diploma program

Early Childhood Education

Our Early Childhood Education Diploma program offers a pathway into rewarding careers working with young children. Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Diploma program will be eligible for registration with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators and become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE).

How to apply

Your Career Path

A Diploma in Early Childhood Education prepares you for a career as an Early Childhood Educator. Employment opportunities may include employment in Licensed Child Care Centres, Nursery schools, before and after school programs, private home child care, Aboriginal Head Start Programs and Kindergarten.

In partnership with Canadore College, Oshki-Wenjack’s uniquely blended delivery method allows you to stay in your home community for the majority of the program. You will take courses through on-line and independent study at home and attend classes and field placements in Thunder Bay for 14 consecutive days, twice per semester.*

* Note: Due to COVID-19 courses may be offered online until it is safe to return to our regular delivery.

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Program Information

Program Length: 2 years (5 semesters)
Start Date: September 2024^*
Tuition Fees: The tuition fees are published by the partner college. Please visit Canadore College for details.

*start dates are subject to change

Documentation Requirements

Vulnerable sector criminal reference check
Complete up-to-date immunization
First Aid – CPR level C
Year 1 – 2 step TB test
Year 2 – 1 step TB test

Admission Requirements

Ontario High School Diploma with Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U) or Mature Student Test (19 years +)

Note: Low enrollment may result in cancellation of this program.

Curriculum

First Semester

ECE 111 Child Development – 42 hours
ECE 118 Health, Safety, and Nutrition – 42 hours
ECE 120 Introduction to Practice – 28 hours
ECE 125 Observation 1 – 28 hours
ECE 145 Guidance and Self-Regulation – 42 hours
CMM 125 College Communications 1 – 42 hours
HUM 100 Interpersonal Relations – 42 hours

Total hours: 266

Second Semester

ECE 110 Language and Literacy – 30 hours
ECE 156 Supporting Infants and Toddlers – 20 hours
ECE 115 Supporting Preschool Children – 30 hours
ECE 135 Child Development II – 30 hours
ECE 140 Field Placement I: 4 week Field Placement (3 weeks in Thunder Bay and 1 week in community) – 154 hours
SOC 100 Foundations of Sociology – 42 hours

Total hours: 306

Third Semester

ECE 227 Working With Diverse Families – 18 hours
ECE 226 Advocacy in Early Education – 18 hours
ECE 245 Diversity and Inclusion – 18 hours
ECE 255 Outdoor Education – 18 hours
GED 110 Introduction to Personal Finance – 42 hours
HUM 200 Group Dynamics – 42 hours
ECE 235 Supporting School Age Children – 18 hours

Total hours: 174

Fourth Semester

ECE 204 Math and Science for Young Children – 27 hours
ECE 223 Field Placement II: 5 Week Field Placement (3 weeks in Thunder Bay and 2 weeks in community) – 218 hours
CLT 100 Canada’s First Peoples – 42 hours
ECE 228 Specialty Curriculum and Theory – 27 hours
ECE 222 Creative Arts – 27 hours

Total hours: 341

Fifth Semester

ECE 212 Special Education – 27 hours
ECE 218 Administration in Early Learning Settings – 27 hours
ECE 265 Field Placement III: 5 week Field Placement (3 weeks in Thunder Bay and 2 weeks in community – 184 hours
ECE 236 Kindergarten Environments – 18 hours
ECE 250 Children’s Technology – 9 hours

Total hours: 265