Within this program’s unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students prepare to work with children (birth to 12 years old) and their families. Students learn how to support children’s holistic development and facilitate their adaptation to the challenges of everyday life. Students acquire the skills to be responsive caregivers while respecting diversity and the rights of children and families. They discover the multifaceted benefits of play-based learning through experiential courses that focus on outdoor learning, creative expression, and science and technology. Emphasis is placed on partnerships with families, other professionals, and community programs, as these form the foundation of working in the field of early learning and care. This approach to learning reflects the view that children are curious, capable and skilled and grow up in families with diverse social, linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Through two field placements, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and transfer their skills as they engage with children and adults in early years learning settings within the community. Students develop a range of abilities and best practices crucial for success in the various learning environments they may find employment in within the field of early childhood education.

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Fall 2025	Orangeville, Orillia, Owen Sound
Winter 2026	Orillia
Summer 2026	Orillia

Tuition and fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-integrated learning

This program includes a field placement component where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a setting relevant to your program.
Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

Ready to apply?

Apply as a domestic student

Apply as an international student

Still exploring your study options?

What are the admission requirements for the Early Childhood Education program?

Early Childhood Education admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or mature student status
Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

Additional information

Applicants may be asked to provide community agencies with proof of completion of Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification as well as an up-to-date immunization record with a two-step TB test in some circumstances to proceed with field placement. Students are required to review agency requirements provided by the field placement office. Proof of completion of the Ontario Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Awareness training must also be provided before proceeding on field placement.

It is strongly recommended that students accepted into the ECE program have volunteer or past work experience in a licensed childcare setting. This experience orients and prepares the student for their academic work in the ECE program.

What career paths can I take as an early childhood educator?

Your Early Childhood Education diploma gives you many career opportunities

Graduates are qualified to apply to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) with the College of Early Childhood Educators.

Graduates may work in a variety of early learning settings, including licensed childcare programs, before-and-after school care, family home child care, early years resource centers, children’s mental health agencies, private home childcare, kindergarten programs, and recreation programs, as well as school readiness and early intervention programs.

Growth is also occurring in the area of contractual employment and self-employment.

Why study Early Childhood Education at Georgian?

At Georgian, you will enjoy moderate class sizes with your peers where the professors will get to know you and are committed to your success.

Our curriculum is current, responsive to the developing changes in the field, and designed to provide you with the needed hands-on practise to develop the confidence and expertise you need to work with young children and their families.

Georgian’s ECE program has several articulation agreements with a number of university programs offering many desirable options for our graduates.

Flex MORE. Study Early Childhood Education part-time

Benefits of studying part-time:

Register on a course-by-course basis, paying as you go!
MORE choices. We are always adding more flexible delivery programs and courses.

What you need to know:

Next steps:

Visit the part-time program page

Apply to the part-time program

What courses are included in the Early Childhood Education diploma program?

Course overview

21 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
2 Field Placements

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Early Childhood Education program outline.

ECED 1012 – Child Development (birth to 12 years)
ECED 1018 – Foundations in ECE
ECED 1033 – Supporting Inclusive Play Experiences
ECED 1039 – Creative Expression
ECED 1040 – Developing Partnerships with Families
ECED 1041 – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math and Outdoor Learning
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Learn MORE about program delivery methods

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program about and why should I come to Georgian?

Early Childhood Education is an exciting program that presents you with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to work with children from the ages of birth to 12 years of age and their families.

At Georgian, you will enjoy moderate class sizes with your peers where the professors will get to know you and are committed to your success. Our curriculum is current, responsive to the developing changes in the field, and designed to provide you with the needed hands-on practice to develop the confidence and expertise you need to work with young children and their families. Your role, the importance of play and how children develop is the basis of this program.

What is the format of the ECE program?

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is offered full-time at the Orillia, Orangeville, and Owen Sound campuses. The program spans four semesters, with each semester running for 14 weeks of classes plus a reading week, for a total of 15 weeks.

Semester 1, 2, and 3 focus on academic learning, with eight in-person courses each semester.
Semester 4 includes two 7-week block placements in diverse early learning settings, along with two online seminar courses designed to support students as they gain hands-on experience in communities across Ontario.

What is the ECE program schedule?

