Campus
Duration
3 Semesters (12 Months)
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma

Program and course delivery

This program is offered in person. Students are required to come on campus to attend classes.

About the Program

This is an accelerated version of our Early Childhood Education program. To take advantage of this accelerated program option, prior education is required. If you do not have prior education, explore our Early Childhood Education (ECE) program.

In this three-semester diploma program, you will learn about the physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs of children. You will understand how to develop and implement inclusive programming to support the healthy development of children ranging in age from infancy to school age.

Your studies will include courses in child development, curriculum, philosophy of education, communication, working with families and administration. 

To practice in Ontario as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) graduates must apply for registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE). Graduates of this program will meet the educational requirements for membership.

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • Design healthy, safe, inclusive and engaging environments for children from infancy to school age. 
  • Plan and implement inclusive programming to support children’s development using current theories.
  • Build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues and other professionals.

Program Availability

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

Start in Location Availability
May 2025 Newnham  Open
May 2026 Newnham  Open

This program is only open to Canadian applicants.

To view the list of programs available to international applicants, please visit the international programs availability page.

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

Work Experience

Field Placement

Field placement is central to the learning experience. You will obtain over 500 field placement hours in a variety of Childcare and Early Years professional settings. These experiences will provide you with the opportunity to integrate classroom learning into practice with groups of children within the community.

Your Career

As a graduate of this program, you may pursue future career options within:

  • Child care centres
  • Family resource programs
  • Settlement centres
  • EarlyON centres
  • After-school programs
  • Nursery schools
  • Parent co-operative centres
  • Private home child care
  • Centres for children with special needs
  • Kindergarten in the elementary school system

Affiliations and Associations

You will also have the opportunity to join the following affiliations:

  • 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)

Student Works and Experiences

What does Seneca have to offer?

Hear from Valedictorian, Arif Karedia, about his experience as a Seneca student and preparing for a career in early childhood learning and care.

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