College Diploma - Early Childhood Education (0003) at Conestoga College - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-04

Program overview

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Program Overview

The Early Childhood Education Diploma is a comprehensive two-year program designed to equip students with the essential skills needed to thrive in the field of early learning and child care. This program emphasizes collaboration with families, colleagues, and communities, enabling students to design, implement, and evaluate inclusive, play-based early learning programs. Through a blend of interactive classroom learning and work-integrated learning experiences, students gain a thorough understanding of child development and responsive practices, preparing them for a rewarding career in early childhood education.

Program Structure

The Early Childhood Education Diploma program spans a two-year period, offering a hybrid delivery format that combines both in-class and online learning. The program is structured as follows:

Program Length: 2 years
Delivery: Hybrid
Intakes: September 2025, January 2026 (Accelerated Delivery), May 2026
Work-Integrated Learning: Students will engage in practical experiences at college-operated child development centers, kindergarten classrooms, and licensed early learning programs.

This program also offers a part-time option for those interested in a more flexible learning schedule. Additionally, students who complete the Human Services Foundations program prior to applying may find their transition into this diploma program smoother, as it provides a year of personal growth and education.

Featured Experiences

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Students participate in hands-on experiences in various educational settings.
Collaboration with Community Agencies: Opportunities to work with local organizations to enhance learning experiences.
Interactive Classroom Learning: Engaging teaching methods that promote active participation and practical application of knowledge.
Partnerships with Child Development Centers: Direct involvement in real-world educational environments.

Career Options

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Diploma program can pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in Canada, including:

Early Childhood Educator: Work in daycare centers, preschools, or kindergartens, providing care and education to young children.
Child Development Specialist: Focus on assessing and supporting the developmental needs of children in various settings.
Program Coordinator: Oversee early childhood education programs, ensuring they meet educational standards and community needs.
Family Support Worker: Assist families in accessing resources and support for their children's development.
Child Care Administrator: Manage operations of child care facilities, including staffing, budgeting, and compliance with regulations.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Conestoga College official website

Last updated on 2025-06-04

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the College Diploma in Early Childhood Education at Conestoga, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status.

For details on the Mature Student definition, please refer to the college's guidelines.

Grade 12 compulsory English, C (65% minimum) or U (55% minimum), or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251 (65% minimum)), or equivalent.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, the following additional requirements apply:

If your transcripts are from outside of Canada, you will need to obtain a comprehensive course-by-course credential evaluation. You can use an approved provider of credential evaluation services such as ICAS or WES.
Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Please refer to the English language requirements for details.

It is important to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is processed in time. For any clarification or support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To apply for the College Diploma - Early Childhood Education program at Conestoga College, you must provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

IELTS Academic: 6.0 (with no band less than 5.5)
TOEFL: 80 (Effective January 2024, no individual skill less than 20)

Please note: The above requirements are specific to diploma programs. If you do not have the English language skills for direct entry into full-time post-secondary programs, you may choose to enter Conestoga's General Arts and Science: English Language Studies program.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
January 2026	Closed	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
May 2026	Closed	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
September 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
January 2027	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
May 2027	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available