Social Service Worker
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Community Services
Key Details
Program Start Dates
May 2025
September 2025
May 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Jennifer Bailey
Program Coordinator / Professor
jennifer.bailey@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
School of Community Services
cips@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Cultivate curious children with play-based learning
In this innovative program, you will examine how children grow and discover how children learn through play. This play-based learning approach, combined with a culturally-relevant environment, nurtures children who are curious, capable, competent, and rich in potential.
Interactive classroom exercises will train you to design, plan, implement, and evaluate play-based learning for children from birth to 12 years of age. You’ll gain practical experience in our on-campus mock childcare classroom. You can apply to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator upon graduation and be eligible to work in a variety of childcare settings in the community.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Recognized by the College of Early Childhood Educators
- Placement in each semester
- Opportunities for international placements
- Community guest speakers and field trips to local agencies
- Opportunities to earn additional certifications built into the program
- Option to earn a second diploma in another community services program in just 1 year when you graduate
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admission requirements
Before the first field placement, students will consult with Synergy and show proof of the following:
- Two-step TB test
- Standard First Aid Certificate (prior to second field placement)
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- Record of up-to-date immunizations
- Freedom from communicable diseases and fit to work with young children
- Field certifications (Bill 18 requirements)
- Co-op permits for placement in all four semesters for international students registered in a field practicum course
Recommendations
- Any grade 11 or 12 family studies (C), (U), or (M)
- Computer competency in relevant software
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2024-2025
Spring term start
- Semester 1: Spring 2025
- Semester 2: Fall 2025
- Semester 3: Winter 2026
- Semester 4: Spring 2026
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Spring term start
- Semester 1: Spring 2026
- Semester 2: Fall 2026
- Semester 3: Winter 2027
- Semester 4: Spring 2027
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 1050 | Health & Nutrition | 3 |
| ECE 1024 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE 1115 | Intro Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE 1130 | Field Seminar I | 1 |
| ECE 1140 | The Creative Learning Environment | 3 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| PSY 1050 | Introduction To Psychology I | 3 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ECE 1201 | Curriculum Planning I | 3 |
| ECE 1205 | Observation and Documentation | 3 |
| ECE 1230 | Field Seminar II | 1 |
| ECE 1239 | Field Practicum II | 6 |
| ECE 1295 | Child Guidance | 3 |
| ENG 1242 | Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I | 3 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| ECE 2040 | Culturally Relevant Practice | 3 |
| ECE 2301 | Curriculum Planning II | 3 |
| ECE 2320 | Infant and Toddler Care | 3 |
| ECE 2330 | Field Seminar III | 1 |
| ECE 2339 | Field Practicum III | 4 |
| ECE 2395 | Family Liaison | 3 |
| ECE 2450 | Inclusive Theory & Practices | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| ECE 1012 | Leadership in ECE | 3 |
| ECE 1013 | Child Abuse | 3 |
| ECE 2315 | Curriculum Models In ECE | 3 |
| ECE 2430 | Field Seminar IV | 1 |
| ECE 2439 | Field Practicum IV | 6 |
| ECE 2455 | Program for the School Age Child | 4 |
| One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Total Credits | 87 | |
- 1
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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program!
Daycare Centres – This placement offered students the opportunity to gain practical work experience in daycare centres such as Discovery Early Learning where they offer infant to SAC programs.
School boards – Students gained practical, and relevant work experience during this placement within various school boards in kindergarten classrooms in elementary schools.
EarlyON Centres – This placement offered students the opportunity to gather experience at EarlyON Child and Family Centres where they offer free family programs located in schools and community centres throughout Greater Sudbury. They offer a range of high-quality programs open to all parents, caregivers, and their children aged 0 to 6.
Additional Notes: In each semester, students meeting requirements, will have the opportunity to complete a community placement. Students will be responsible for any expenses incurred related to placement, such as Synergy consultation for medical and non-medical requirements, transportation including parking if applicable, meals, and accommodation.
Agencies will require students to have additional medical and non-medical documents before the completion of any community-based placement. Students are responsible for acquiring the necessary medical and non-medical requirements by a set program deadline. Synergy will be responsible for the coordination of the required documentation in consultation with the students before the commencement of placement.
Required documentation includes:
- A vulnerable sector check,
- Health documentation (up-to-date immunization, two-step TB test, freedom from communicable disease)
- First Aid/CPR (for placements 2, 3, and 4)
- Field certifications – Bill 18 requirements
Field of Study
School of Community Services
Discover the profound difference you can make in the lives of others when you follow the rewarding and noble path provided by Cambrian’s School of Community Services. Community Services programs prepare you to address social and community needs, support child and family welfare, navigate support systems and become a powerful force for positive change.
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input.
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
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