Early Childhood Education (Saint John) at NBCC - New Brunswick Community College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-14

Program overview

Program Overview

Early childhood educators play an essential role in shaping children's lifelong views of learning. They teach children from birth to age twelve, nurturing them through activities and play that develop their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth. If you are patient, loving, and creative, a career as an early childhood educator could be your calling.

In the Early Childhood Education program, you'll learn how to design, apply, and evaluate holistic educational programs. You'll also develop skills related to observation, documentation, reflective practice, professionalism, leadership, and relationships. The program emphasizes outdoor play as essential for holistic growth, integrating intentional outdoor play planning into the curriculum. Enroll today and pursue a rewarding career where you can play a critical role in starting the next generation off on the right foot.

Program Structure

The Early Childhood Education diploma program is designed to be completed within two academic years of full-time study. The program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers. Key features of the program structure include:

Experiential learning opportunities through NBCC's innovative Living Classroom.
A practicum during the first year to gain real-world experience in the early learning and childcare sector.
Integration of outdoor play planning into the curriculum.
Constructivist and developmental/interactional educational approaches.

Students will also have the chance to engage in various program options, including co-op placements and field experiences, which enhance their learning and professional development.

Featured Experiences

Experiential learning through the innovative Living Classroom.
Practicum opportunities in the early learning and childcare sector.
Focus on outdoor play and nature as integral to child development.
Constructivist and developmental/interactional educational approaches.
Opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurial ventures in childcare consulting and tutoring.

Career Options

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program can look forward to a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Childcare Worker: Provide care and supervision for children in various settings, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Preschool Teacher: Plan and implement educational programs for preschool-aged children, fostering their development through play and structured activities.
Child Development Specialist: Work with children who have diverse abilities, creating tailored programs to support their growth and learning.
Early Childhood Education Administrator: Manage early learning and childcare centers, overseeing operations, staff, and compliance with regulations.
Childcare Consultant: Offer guidance and support to families and childcare providers, helping to improve the quality of care and education.

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

Visit NBCC - New Brunswick Community College official website

Last updated on 2025-07-14

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For students interested in the Early Childhood Education program at Saint John, here are the key Academic Requirements:

Transcripts must show:
- Last year of Grammar or Literature credit
- Last year of Math credit obtained
- Last two years of sciences if required for your profile of consideration
- Postsecondary credentials may be required for some programs
Documents must be officially translated into English.
Minimum credentials required are indicated; however, higher education may also be considered.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following documents are typically required:

High School Diploma
Transcript of marks from the last two years of Secondary School
Proof of successful completion

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the admission process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support and guidance.

Language Requirements

We want our students to be well-positioned for success and be able to participate in all NBCC educational activities. Therefore, all international and Permanent Resident applicants to NBCC must demonstrate adequate academic English proficiency.

NBCC will request evidence of English proficiency on a recognized linguistic test or successful completion of a recognized pathway program from one of our English language training partners. NBCC will only accept tests that were taken within the last 2 years. An applicant may be exempt if:

the applicant's first language is English; or,
a minimum of three (3) years of secondary education has been successfully completed in English within the last 2 years; or,
a minimum of one (1) year of successful completion in a recognized post-secondary institution has been in English within the last 2 years.

Successful completion of English 122 or 121, or equivalency to NB high school curriculum, with a minimum mark of 70% (non-modified curriculum) can be submitted to satisfy NBCC’s English proficiency requirement.

The following English proficiency tests can be submitted to NBCC for admission consideration:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic test only
- Minimum score of 6.0 with no subject test score less than 5.5
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Minimum score of 80 with no subject test less than 18 (iBT Test)
Duolingo English Test
- Minimum score of 100 out of 160 with no subject test score less than 90
Cambridge English
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) - Overall Cambridge English Scale score of 169
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
- Minimum score of 60
The Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST)
- Minimum score of 4.5 with no subtest less than 4.0
PTE Pearson Test of English (Academic)
- Minimum score of 65 with no subject test less than 60

If you do not meet the English language requirements for admission to NBCC programs, you can apply directly to one of our English language training partners for a pathway 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!