Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared for employment opportunities with the following responsibilities:
Campus
Duration
3 years, or as determined by industry guidelinesCredential Awarded
Certificate of Apprenticeship, Ontario College CertificateProgram 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.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
About the Program
This program is designed for you if you are working or have previously worked in the field of early childhood education and wish to attain a formal education. Before applying for this program, you must be registered as an apprentice through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
As an apprentice in this program, you will take 23 in-class evening courses that can be completed part-time. Your training will include instructions in a variety of subjects such as child development, curriculum, health, safety, nutrition and professional practice.
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of the Child Development Practitioner program, you will receive an apprenticeship certificate, meeting the requirements of the Skilled Trades Ontario. In addition, you will receive an Early Childhood Assistant – Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate.
You also have the option to take three General Education courses and Communicating Across Contexts to be eligible for an Early Childhood Education diploma.
Skills
- Infant/toddler, preschool and school-aged educational methods
- Interpersonal communication
- Curriculum design based on individual needs
- Administration
Work Experience
On-The-Job-Training
At the time of registration you will receive an Apprenticeship Training Standard which will provide a list of skills, training, objectives or competencies to be learned on the job. These competencies equip you, the apprentice, to work in the trade as a certified skilled worker or “journeyperson.” The employer, sponsor or trainer of an apprentice signs the relevant section of the training standard to indicate the progress of the apprentice in learning individual training objectives. This signature confirms that the apprentice has learned, and demonstrated the skills established by industry that are essential for being a skilled worker.
Your Career
- Provide a healthy, safe, inclusive and engaging environment for groups of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children
- Observe and interpret children’s development in order to plan engaging programming
- Communicate positively and purposefully with children, families, colleagues and other members of the community
Fola Balogun
"My decision to pursue ECE as a career has been greatly enhanced by the Seneca school of Early Childhood Education. My experience is unforgettable. The knowledge I received has helped me to be focused and ever determined to face any challenge in life as well as securing a full time job while in school. I enjoy the caring, friendly environment and excellent faculty members".
Fola Balogun obtained her Early Childhood Education diploma through the Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship program. Since graduation, Fola has been working as an RECE in a licensed child care and has obtained a position with the Durham District School Board as an Educational Assistant.