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Ministry-approved title: Early Childhood Education
Quality early childhood education (ECE) is critical in preparing children for future learning. Early childhood educators play an integral role in promoting children’s development from birth to age 12 within the following five domains: cognitive, social, emotional, language and physical.
In the ECE program, students engage in theoretical studies along with practical applications. Learning is complemented by three separate field placements under the supervision of a Registered ECE. These field placement opportunities will be chosen from a variety of early learning settings that serve young children and their families.
Upon completion of the Early Childhood Education program, graduates will apply to the College of Early Childhood Educators, the provincial regulatory body, to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in Ontario.
If you begin classes in January, you will complete semesters 1 and 2 (Year 1) from January to August and semesters 3 and 4 (Year 2) from January to August.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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This program will prepare you to meet the diverse needs of the early childhood education profession. You will acquire the knowledge and practical skills necessary to foster social, emotional, cognitive and physical development in children from infancy to age 12. Key areas of practice will focus on building relationships and guiding children; curriculum development and implementation; health, wellness and safety and professionalism.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Your learning experience will be complemented by three separate field placements (one in Semester 2, one in Semester 3, and one in Semester 4). All placements happen under the supervision of a Registered ECE. These field placement opportunities will be chosen from a variety of early learning settings that serve young children and their families.
PRE-PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
In preparation for field placement, there are many pre-placement documents/certifications that students must complete and upload to Synergy (a third-party company that collects and houses all field placement documentation). Students will be provided with Synergy login information once registration/timetable selection occurs.
There are costs associated with the Synergy as well as possible costs associated with certain immunizations, lab tests and certifications. Be sure to keep all receipts for income tax purposes. These costs include:
It is required that students complete the ERV with Verified to be eligible for the field placement component of this program. You must (at your expense) provide:
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Qualified graduates can apply to Durham College’s Communicative Disorders Assistant and Autism and Behavioural Sciences programs.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
To help students have the best learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3 RAM: 4GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
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