early childhood educators in various settings:

  • Private and public full-day kindergarten programs
  • Before- and after-school programs
  • Licensed childcare centres
  • EarlyON child and family centres
  • Nursery schools
  • Private home childcare pro
  • Children’s services, including support with special needs, mental health services and early intervention programs
  • Live-in and live-out nannies, both in Canada and abroad
  • Resource centres
  • Cruise ships and resorts
  • Children’s museums, art galleries and science centres
  • Advocacy organizations 

Our grads get great jobs

  • Designated Early Childhood Educator, Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board and  Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board
  • Registered Early Childhood Educator, RECE, First Adventure Child Development Centre
  • Registered Early Childhood Educator, YMCA Belleville
  • Registered Early Childhood Educator, Kinder Learning 
  • Toddler Room RECE, YMCA Muskoka Family Focus
  • Registered Early Childhood Educator, Military Family Resource Centres

Is it for you?

Is this the career for you? It may be a good fit if you : 

  • Enjoy learning alongside children and families
  • Enjoy working as a team, 
  • Have patience and compassion
  • Are curious about how learning happens 
  • Have the ability to approach a challenge from different perspectives

I enjoyed having many wonderful mentors and professors over the years and the ability to do many in-person placements to learn more about my desired interest. It gave me the ability to create a strong foundation in my learning setting.

Megan, Early Childhood Education

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

Loyalist’s ECE program consistently ranks high in student and graduate satisfaction, combining theory with practice:

  • Build responsive relationships with children, families and communities that value and respect diversity and inclusion
  • Create inquiry and play-based learning environments that support children’s capabilities, interests, and ideas. Learning emphasizes inclusive practices, partnerships with families, and evidence-informed practices.
  • Get a range of experiences in community early learning programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children.

Outstanding faculty make the difference

  • Learn alongside experienced faculty in a relationship-based environment. Experienced faculty share their knowledge of best practices and today’s job realities.
  • Teachers work with students in the selection of placement experiences to support their individual interests and career goals.

Courses

COMM1048 College Writing Skills

This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.

CADW1005 Creative Play

This course will provide an introduction to play as a means to early learning that capitalizes on children's natural curiosity and exuberance. Students explore the role of play in early learning and development and will be introduced to a variety of play-based learning opportunities.

CADW1007 Introduction to Child Development

This introductory course provides an overview of key principles of child development. A variety of theories that explain how children develop and learn as well as research methodologies used to further knowledge in this field will be examined. Foundations for supporting development and learning are introduced and emphasis is given to the understanding of the uniqueness and diversity of children’s developmental context. This introductory course will examine biological and environmental influences on growth and development with a focus on conception, prenatal development and childbirth.

ECEP1006 Introduction to Early Childhood Education

This foundational course introduces the field of early childhood education and care in Canada and the historical perspectives that have led to joining education and childcare to offer seamless experiences for children from birth to age six. The policies and legislation that shape the range of models, services, and settings are explored, along with evidence informed practices in regard to quality of service delivery. The opportunities and challenges for the early childhood workforce and for the individual's professional growth are established as themes that will be further investigated in later courses.

ECEP1010 Observing Early Development

This course introduces knowledge and skills in authentic observation that are necessary to becoming reflective and responsive early educators. The significance of the observation cycle and how this contributes to reflective practice and quality of early learning experiences is examined. A variety of observation strategies that enable the discovery and understanding of children’s learning, interests and potential is introduced. Observation of the early environment as the “third teacher” will also be explored. Students are encouraged to discern the appropriateness of observation strategies in varying contexts in order to identify strengths and challenges in children and the learning environment. Through this critical process, they will learn to ascertain how children and families may benefit from further support and resources.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

ECEP1013 Health, Safety & Nutrition

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge for establishing a healthy and safe early years environment. Health promotion and occupational health issues within the early years field is examined with attention given to social-cultural context that is unique and diverse. Child development knowledge, observation, current legislation, and agency/school board polices are introduced to guide students in decision-making with regards to supporting physical, mental and emotional health of young children. Students will also examine the early educator’s role in collaborating with families and community to create, maintain, evaluate and promote safe and healthy early learning environments that support independence, reasonable risk-taking and healthy development and well-being.

