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Early Childhood Education

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Program Code: 07911
CIP Code: 19.0709
Credential: Diploma
Start Dates: January, May, September
Program Length: 4 semesters
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Program Overview

Humber’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program 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 within Humber's Carol Reid Early Childhood Education Lab, the Carol Reid Innovation Centre, as well as within the Humber Child Development Centre - interacting with our scenic arboretum and nature-inspired playground and exploring responsive, inclusive teaching methods and leading edge-curriculum.

You will learn about:

  • how children learn
  • how Ministry and government legislation and guidelines inform practice
  • how to create responsive, inclusive play-based learning environments and natural play spaces for children, families and the community
  • human development using a wide range of worldview perspectives
  • Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of being, seeing, knowing and doing
  • observation and reflection, and the co-preparation of documentation by children, families and the community
  • social justice, advocacy, leadership and the role of the ECE professional
  • the image of the child and the significance of viewing children from a wide variety of lenses
  • the importance of collaborating with relevant community agencies
  • the importance of responsive relationships
  • the relevance and importance of land-based outdoor play and learning to overall health and well-being 

Start-Completion Timeline

January - 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.

May - students enrolling in May complete the full diploma program in approximately 20 months with one summer break between the third and fourth semesters.

September - students beginning their studies in September complete the program in two academic years with one summer break between the second and third semester.

Work-Integrated Learning  

We believe it is necessary for students to have extensive experience in the profession to be successful as registered early childhood educators. Students can expect to have within the program and will be required to complete approximately 500-600 field experience hours over three semesters. During these three semesters, students may have field experiences including but not limited to 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, home-based child care programs, before- and after-school programs, or other specialized settings. Field experience completion requirements specific to age groupings, setting types, and experience directly with children will be outlined when enrolled in the program. 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 Experience 1 begins in Semester 2. Clearance requirements will be reviewed during Semester 1 and will need to be fully completed before the start of Semester 2 when students will begin to participate in field experiences. 

Visit Future Students > Work-Integrated Learning > to learn more about your WIL power and other success stories.

Also take time to explore the digital Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness Student Handbook to learn foundational WIL concepts, plus requirements specific to this program.

paramedic students holding a gurney with a training dummy on it

Watch the video to learn what is work-integrated learning.

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.


State-of-the-art Facilities

Our program has the benefit of an on-site inclusive child care facility for children from birth to 3.8 years of age, a natural playspace for children, and an inspiring arboretum space to ignite creativity, play, and exploration on the land. Within the Carol Reid Early Childhood Education Lab, students within their coursework have the opportunity to experience hands-on, interactive learning to inspire creativity and inquiry in various ways. Students also benefit from the use of the Carol Reid ECE Resource Centre, as they are able to use educational materials, books, and equipment for in-class assignments or field placement experiences, as well as access workshops that explore various facets of creativity and planning for children. A new addition to the Humber ECE program is the Carol Reid Innovation Centre, a simulation space providing opportunity for students to collaborate, innovate, inquire, as well as demonstrate knowledge and competencies necessary for practice readiness and entry to the profession.

The Humber Experience

Testimonials

Interested in Early Childhood Education at Humber College yet want to know more before enrolling?

Emiko Tada

Watch the video to find out about Emiko's most memorable experience during her time at Humber.

Kaitlin Beard

Watch the video to find out how Kaitlin knew this was the right program for her.


Global Citizens and Social Justice

We provide our students with:

  • experiences and resources that reflect and promote equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging
  • 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 Two-Eyed Land-Based Play program, natural playground, partnerships, and placement opportunities.

children running up a hill

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 including, but not limited to:

  • before- and after-school programs
  • child and family centres
  • child care and early learning programs
  • community programs
  • full-day kindergarten
  • home child care
  • parent education programs

Professional Accreditations & Recognition

College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)

Graduates may apply to become members of 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.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Course-Based North Waitlisted
May 2025 Course-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based North Open
May 2026 Course-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Course-Based North Open
May 2025 Course-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based North Opening Soon
May 2026 Course-Based North Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Course-Based North Closed
May 2025 Course-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based North Opening Soon
May 2026 Course-Based North Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Early Childhood Education

Two women sitting with small children

Watch the video to learn more about the Early Childhood Education diploma program.


News Feed

Humber-Peel Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program

Humber-Peel Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program

Tue, November 07, 2023

Humber, proudly partnering with Peel Region and ACCES Employment, is offering a unique, one-time, full-time, fast-track, fully funded Early Childhood Education Program to residents of Peel Region.

Read More
Two-Eyed Seeing approach well-received

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.

Read More
Summer 2022 ECE Field Placement Abroad

Summer 2022 ECE Field Placement Abroad

Wed, September 29, 2021

Destination: Denmark!

The application for the Summer 2022 Early Childhood Education Field Placement Abroad is now open!

Read More

No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic 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.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

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How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Lucy Koncan, program support officer
416.675.6622 ext. 2794
lucy.koncan@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

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, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

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.

View Requirements

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
OS Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
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

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Lucy Koncan, program support officer
416.675.6622 ext. 2794
lucy.koncan@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters was:

  • domestic: $4,025.24
  • international: $17,545.78

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

Approximately $850 - textbooks and supplies (for one year). Lab/materials for classroom and/or field experience purposes as well as transportation costs to and from field placement are also the student’s responsibility.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

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.
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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