Ontario College Diploma in Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education program combines theory and coursework with real experience in the field. Students will learn the importance of play in children's learning, family involvement, and curriculum design. Graduates will be qualified to work in a variety of jobs including child care centres, early learning and family centres.Does shaping and nurturing young minds of the future while enjoying a satisfying, in-demand career interest you Fanshawe’s Early Childhood Education program will give you the skills and the hands-on experience to get you on your way.
Our unique program blends theory and coursework with real experience in the field. You’ll develop knowledge and professional skills in child development with the assistance of our diverse courses and learn aboutthe valuable and specialized role you play in the community.
Graduates from this program will gain diverse and dynamic skills for the evolving world of childhood education. You’ll be qualified to work in a range of jobs including child care centres, early learning and family centres, before and after school programs and with school boards.
This two-year Ontario College Diploma program will develop students' knowledge and professional skills in the early childhood educator's role and responsibilities. Your work placement will expose you to a wide variety of age groups and multiple organizations. You’ll have had dynamic and eclectic experiences that will make you more valuable to the field of Early Childhood EducationLearning OutcomesThe graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:Create learning contexts to enable, build and maintain caring, responsive relationships in partnerships with children, families and communities that value and respect social, cultural and linguistic diversity including Indigenous peoples’ worldviews and Francophone identity;Co-create, facilitate and reflect upon inquiry and play-based early years and child care programs and pedagogical approaches to support children’s learning, holistic development and well-being following children’s capabilities, interests, ideas and experiences;Co-design and maintain inclusive early learning environments to value and support equitable, accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for all children, their families and communities in a range of early years and child care settings;Career InformationGraduates of Fanshawe’s Early Childhood Education program will have the knowledge and skills to work with children, families and the community in the context of early learning and development programs for children from birth to 12 years of age. Graduates will be prepared to find employment in a variety of early childhood settings, including:child care centresearly learning and parenting centres,best start programsnursery schoolspre-kindergarten and kindergartenssocial and family centresbefore and after school programscommunity centreshospital playroomscentres or programs for children with exceptionalitiesschool boardsHere are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Early Childhood Education (Fast Track) (Weekend) program:Early Childhood EducatorDeliver enthusiastic and passionate support working with children aged 3 months to four years in a child care centre.Early Childhood Education Centre SupervisorRecruit, supervise, mentor and motivate staff to develop and deliver quality curriculum in a classroom setting.Early Childhood EducatorPlan and implement a child care program while building relationships with families, children and community agencies