- Students applying to the ECE program should recognize the physical demands involved in caring for children and may be required to lift up to 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds).
- Additionally, some Boards of Education have instituted a fit for field test.
About this program
-
Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
-
Campus: Welland
-
Code: 0102 P0102
-
Delivery Length: 2 Years
This designation means the program satisfies the field of study requirement established by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions may qualify to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, enabling them to gain Canadian work experience.
Note: PGWP eligibility does not guarantee approval of a work permit application. All applications are subject to IRCC's requirements and assessment.
Apply Now
Connect With Us
Book a Tour or Info Session
Who are you?
- I am a domestic applicant. *
- I am an international applicant.
Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!
- Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements.
- Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting applications, and what start dates are available.
- Complete an application online through ontariocolleges.ca.
- Our Admissions Office will acknowledge your application has been received and will provide you with your NC Student ID number and details on your next steps.
Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!
- Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements. Official, translated high school and/or post-secondary transcripts, proof of graduation and proof of English proficiency will be required.
- Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting International applications, and what start dates are available.
- For next steps in the application process please visit international.niagaracollege.ca/how-to-apply/.
- Complete an application online through our Online Application Form.
- Niagara College will send you or your agent a confirmation of receipt via email within 48 hours of receiving your application.
* Domestic applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Convention refugees.
By Email
Reach out to us using our contact form and we'll respond within regular business hours.
Contact UsOne-on-One Session
Have questions about this program or NC? Speak with a friendly Student Recruiter!
Book a One-on-One SessionRequest Program Information
Want to receive more information about this program? Join our email list to receive program and event updates!
On-Campus Tours
Book a tour at one of our campuses and explore our incredible learning and service spaces in-person!
Book an On-Campus TourVirtual Tours
Take a self-guided, virtual walking tour of our campuses and explore our labs and common spaces.
Take a Virtual TourInformation Sessions
Join us for an information session and explore the pathways and programs offered at NC!
Register for an Info SessionOverview
Do you have a passion for education and the importance of fostering development in the early years?
As an Early Childhood Educator, you support early learning in a wide variety of educational programs and centres.
Important Program Information
Effective September 2026, there is a campus location change for this program (from Welland to Niagara-on-the-Lake).
NC Preferred Admission
This program grants preferred admission to qualified graduates from:
For detailed information, requirements and eligibility visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways/.
Courses
| Code | Course Name | Credits | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMM1140 | Essential Communication Skills for Community Services | 3 | |||||||||
| EDUC1130 | Working with Infants and Toddlers | 3 | |||||||||
| EDUC1131 | Arts and Science I | 3 | |||||||||
| EDUC1133 | Foundations of ECE - I | 3 | |||||||||
| HDEV1123 | Child Development | 3 | |||||||||
| Elective Information | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Code | Course Name | Credits | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDUC1216 | Diversity in the Early Years | 3 | |||||||||
| EDUC1233 | Foundations of ECE - II | 3 | |||||||||
| EDUC1326 | Stress and Resiliency | 3 | |||||||||
| PSYC1100 | Introductory Psychology | 3 | |||||||||
| Elective Information | |||||||||||
|
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required
|
|||||||||||
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC1330 | Arts and Science II | 3 |
| EDUC1331 | Naturalistic Observation Research Methods | 3 |
| EDUC1232 | Working with School-Age Children | 3 |
| SOCL1328 | Child Abuse and Family Violence | 3 |
| PRAC1306 | Field Placement III - Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| Elective Information | ||
|
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required |
||
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC1327 | Entry to Practice | 3 |
| EDUC1432 | Program Administration | 3 |
| EDUC1433 | Working with Families | 3 |
| HDEV1434 | Child Health and Well-Being | 3 |
| PRAC1407 | Field Placement IV - Early Childhood Education | 5 |
Learning Outcomes Term: 1254
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, inter-disciplinary 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.
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
- English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:
These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.
- Dynamics of Human Relationships – Grade 11 (O)
- Human Development Throughout the Lifespan – Grade 12 (C) or (U)
- Families in Canada - College Preparation – Grade 12 (C)
- Raising Healthy Children – Grade 11 (O)
- Working with School-Age Children and Adolescents – Grade 12 (C)
- Challenge and Change in Society – Grade 12 (U)
- Related volunteer and or cooperative/work experience
Selection and Ranking
Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.
Learn more about admission decisions.
Program Requirements
Criminal Record Check
- A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (CRC-VSS) which is less than 6 months old is required at the beginning of the program.
- Students with criminal charges for convictions will be significantly limited in placement, clinical, and/or employment opportunities in this field. The decision of whether a student with criminal charges or convictions is eligible to secure a field placement ultimately lies with the field placement agency.
- Field placements must be completed in order to graduate.
-
Students will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) in order to be cleared for placement/clinical. Please note, in order to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS), students must be 18 years of age or older. If a student is not 18 years of age or older at the start of this program, they will experience delays in progression through the program.
Communicable Disease Surveillance
- The confidential Communicable Disease Surveillance (CDS) Form must be completed and submitted to Student Health Services prior to the start of the program.
- Please view the CDS Form and Checklist for health requirements at niagaracollege.ca/cdsform/.
- This process may take up to 10 weeks or more and requires a visit to your personal physician and/or a Public Health Department.
- If the CDS process is not completed your placement, clinic or co-op opportunity will be denied.
First Aid and CPR
- Current Standard First Aid certification and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C certification is required prior to the start of classes. All certifications must remain current for the duration of the program.