CADW1006 Infant Toddler Development

This course examines a variety of theories and principles of growth and development in infants and toddlers. Students will study typical and varying characteristics of physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development and the interrelatedness of these domains. Observation and documentation of infants' and toddlers’ emerging competencies, curiosity and potential will frame the study of their development and learning. Students will consider significance of the uniqueness and diversity in children, family, and communities in early development. This course encourages students to become reflective and responsive early educators by considering multiple perspectives of how infants and toddlers develop and learn. Prerequisite: CADW 1007, ECEP 1010

ECEP1008 Infant Toddler Learning Environment

This course examines the role of the early childhood educator in creating responsive environments to promote infant and toddler development. Students identify best practices and determine developmentally appropriate learning experiences for infants and toddlers. Prerequisite: ECEP 1006, CADW 1005, ECEP 1010

WKPL1032 Practicum 1

In this course, the student will apply what they have learned in the ECE program in an early years' setting. Students will learn and practice the roles and responsibilities of the early childhood educator through relationships with children, educators, and families. Through observation, reflection and practice, students develop skills in building relationships with children, families and the program team, creating and implementing curriculum, creating rich, inclusive, and safe environments, and demonstrating professionalism. Prerequisite: CADW 1005, CADW 1007, COMM 1048, ECEP 1006, ECEP 1010 Co-requisite: PROF 1010

PROF1010 Practicum Seminar 1

This course will provide support for students to apply theory to practice in Practicum 1. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Early Childhood Educator by collaborating with faculty and peers to build knowledge and skills required for Practicum 1. Prerequisite: CADW 1005, CADW 1007, COMM 1048, ECEP 1006, ECEP 1010 Co-requisite: WKPL 1032

ECEP1012 Responsive Relationships 1

This foundation course introduces the role of responsive relationships as fundamental to early childhood practice. With a focus on infants and toddlers, the course explores how responsive and inclusive relationships nurture children’s holistic development and sense of belonging and well-being. This course explores the role of the educator in creating responsive and inclusive learning environments where children gain a positive self-concept and learn to live well with others. The self-reflection process is used to explore biases in thinking about and responding to infants and toddlers. Prerequisite: ECEP 1006, ECEP 1010, CADW 1007

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

ECEP2008 Child, Family & Community

In this course, students examine the early childhood educator's role in developing effective partnerships with children, families, and the community. Students examine their own values and beliefs and learn how they may impact these partnerships. Students examine the importance of respecting diversity, cultural competence and social justice in the early years setting. Students learn the signs and symptoms of child maltreatment (physical, emotional, and sexual abuse) and neglect. Students will learn about prevention and support strategies, legal responsibilities, and the reporting process.

WKPL2049 Practicum 2

In this course, the student will apply what they are learning in the ECE program to their work placement. Students will learn and practice the roles and responsibilities of the early childhood educator through relationships with children, educators, and families in an early years setting. Through observation, reflection and practice, students develop skills in building relationships with children, families and the program team, creating and implementing curriculum, creating rich, inclusive, and safe environments, and demonstrating professionalism. (Requires successful completion of semesters 1 & 2) Prerequisite: CADW 1006, ECEP 1008, ECEP 1012, ECEP 1013, PROF 1010, WKPL 1032 Co-requisite: PROF 2017

PROF2017 Practicum Seminar 2

This course will provide support for students to apply theory to practice in the Practicum 2. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Early Childhood Educator by collaborating with faculty and peers to build knowledge and skills required for Practicum 2. Prerequisite: CADW 1006, ECEP 1008, ECEP 1012, ECEP 1013, PROF 1010, WKPL 1032 Co-requisite: WKPL 2049

CADW2001 Preschool Development

This course builds on infant-toddler development and examines theories and principles of growth and development in preschool-aged children. Typical and varying characteristics of physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development and the interrelatedness of these domains are examined. Observation and documentation of preschoolers’ emerging competencies, curiosity and potential will frame the study of their development and learning. Students will consider significance of the uniqueness and diversity in children, family and communities in early development. This course encourages students to become reflective and responsive early educators by considering multiple perspectives of how preschoolers develop and learn. Prerequisite: COMM 1048, CADW 1006, ECEP 1008, ECEP 1013

ECEP2002 Preschool Learning Environment

This course provides students with strategies to establish a responsive environment in a variety of early learning and care settings and apply curriculum approaches that promote holistic development in the preschool years. The role of a responsive ECE is explored in relation to evidence-informed practices that support co-creation, facilitation, and reflection of inquiry and play-based programs. Prerequisite: CADW 1006, ECEP 1008, ECEP 1012, ECEP 1013, PROF 1010, WKPL 1032

