Program Description

Learn how to foster the physical, emotional and educational development of children in this rewarding career.

This part-time, blended (online and lecture-based) program has been designed to meet the needs of those who wish to pursue a career as an Early Childhood Educator or are already working in the field and wish to upgrade their qualifications. Graduates from this program are eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (ECE) upon graduation to obtain ECE designation.

The provincially-approved curriculum has been designed to develop the aptitudes, knowledge and skills ECEs need to work with, and support children and their families in their early educational experiences. Through a carefully designed program of studies that combines theory and hands-on practice in field placements, candidates prepare to create vibrant environments for young children, support exploration, inspire learning and nurture creativity.

Continuing Education students usually complete this program in two to three years, depending on how many courses they complete per a semester. Courses in this program cost approximately $220 to $550 each. Textbooks are an additional cost if required.

This program is also offered through Full Time Studies.

During program completion, students will complete three in-person placements. Potential and in-progress students must be aware that most agencies accepting clinical/placement students require you to be fully vaccinated with Health Canada approved vaccines and submit a Vulnerable Sector Check. Students are strongly encouraged to review placement expectations by visiting our Early Childhood Education Field Placement Information webpage. 

Additional Details

Admission and Registration

You must be accepted into the program prior to registering for courses. Intakes are available every Fall, Winter, and Spring.

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Admission Requirements:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) OR equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) OR Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older)
  • A pass in Grade 12 English, C or U or equivalent

All applicants submitting academic history completed outside of Canada must provide confirmation of equivalency to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This can be coordinated through one of the following:

Instructions on how to submit supporting documentation (eg. official secondary school transcript) will be provided during the application process. If you do not meet the academic eligibility requirements for this program you may request a Pre-Admission test during the application process. For assistance with the application process or for an update on your application, please email ceeducation@mohawkcollege.ca. 

Recommended Requirements:

  • Current volunteer experience in childcare.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
    • If you struggle with communications or your first language is not English, you are encouraged to explore upgrading options available through our Applied Communications Centre.
  • Basic computer skills.
    • Be familiar with basic computer skills (word processing, email-based systems) prior to considering this program. To upgrade computer skills, consider an introductory 'Computer Basics' course or a Learning Support Centre workshop before applying.

Financial Assistance

green checkmark OSAP funding may be available. Learn more about Financial Assistance Options for Continuing Education Students.

This program is recognized by the Ontario ECE Grants Program. To learn more or to determine eligibility for the Ontario ECE Grant funding, please visit the ECE Grants webpage (opens in new window). If you are eligible for ECE Grant funding and have been accepted into the Early Childhood Education program at Mohawk College, please contact our office for assistance with course registration.

Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes outline what graduates need to know, and be able to do, after they complete a program.

Review the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) program learning outcomes.

Opportunities

Academic Opportunities

Mohawk Pathways offers a diverse range of programs to further your studies. Equivalences and/or course exemptions may apply. Prerequisite courses and/or minimum averages may be required. For example, graduates from this program are eligible to apply for the following Ontario College Graduate Certificate programs:

Our internal pathways map (PDF) demonstrates how program completion can lead to future education choices. Visit Pathways and Credit Transfer for degree completion opportunities outside of Ontario or visit Ontransfer.ca to view opportunities at other colleges or universities within Ontario.

Career Opportunities

Future career options may include:

  • Educator for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children
  • Facilitator of Family Support Programs
  • Professional Learning Consultant
  • Team-teach with an Ontario Certified Teacher

Where you could work includes:

  • Childcare centres and early learning agencies
  • Parent and child drop-in centres, such as EarlyON centres
  • Professional Resource Centres
  • Kindergarten

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, visit the Government of Canada Job Bank (opens in new window)

Next Steps

Wait for your confirmation of acceptance. Once accepted into the program, you will receive a Welcome Email from Mohawk College with information on registering for courses.

Field Placement / Clinical

During the program, you are required to complete three in-person field placements. Students are strongly encouraged to review placement expectations by visiting our Early Childhood Education Field Placements Information page for more details.

Additional Information

This diploma program requires the completion of two General Elective courses. Students are encouraged to view current General Elective courses offered through Continuing Education by visiting our General Elective Course Search webpage. Students must review the General Elective Restriction List webpage prior to registering for General Elective courses as each program has specific courses that cannot be taken as General Electives. For more information on General Electives and the General Elective Restriction List, please email gened@mohawkcollege.ca or visit the General Education Elective webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

College Resources

Program Contact

Continuing Education
Education and Library Studies
Email Us
1-844-767-6871

Completion Requirement

22 Course(s)

young children sitting on the floor

 

This program of studies applies to students starting the program in the current academic year. Students who began in other academic years may require different courses to be eligible to graduate. If you have questions regarding a strategy for completion email the Program Contact listed at the bottom of this page.

Click on the course names to view current availability.

A selection of courses will be offered each term. Visit our course schedule page for a tentative list of future offerings and information on General Electives.

Required fields are indicated by .