Once you are registered, you will choose your timetable online for each semester. The Office of the Registrar will send you dates and times when registration is open. Class times can vary throughout each semester. Classes could be scheduled anywhere from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Adjustments to your timetable can be made during the ‘add/drop’ period. Please see important dates for deadlines. Students spend eight hours each day they are on placement with their host agency. The schedule is demanding. Students are encouraged to prepare for the requirements of this schedule when planning employment.

What are the entrance requirements?

See admission requirements for the Early Childhood Education program. You may also contact the Student Services department for more details to complete the application process. Working with children and families requires professionals with strong written and interpersonal skills.

What does the placement component look like and what are some of the experiences?

Field placements occur during the final semester of the program, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings as they prepare to enter the workforce. Placements take place in a range of community settings such as early learning and child care settings, full day kindergarten classrooms, and community programs that support children and families. These experiences are designed to help students develop the skills needed to work with children from birth to 12 years of age. This ensures graduates are job ready and prepared to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators as Registered Early Childhood Educators.

How is placement set up?

Field placements are coordinated through the college’s Field Placement Office. Beginning in Semester 1, the Placement Office connects with students to help them understand the requirements and expectations. In Semester 3, students also complete a Prep for Placement course to prepare for their final field experiences.

Placements must be completed in person and supervised by a qualified professional, such as a Registered Early Childhood Educator, in a regulated early learning environment. Students are encouraged to request placements in the communities where they live to build local connections and support future employment. Proximity to campus may be a factor, as academic courses continue during placement.

What do I need to have when I arrive on campus to prepare for placement registration in the second semester?

Please see the requirements for placement. You must have your Standard First Aid with CPR to a level C or HCP. It is important to note that the immunizations include a two-step TB (tuberculosis) test, which takes up to four visits to the doctor. Therefore, we highly recommend that you fully complete the forms sent to you by the college prior to entry in first semester.

You also must have a current Vulnerable Sector Police Check (this should be obtained before Nov. 30). Check with your local police or OPP detachment, you may need a letter from the college, so check requirements in your local area. Please note: Vulnerable Sector Police Checks could take six to 14 weeks to obtain depending on the current demand.

High school co-op, volunteer or paid work experience in a licensed child care setting assists in preparing a student for placement.

Please note: If you are unable to present these requirements prior to registration for the next semester, you will be unable to proceed to this semester and will have to wait to continue your education. Registration occurs prior to the start of the next semester.

Am I eligible for professional registration upon graduation?

Earning a diploma in Early Childhood Education provides you with the educational requirements to apply to the College of Early Childhood Educators for registration following your graduation. This is an important process for all professionals in the field. Further information about registration and the process can be found on the College of Early Childhood Educators website.

What sorts of jobs are available in the ECE field?

Graduates are hired in child care centres, school boards in the full-day early learning kindergarten classrooms or as educational assistants, community services for children and families, and unique experiences on cruise ships, recreation programs or businesses linked to ECE.

What are the articulation agreement and the process to follow in order to be a primary school teacher?

Georgian’s ECE program has several articulation agreements with a number of university programs offering many desirable options for our graduates. Current agreements exist with the following universities: Athabasca, Nipissing, Metropolitan University, Griffith, New Brunswick, Laurier, Brock, and Davenport. Get more information.

Can I take ECE and still work?

Yes. Georgian College offers flexible pathways for students who are working while completing their Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma:

Full-Time Program: Ideal for those able to focus fully on their studies. This option includes a full course load each semester and may be difficult to balance with employment.
Apprenticeship (Child Development Practitioner – CDP): Designed for individuals already working in early years settings. It combines in-class learning with paid work experience. After completing the apprenticeship, students can bridge into the ECE diploma.
Part-Time Online Program: Fully online and designed to support students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. Courses are asynchronous, so students can study on their own schedule. (ECE part-time website)

Students with prior experience in early learning environments may be eligible for transfer credits or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This allows them to earn credit for relevant work and academic experience, potentially accelerating their path to graduation.

Each option is designed to meet students where they are, supporting both their career goals and personal commitments.

What distance education offerings are available at Georgian?

Georgian offers a fully online part-time Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program. Courses are asynchronous, so you can study on your own schedule from anywhere. There are three intakes per year, Fall, Winter, and Summer and all core courses are offered annually. A course schedule is available to help students plan their path. There are also equivalent courses available through OntarioLearn.