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

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview

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Program overview

The Early Childhood Education Diploma is a two-year program designed to equip students with essential skills for professional practice in early learning and child care. This program emphasizes collaboration with families, colleagues, and communities to create inclusive, play-based learning environments. Students will engage in interactive classroom learning and work-integrated learning experiences, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. By understanding child development and responsive practices, graduates will be prepared to design, implement, and evaluate effective early learning programs.

Program structure

The Early Childhood Education Diploma program spans a two-year period, providing a comprehensive education in early childhood development. The program is structured as follows:

Delivery Mode: Hybrid
Program Length: 2 years
Intakes: Available in May and September
Accelerated Option: January intake allows for accelerated completion over four consecutive semesters
Work-Integrated Learning: Students will participate in practical experiences at college-operated child development centers, kindergarten classrooms, and community agencies

This program also offers part-time options for those interested in a more flexible learning schedule.

Featured Experiences

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with local child development centers and community agencies.
Interactive Classroom Learning: Engaging teaching methods that promote active participation and collaboration.
Field Experiences: Opportunities to apply classroom theory in real-world settings, enhancing practical skills.
Partnerships: Collaborations with licensed early learning and care programs to enrich learning experiences.
Human Services Foundations Program: Completing this program prior to the diploma can enhance personal growth and educational success.

Career Options

Early Childhood Educator: Work in various settings, including daycare centers and schools, to support children's development and learning.
Child Care Supervisor: Oversee daily operations in child care facilities, ensuring compliance with regulations and quality standards.
Program Coordinator: Develop and implement educational programs for children, focusing on play-based learning.
Family Support Worker: Provide resources and support to families, helping them navigate early childhood education options.
Community Outreach Worker: Engage with local communities to promote early childhood education initiatives and resources.

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 2026-02-02

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the College Diploma - Early Childhood Education program 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.
Grade 12 compulsory English, C (65% minimum) or U (55% minimum), or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251 (65% minimum)), or equivalent.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following requirements apply:

Canadian citizens and permanent residents with transcripts from outside Canada require a course-by-course credential evaluation. You can request this at a reduced fee through the college by completing the Assessment of International Credentials for Admissions and Credit Transfer online form, or through an approved provider such as ICAS or WES.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Additionally, students entering the ECE program are expected to have the following:

Behaviors imperative for the ECE field: self-reflection, responsibility, honesty, integrity, punctuality, strong written, oral and non-verbal communication skills, solid problem-solving abilities, and a sincere commitment to learning and the ECE profession.

For those interested in work-integrated learning (WIL), mandatory document requirements must be completed prior to WIL experiences. This includes:

A complete immunization record including MMR and Tdap. COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccination is recommended during flu season (October – March).
TB Testing: Evidence of current 1-step (completed within 1 year of your program start date).
Standard First Aid and CPR – Level C.
A Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) completed within 3 months of program start date.

For any clarification and support regarding these requirements, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To apply for the College Diploma - Early Childhood Education (0003) program at Conestoga College, you must provide proof of English proficiency through one of the following accepted examinations:

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

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 2026-02-02

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
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