Humber’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma prepares you to work with children (birth to 12 years) and their families. Students can expect to attain and exceed the practice-ready knowledge, skills and attitudes employers are seeking from ECE graduates in supporting children, families and the community by engaging in innovative learning and simulation experiences. These experiences take place at organizations such as the Carol Reid Early Childhood Education Lab, as well as within the Humber Child Development Centre - interacting with our scenic arboretum and nature-inspired playground, and exploring responsive inclusive pedagogy and leading edge curriculum.
You will learn about:
*International students may only apply at the North campus.
** Students beginning their studies in January are enrolled in a fast track option. This option allows for completion of the full diploma program in four consecutive semesters, including the Summer term. Students enrolling in May complete the full diploma program in approximately 20 months with one summer break between the third and fourth semesters. Students beginning their studies in September complete the program in two academic years with one summer break between the second and third semester.
Courses Program StandardsUpon 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 identity
co-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.
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 600 work placement hours over three semesters. During these three semesters, students may have field practicums 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.
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.
We provide our students with:
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.
Programs include:
Placement opportunities include:
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.
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:
College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)
Upon graduation, students are eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE).
Note: The requirements for licensure are determined by the granting body, which is independent from Humber College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.
START DATE | LOCATION | STATUS | INTERNATIONAL STATUS |
---|---|---|---|
January 2020 | North | Closed | Closed |
May 2020 | North | Open | Closed |
September 2020 | North | Open | Waitlisted |
January 2021 | North | Open | Open |
May 2021 | North | Open | Open |
Watch the video to learn more about the Early Childhood Education diploma program.
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 June 29, 2018, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Both names may appear on this website.