Early Childhood Education at Sheridan College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-04-01

Program overview

Program Overview

Sheridan's Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to provide exceptional education and care for young children. The program emphasizes a blend of research-based theory and practical experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to support children's learning and development. Students will learn from highly qualified professors with extensive experience in early childhood education, and they will engage in hands-on experiences in a simulated early learning classroom. This comprehensive approach prepares students to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families.

Program Structure

The Early Childhood Education program at Sheridan is structured to be completed in 2 years. The program is offered at both the Davis Campus in Brampton and the Trafalgar Campus in Oakville. Students will benefit from a variety of learning experiences, including:

Three mandatory field placements in diverse early learning settings, such as childcare centers and kindergarten classrooms.
Hands-on learning in labs designed to simulate real-world early childhood education environments.
Opportunities for co-op placements, allowing students to gain practical experience while studying.

This program is also PGWP-aligned, which means that international students may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit upon completion.

Featured Experiences

Three mandatory field placements that provide practical experience in various early learning environments.
Hands-on learning in a uniquely designed curriculum room that mimics a real early learning classroom.
Co-op opportunities that allow students to gain valuable work experience while studying.
Access to highly qualified professors with extensive backgrounds in early childhood education.
Engagement in a curriculum that emphasizes best practices for supporting young children's learning and development.

Career Options

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

Childcare Centre Educator: Work in licensed childcare facilities, providing care and education to children from infancy to preschool age.
Before- and After-School Program Coordinator: Manage programs that offer care and educational activities for school-age children outside of regular school hours.
Kindergarten Teacher: Teach and support young children in their first formal educational setting, focusing on foundational skills and social development.
EarlyON Child and Family Centre Staff: Provide resources and support to families with young children, promoting healthy development and community engagement.
Literacy and Parenting Program Facilitator: Lead programs that help parents develop skills to support their children's literacy and overall development.

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

Visit Sheridan College official website

Last updated on 2026-04-01

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Early Childhood Education program at Sheridan has specific academic requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for admission. Here are the key points:

Program Eligibility:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including the following required course:
- One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U).
or
Mature student status.

Applicant Selection:

Eligible applicants will be selected based on their previous academic achievement, specifically the average of their six highest senior-level credits, which must include the required courses. Strong English skills are essential due to the demands of early language development.

Field Placement Requirements:

Students will need to provide additional documentation, such as criminal record checks and immunization records, directly to their field placement before the start of the placement and at their own expense. Many field placement sites also require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Students who cannot meet these requirements may have limited field placement opportunities, which could affect their ability to progress or graduate from the program.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For any clarification or support regarding the application process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

All applicants to Sheridan must demonstrate English-language proficiency. For the Early Childhood Education Diploma program, the following English proficiency tests are accepted:

Sheridan’s EAP program: Level 5 (formerly English for Academic Purposes)
- Minimum score of 70% in listening and speaking and 70% in reading and writing.
IELTS Academic Level:
- Overall score of 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language):
- Overall score of 60 with no individual section below 50.
Duolingo English Language Test:
- Overall score of 105 with no integrated subscore lower than 85.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):
- Overall score of 58 with no individual section below 49.
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
- Overall score of 80 with no individual section below 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 2026-03-30

Program overview

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