Early Childhood Education
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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.
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 childcare 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 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 yet want to know more before enrolling?
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.
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 | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Course-Based | North | Open |
| Jan 2026 | Course-Based | North | Open |
| May 2026 | Course-Based | North | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Course-Based | North | Closed |
| Jan 2026 | Course-Based | North | Open |
| 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 | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Course-Based | North | Closed |
| Jan 2026 | Course-Based | North | Open |
| 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.
Upcoming Recruitment Events
Early Childhood Education
Watch the video to learn more about the Early Childhood Education diploma program.
News Feed
IPE Blackboard Site
Wed, December 20, 2023
The Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness is launching a new tutorial Blackboard site entirely dedicated to IPE!
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.
Navigating Health Care
Thu, September 28, 2023
Humber’s North Campus was proud to host The Central West Navigation Conference on Tues Sep 26.
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.
