Skip to main content
Programs

Early Childhood Education – Alternate Delivery

ECADSchool of Community Services

Apply today
A student demonstrates first aid techniques on a baby mannequin while another person watches in a classroom setting.

Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Online / Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

5 Semesters / 2 Years
Currently not available for international students

Program Contacts

Jennifer Bailey

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.6278
School of Community Services
Send email

Program Overview

A student sits in a classroom holding a book titled "What's My Superpower?" while others listen attentively.

A customized ECE placement plan developed with you, for you 

Geared for those who currently work in early childhood education (ECE), our alternate delivery format is the only one of its type in Ontario. If you’ve been working in ECE for a minimum of six months, this five-semester program offers online, facilitated, and brief, intensive in-person learning that allows you to complete your diploma while you work. 
 
You’ll build a foundation of knowledge that children learn through play. This play-based learning approach, combined with a culturally-relevant environment, will encourage curious, capable, and competent children. You’ll explore how to organize and maintain a stimulating learning environment that ensures the total development of children from birth to 12 years of age. 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • The only alternate delivery program of its kind in Ontario 
  • Compressed course delivery 
  • Learn while you continue to work 
  • Interactive classroom experiences 
  • Faculty with expertise across the curriculum 
  • Grads can apply to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) 

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)

Additional admission requirements

  • Two-step TB test
  • Standard First Aid Certificate (prior to second field placement)
  • Vulnerable Sector Check is required prior to field placements
  • Record of up-to-date immunizations
  • Freedom from communicable diseases and fit to work with young children
  • Field certifications (Bill 18 requirements)
  • Currently working in the field of ECE, directly with children, for a minimum of six months

Recommendations

  • Any grade 11 or 12 family studies (C), (U), or (M)
  • Computer competency in relevant software
Student in a green polo shirt holds a folder in a modern office setting. Two others sit in the background.

Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027
  • Semester 5: Spring 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
ECE 1050Health & Nutrition3
ECE 1115Intro Early Childhood Education3
ECE 1024Child Growth and Development3
ECE 1130Field Seminar I1
ECE 1140The Creative Learning Environment 3
ENG 1002College Communications3
ISP 1046Introduction to Computers1
PSY 1050Introduction To Psychology I3
 Credits20
Semester 2
ECE 1201Curriculum Planning I3
ECE 1205Observation and Documentation3
ECE 1230Field Seminar II1
ECE 1239Field Practicum II6
ECE 1295Child Guidance3
One General Education course. 13
 Credits19
Semester 3
ECE 2040Culturally Relevant Practice3
ECE 2301Curriculum Planning II3
ECE 2320Infant and Toddler Care3
ECE 2330Field Seminar III1
ECE 2339Field Practicum III4
 Credits14
Semester 4
ECE 2395Family Liaison3
ECE 2450Inclusive Theory & Practices3
ECE 2455Program for the School Age Child4
ENG 1700Communications II3
One General Education course. 13
 Credits16
Semester 5
ECE 1012Leadership in ECE3
ECE 1013Child Abuse3
ECE 2315Curriculum Models In ECE3
ECE 2430Field Seminar IV1
ECE 2439Field Practicum IV6
One General Education course. 13
 Credits19
 Total Credits88
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$3,487.53Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

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.

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.

Learn more

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

Employment opportunities

Graduates may find career opportunities as Early Childhood Educators working with a variety of age groups including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children in:

  • Early Learning and Child Care Centres (Centre based and/or Home Childcare)
  • EarlyON Child and Family Centres
  • Kindergarten classrooms

Graduates are also prepared for employment opportunities in/as:

  • Agencies that provide services to young children and their families
  • Licensed Home Child Care Visitors
  • Child and Family Resource Workers that support inclusive practices
  • Centres for Newcomer Children
  • Nursery Schools/Parent Co-operative Centres
media1A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

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.

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!

A student in a white shirt smiles while holding a children's book titled "What's My Superpower?" in a room with books and an orange chair.

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!

* Required field
Back to Programs

Related Programs

A security officer in uniform stands at a counter talking to another security officer seated at a desk, who is smiling.

Corporate Safety and Security

Ontario College Certificate
2 Semesters
School of Public Safety
Two paramedic students perform a medical procedure on an infant mannequin on a table, using medical equipment.

Paramedic

Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters
School of Emergency Services