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Early Childhood Education

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

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, 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
  • Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of being, seeing, knowing and doing
  • observation and reflection, and the co-preparation of pedagogical documentation by children, families and the community
  • 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
  • social justice, advocacy, leadership and the role of the ECE professional

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.

Courses Program Standards

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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.


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Work Placement

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 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 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 Work-Integrated Learning experiences. 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 beings in 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.


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.

The Humber Experience

Student Testimonials

What are our students saying about this program? Good things!

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 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.

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 such as:

  • 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 2023 - Aug 2024
START DATE LOCATION STATUS
September 2023 North Open
January 2024 North Open
May 2024 North Open
Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DATE LOCATION STATUS
September 2023 North Open
January 2024 North Waitlisted
May 2024 North Opening Soon

Early Childhood Education

Two women sitting with small children

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


Humber Students Benefit from Five Centres of Innovation (COIs)

The Humber Centres of Innovation Network demonstrates our strong commitment to providing an experiential learning environment for students. Students and faculty work with industry partners on real-world challenges to prepare them to become the innovative and strategic problem-solvers of tomorrow. Come to Humber and experience interdisciplinary learning across five COIs.

About the COIs  

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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.

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

Applicants must meet all the requirements below in order to meet minimum program eligibility. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Admission decisions will be available via MyHumber, or by email and mail. Admission decisions will not be released by phone.

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 2023/2024 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $3,864.68
  • international: $16,803.00

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional 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.

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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