ECEP2009 Responsive Relationships 2

Respectful, inclusive, responsive relationships between educators, children and families is fundamental to early childhood education practice and builds a foundation for optimal holistic development and sense of belonging and well-being. With a focus on supporting social and emotional development, this course explores the role of the educator in creating responsive and inclusive learning environments where children gain a positive self-concept as an individual and as a member of a community. Prerequisite: COMM 1048, CADW 1006, ECEP 1012

CADW2002 Children with Exceptionalities

The course explores children’s exceptionalities from a developmental framework and examines inclusive programming based on current research and developmentally appropriate practice. Policies that reinforce or deter inclusive practices will be examined. Prerequisite: CADW 2001, ECEP 2002, ECEP 2008, ECEP 2009

ECEP2007 Evidence-Informed Practices

This course will examine how research influences the field of early learning and care and the establishment of evidence-based practices. The focus will be on acquiring proficiency in the use of specific evidence-based curriculum programs and articulating the rationale for their use in the context of the ELECT, FDEL-K and role of the ECE. Prerequisite: CADW 2001, ECEP 2002, ECEP 2008, ECEP 2009, PROF 2017

ECEP2010 Policy, Advocacy & Professionalism

The course will examine the interconnection of legislative and regulatory policy, funding and administrative practices on the structure and quality of early years programs in Ontario and the role of the educator and administrator. Students will explore the trends and issues in the field of early childhood education and apply leadership and advocacy strategies to support stakeholders in relationship to policies and current research in professional development and practice. Prerequisite: CADW 2001, ECEP 2002, ECEP 2008, ECEP 2009

WKPL2072 Practicum 3

In this course, the student will apply what they are learning in the ECE program to their work placement.. Students will learn and practice the roles and responsibilities of the early childhood educator through relationships with children, educators, and families in a kindergarten or school-aged environment. Through observation, reflection and practice, students develop skills in building relationships with children, families and the program team, creating and implementing curriculum, creating rich, inclusive, and safe environments, and demonstrating professionalism. Prerequisite: WKPL 2049

CADW2003 School-Age Development

This course builds on preschool development and examines a variety of theories and principles of growth and development in school-age children. Typical and varying characteristics of physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development and the interrelatedness of these domains are examined. Observation and documentation of school-age children’s emerging competencies, curiosity and potential will frame the study of their development and learning. Students will consider the significance of the uniqueness and diversity in children, family and communities in early development. This course encourages students to become reflective and responsive early educators by considering multiple perspectives of how school-age children develop and learn. Prerequisite: CADW 2001, ECEP 2002, ECEP 2008, ECEP 2009

ECEP2005 School-Age Learning Environment

This course explores the issues relating to school aged children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and their impact on the types of services required for children and their families. The ECE role in providing a responsive environment to meet the ranges of ages and abilities is described, along with considerations for engaging children in meaningful curricula projects and recreational pursuits. Quality indicators and evidence based practices are researched and incorporated into curriculum planning. Prerequisite: CADW 2001, ECEP 2002, ECEP 2008, ECEP 2009, PROF 2017

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

*Courses subject to change.

A student is working outside with young children who are using turkey basters to water plants. Green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

OR

Additional requirements

  • An up-to-date immunization and Tuberculosis (two-step TB) test are required as part of the registration process.
  • Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR certification.
  • Clear, current Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
  • If you have been convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code for which you have not been pardoned, you may be ineligible for field placement; please contact the coordinator to discuss your options.

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) 

Do you have work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning? Through Loyalist’s PLAR program, applicants and current students may be eligible to receive academic credit for relevant educational, work and life experiences.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

Costs

Belleville

Port Hope

Approximate Costs (2024 – 25)

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
  • Total: $4,089.08

Approximate Costs (2024 – 25)

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $609
  • Total: $3,331.08

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Belleville

Port Hope

Approximate Costs (2024 – 25)

  • International Tuition: $15,000
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
  • Total: $17,026

Approximate Costs (2024 – 25)

  • International Tuition: $15,000
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $609
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
  • Total: $16,268

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

A group of students are sitting down in a classroom for a lecture. Fourteen light blue graphic circles are along the bottom left of the image.

Further study

Pathways and university transfer 

What’s next? 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.

Study abroad 

Explore opportunities to continue your studies in Ireland.

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