Transportation
- Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
-
Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
Computer Requirements
Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows-based desktop or laptop that meets or exceeds the following general requirements:
- A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended).
- Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended).
- An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone, and speaker system.
- Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.
Niagara College may not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications as provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.
Note: We do not provide support for Chromebooks or Apple products. (learn more)
The technology requirements indicate there is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products. Can I still take my program if I have a Macbook or Chromebook?
For most programs, the recommendation is to have a MS Windows 11 computer for an optimal experience and for ease of downloading academic software. The reliability of remote connections to college computers and software cannot be guaranteed for Macbook and Chromebook users.
The Microsoft Office suite products that are available free to Niagara College students though Office 365 do have versions that work with Macbooks and Chromebooks, and most internet-based applications will work as well. However, some program-specific software is designed to run on Windows 10/11, and the successful download of these applications cannot be guaranteed.
Our Learning Management System (LMS) at Niagara College is Brightspace, and while students can access Brightspace through an internet browser, for some assignments and tests there is a layer of security that uses a proctored browser. The proctored browser will not function on Macbooks or Chromebooks.
Students assume the risk of a compromised virtual experience if they choose to participate without the recommended technology.
Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.
All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Back to TopAvailability
Legendfor intake status table
Open
Accepting applications
Waitlisted
Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list
Closed
Not accepting applications
Suspended
No longer offered this term
The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
Six Nations Polytechnic Delivery Options
The Early Childhood Education program is also delivered at other off-campus locations through Six Nations Polytechnic, with Hodinohsó:ni’ and Indigenous pedagogy at the center of the program. Please explore your options below. Please note that these delivery options are not available to International applicants.
Six Nations Polytechnic – Brantford Campus
Program and availability information can be found at niagaracollege.ca/0106.
Six Nations Polytechnic – Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre
Program and availability information can be found at niagaracollege.ca/0120.
Six Nations Polytechnic – Waterloo Campus
Program and availability information can be found at niagaracollege.ca/0251.
Pathways
Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Early Childhood Education program below.
-
From NC toAthabasca University — 4-year Bachelor of Commerce Canada
-
From NC toAthabasca University — Bachelor of Professional Arts Canada
-
From NC toFanshawe College — Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership Canada
-
From NC toMunster Technological University (MTU) — 3-year Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care Ireland
-
From NC toNiagara University — Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education, Grades B-6 Liberal Arts United States
-
From NC toSeneca College — Honours Bachelor of Child Development Canada
-
NC PathwayThis program grants Preferred Admission to qualified graduates of:Niagara College — Pre-Community Services
-
NC PathwayThis program grants Preferred Admission to qualified graduates of:Niagara College — Pre-Community Services (OL)
For detailed information about these pathway options visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways/.
Did you know?
Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.
Tuition
The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.
Year: 2025-2026
Start Term: Fall
Year 1
Level one $2,787.69
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,269.20
|
|
Material Fees
|
$161.00
|
|
Level one Total
|
$2,787.69
|
Level two $2,507.19
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$939.20
|
|
Material Fees
|
$210.50
|
|
Level two Total
|
$2,507.19
|
Year 1 Total: $5,294.88
Year 2
Level three $2,616.69
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,209.20
|
|
Material Fees
|
$50.00
|
|
Level three Total
|
$2,616.69
|
Level four $2,248.69
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$879.20
|
|
Material Fees
|
$12.00
|
|
Level four Total
|
$2,248.69
|
Year 2 Total: $4,865.38
Estimated Program Total:
$10,160.26
We're helping make your NC dreams a reality.
To help fund your education access $1.5 million in scholarships and awards made available by our generous donors. You will be automatically considered for some awards, however other awards will require an application.
Explore Scholarships & BursariesAdvanced Tuition Tool
The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).
To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.
Generate My FeesThe below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition and estimated fees for International students are based on program type.
Year: 2025-2026
Start Term: Fall
Year 1
Level one $10,890.20
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$8,475.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$2,019.20
|
|
Material Fees
|
$396.00
|
|
Level one Total
|
$10,890.20
|
Level two $9,359.70
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$7,975.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$939.20
|
|
Material Fees
|
$445.50
|
|
Level two Total
|
$9,359.70
|
Year 1 Total: $20,249.90
Year 2
Level three $10,219.20
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$7,975.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,959.20
|
|
Material Fees
|
$285.00
|
|
Level three Total
|
$10,219.20
|
Level four $9,101.20
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$7,975.00
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$879.20
|
|
Material Fees
|
$247.00
|
|
Level four Total
|
$9,101.20
|
Year 2 Total: $19,320.40
Estimated Program Total:
$39,570.30
We're helping make your NC dreams a reality.
Access over $200,000 in scholarships and awards.
Explore & ApplyAdvanced Tuition Tool
The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).
To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.
Generate My FeesCosts and Dates
General information about other costs, due dates, refund policy, housing costs, and more can be found on the Niagara College International website.
What is your tuition estimate?
Your tuition estimation includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees based on a program and term. Fees may vary upon enrolment into specific courses that are outside of the core curriculum or elective courses. Fees for future terms (where fees have yet to be published) are estimates based on the current academic year fee structure.
Additional fees include textbooks and a parking pass (if parking on campus). Additional costs may be incurred for optional field trips, learning materials, equipment or clothing. All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Note: For new programs tuition and fees may not yet be available. Typically tuition amounts are available in May for the next academic year. Please check back.
