Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
create learning contexts to enable, build and maintain caring, responsive relationships in partnerships with children, families and communities that
value and respect social, cultural and linguistic diversity including Indigenous peoples’ worldviews and Francophone identityco-create, facilitate and reflect upon inquiry and play-based early years and child care programs and pedagogical approaches to support children’s learning, holistic development and well-being following children’s capabilities, interests, ideas and experiences
co-design and maintain inclusive early learning environments to value and support equitable, accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for all children, their families and communities in a range of early years and child care settings
collaborate with children, families, colleagues, agencies and community partners to create, maintain, evaluate and promote safe and healthy early learning environments to support independence, reasonable risk-taking and healthy development and well-being
use observation strategies to identify children’s strengths and challenges and to ascertain when children and families might benefit from additional support or community resources
use professional communication in interactions with children, families, colleagues, employers, the regulatory body, government authorities and children’s service agencies to meet legal and ethical standards of the early years sector
act in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, agency policies and procedures and principles of evidence-informed practice and reflect upon their impact on one’s own role in early years and child care settings
identify, report and document when a child is in a situation of perceived risk for, or actual neglect or abuse, in accordance with legislation, the College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, policies and procedures
create and engage in partnerships with families, communities, colleagues, interdisciplinary professionals, authorities and child service agencies to advocate for quality early years and child care programs and services
engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning in accordance with principles of lifelong learning, evidence-informed practices in the early years sector and requirements of the College of Early Childhood Educators
engage with Indigenous* children*, families* and communities to co-create, implement and evaluate Indigenous* early years and child care* and child and family programs and environments that are culturally* sensitive and culturally* relevant to the communities they serve.
Work Placement
We believe it is necessary for our students to have extensive experience in the profession in order to be successful as registered early childhood educators. Students can expect to have work placement experiences within the program and will be required to complete approximately 500-600 work placement hours over three semesters. During these three semesters, students may have field practicums such as working with families and children (various age groups) in licensed child care or preschool settings, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, various community programs, full day kindergarten, or home based child care programs. A different placement for Semesters 2, 3, and 4 ensures a range of experiences prior to graduation and equips students with a range of networks within the community to explore employment in the future.
In the ECE program, Field Practicum 1 and Field Seminar 1 begin in Semester 2. Students should plan to complete their prerequisite requirements accordingly. Visit the Work-Integrated Learning web pages to learn more about placements and requirements.
Program Highlights
Experience a number of interesting and unique courses within the program such as:
Introduction to the Early Childhood Education Profession
This course will prepare students in the Early Childhood Education Diploma program for entry into their second semester Field Practicum. They will learn, through both observation and experience, about the requirements and expectations of the Early Childhood Education profession. They will also learn about the steps that they will need to take in order to be cleared for field placement (including immunizations, police record check, and CPR certification).
Two-Eyed Land-based Play and Co-Learning
Building on the importance and benefits of outdoor play for wholistic child development, this course uses the guiding principles and pedagogy of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing in the Mi'kmaq Language) to explore land-based play and co-learning through both Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of being, seeing, knowing and doing. In (re) learning our connection to land as teacher, this course takes place on the lands of the Humber Arboretum and regional landscapes. Co-learning engages Indigenous and non-Indigenous faculty, Elders, Knowledge Holders and students in the learning process. In connecting body, mind, heart and spirit through land-based experiences, stories and sharing circles, learners will gain an applied understanding on how to regularly and intentionally engage children, families and other professionals in respectful, reciprocal and responsible relationships with All Our Relations (place, plant-life, animals and other-than-human being sin various ecosystems)
Advocacy and Leadership in Early Childhood Education
This course explores the practice of advocacy and the strategies necessary to communicate and interact effectively with various stakeholders. Theories, models, strategies, skills, personal leadership qualities as well as the link between leadership advocacy and the early childhood community will be explored. Focus will be on mentorship, leadership and professional relationships at individual and community levels.
The Humber Advantage
Humber’s Early Childhood Education diploma program is a recognized leader in preparing registered early childhood educators who see themselves as global citizens. Students and graduates advocate for the holistic health and well-being of all children, supported by a connection to nature and a stand for social justice.
