Campus
Duration
8 Semesters (4 Years)
Credential Awarded
Honours Bachelor Degree

Program and course delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

About the Program

The four-year Honours Bachelor of Child Development degree program prepares you for expansive opportunities across the health, education, and social service sectors. Upon completion of this program, you will be able to pursue careers in family support services, recreation, early learning and education, infant mental health, and early intervention for children and youth with diverse abilities. You will also qualify to register as a member of the College of Early Childhood Educator and practice as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE). 

With ongoing specialization, our students have achieved successful careers in assessment and counselling, child life, elementary teaching, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. Like many of our graduates, you may choose to complete your Bachelor of Education or a Master of Arts. Our faculty have direct experience in community settings and may help you in facilitating job opportunities.

As a student of this program, you will complete a work term which frequently translates into future employment. Ultimately, our applied learning model crosses various disciplines which will help you to think critically and gain experience in the field that fits your unique interests. 

Advanced Entry

Graduates of a diploma program may be eligible to complete this degree faster through one of our pathway options.

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Interdisciplinary educational approaches
  • Interprofessional collaboration

Work Experience

Field Placement

Field placement is central to the learning experience. You will have the opportunity to integrate classroom learning into practice with groups of children and families within the community. You will have four different field placement experiences throughout the program.

Mandatory Degree Work Term

A work experience that includes at least one term in a formal work environment. The work term may be a paid or unpaid position that is completed between two academic semesters and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. The successful completion of the work term is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory degree work term regardless of success in securing a work position.

Program Availability

Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.

Start in Location Availability
Sept. 2025 Newnham  Open
Start in Location Availability
Sept. 2025 Newnham  Open

International students: review Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility before choosing program and course delivery.

Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

Important

For first semester students this program is offered at:

  • Newnham Campus in September 2025

For Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma to Honours Bachelor of Child Development (BCD) degree pathway students this program is offered at:

  • Newnham Campus in January 2025
  • Newnham or King Campus in September 2025

For Child and Youth Care (CYC) diploma to Honours Bachelor of Child Development (BCD) degree pathway students this program is offered at:

  • King Campus in September 2025

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

  • Resource consultant
  • Child care manager
  • Early interventionist
  • Early literacy specialist
  • Family support worker
  • Child development specialist
  • Instructor therapist
  • Pre/post-natal program worker
  • Young parent support worker
  • Child and youth counsellor
  • Curriculum developer
  • Community group facilitator
  • Community program worker
  • Policy developer
  • Researcher
  • Playground inspector
  • Custody visit supervisor
  • Leadership roles across the early learning and care sector

Affiliations/Associations

Upon graduation you will qualify to join the following affiliations and associations:

  • Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO)
  • The Canadian Association for Young Children (CAYC)
  • Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF)
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
  • The College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)

Renewable Scholarship

Receive up to $1,000 per year when you study in any degree program.

Qualify for a renewable scholarship based on your grades.

What Our Graduates Say

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