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

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. 

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

Start in Location Availability
Sept. 2025 Newnham  Open

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

Start in Location Availability
Sept. 2025 Newnham  Open

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

International students applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): If you are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend in person. The option to attend online does not apply to you. Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in-person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

For pathway students transferring into the BCD program, semesters four to eight can be taken at Newnham Campus or King Campus. Visit the Pathways page for more information.

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.

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)

The Seneca Polytechnic Difference

This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.

Advanced Placement

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

Renewable Scholarships

You may qualify for a renewable scholarship and receive up to $1,000 per year when you study in any degree program.

Global Learning

As a student in this program, you have the chance to explore global learning opportunities through Global Learning and Engagement.

Experiential Learning

Graduate career ready and world ready. This program has a field placement and mandatory work term to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.

What Our Graduates Say

360° Virtual Tours