Global Citizens and Social Justice
We provide our students with:
- experiences and resources that reflect and promote diversity and inclusion
- opportunities to develop an understanding and appreciation of all nations and cultures, and a commitment to contributing to the global community
- ongoing initiatives guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as outlined in the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, in consultation with Humber's Indigenous Education & Engagement Team
Connecting Children with Nature
Nature initiatives increase opportunities for land and place based play, teaching, and learning, as well as providing opportunities to be more physically active and increasing strategies for mental health and wellness.
Learn more about the programs, Forest & Nature, Natural Playground, and Two-Eyed Land-Based Play, partnerships, and placement opportunities.
State-of-the-art Facilities
Our program has the benefit of an on-site inclusive child care facility for children from birth to four years of age, a natural playspace for children, a hands-on, interactive classroom designed to inspire creativity and inquiry, and an ECE Resource Centre full of educational materials, books and equipment to be used for in-class assignments or field placement experiences. The Carol Reid Early Childhood Education Lab is a creative classroom where students experience hands on learning by interacting with a wide range of materials.
Go Abroad
Your Career
Research and trends in the profession, paired with government and community action, both inform and support the long-term benefits of investing in early childhood education. Graduates of our program enter the profession with the knowledge and experience necessary to be responsive and inclusive educators. Once registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators, our graduates have access to a range of career options and roles in the early childhood profession such as:
- before and after school programs
- camps
- child and family centres
- child care
- community programs
- early learning programs
- full-day kindergarten
- home child care
- parent education programs
Professional Accreditations & Recognition
College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)
Upon graduation, students are eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE).
Additional requirements may apply.
Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.
Related Programs
Inclusive Resource Practice - Child and Family
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Length: 2 semesters
Program Availability
Early Childhood Education
Watch the video to learn more about the Early Childhood Education diploma program.
Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness News
Food For Thought: Pursuing A Second Career In Food And Nutrition Management
Wed, February 09, 2022
“I found Food and Nutrition Management at Humber and it sounded really cool. There’s a balance of working with food and the scientific side. It will also prepare me to work with older adults”
Two-Eyed Seeing approach well-received
Tue, January 25, 2022
Early Childhood Education's Two-Eyed Seeing approach has been so well-received, students from other programs want to take it as an elective.
Student Personal Training - Winter Semester 2022
Thu, December 09, 2021
Registration is open for student personal trainers for the Winter 2022 semester.
No news at this time.
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.
On October 21, 2019, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). Both names may appear on this website.
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HOW TO APPLY
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
POST-ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
EQUIPMENT & DEVICE REQUIREMENTS
FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS
PATHWAYS
CONTACT US
Post-Admission Requirements
Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).
Placement Requirements
The pre-requisite requirements must be fulfilled before the commencement of your placement. Participation in placements will not be allowed if not all the pre-requisite requirements are met. Due to the variety of venues and possible changes in legislation, the requirements are subject to change. Please use the following link to find detailed information about your program’s placement pre-requisite requirements.
Equipment & Device Requirements
Semester 1
| Details and Specifications | Minimum Specifications | Recommended Specifications |
| Processor | Intel i5-8300H | Intel i5-8300H |
| OS | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
| Memory | 8GB of RAM | 8GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Monitor | Laptop | Laptop |
| Other | Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite | Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite |
Contact Information
Lucy Koncan, program support officer
416.675.6622 ext. 2794
lucy.koncan@humber.ca
Fees
The 2022-2023 fee for two semesters is:
- domestic: $3,759.88
- international: $16,394.00
Fees are subject to change.
Fees by Semester
Domestic Fees International FeesAdditional Costs
Textbooks and supplies cost approximately $850 per year. Lab/materials for classroom and/or field placement purposes as well as transportation costs to and from field placement are also the student’s responsibility.
Scholarships
Humber Scholarships
Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.
Humber Bursaries
Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.
External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships
Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.
Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships
Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.
Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways
Humber Pathways include:
- Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
- Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
How to Apply
Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program. To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber's program pages or ontariocolleges.ca.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.
