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DiplomaRecommended
Diploma of Early Childhood Education
- Hamilton, Canada
- 2 years
- English
- On campus
- Diploma
About the program
Two-year diploma preparing students to work with young children, Families and communities.
Program highlights
- Internship available: yes
- Placement support: yes
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (3 years): yes
- PR pathway friendly: no
What you will learn
- Demonstrate concepts and methods in Early Childhood Education to solve relevant problems. Develop competence in Four semesters of child development
- Observation and documentation. Present findings clearly and consider professional or research ethics.
Career outcomes
- Early Childhood Educator
- Special Needs Educator
- Infant Toddler Educator (certification routes)
Curriculum
- Four semesters of child development
- Observation and documentation
- Guiding and caring
- Health and nutrition
- Infant-toddler care
- Working with families
- Inclusive practice and administration
- Each paired with a practicum (Practicum I to IV). A pass in all practicums and 70% in each course are required.
Entry requirements
Academic
- OSSD or equivalent including: Grade 12 English C or U or equivalent Volunteer experience in child care recommended Attendance at program orientation is strongly recommended Applicants should note that some employment opportunities require that certain physical standards must be met as a condition of employment. Entry grade detail: OSSD or equivalent incl. Grade 12 English (C or U) and programme-specific maths/sciences
- No minimum average published
- Mature-applicant options.
Accepted academic background
Secondary school diploma equivalent to the OSSD with Grade 12 English, Programme-specific subjects.
Language tests
- IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL iBT 83
- Duolingo 115
Documents you’ll need
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport Copy.
How to apply
- Check the programme's entry requirements and intake deadline. Apply through the OCAS International Application Service (application fee 100 CAD). Upload your passport
- Academic transcripts
- English test scores and
- If under 18
- A custodian declaration. Accept the offer in the OCAS portal and pay the full tuition shown in the offer. Receive the Letter of Acceptance and Provincial Attestation Letter
- Then apply for a Canadian study permit with proof of funds. Clear any conditions 30 days before classes
- Upload your permit approval and complete pre-registration.
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $15,885 CAD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 CAD |
| Deposit | $7,943 CAD |
Program details
| Campus | Fennell Campus |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | Community Services |
| Department | Early Childhood Education |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | 60 |
| Study pace | Fixed |
| Post-study stay | 3 years |
| Scholarship note | Institution-level scholarship eligibility may vary by academic record, Applicant category and chosen program, Confirm current award terms. |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
January 2027
Apply by
15 Nov 2026
1 day leftProgram starts
May 2027
Apply by
15 Mar 2027
121 days leftProgram starts
September 2027
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
213 days left
Frequently asked questions
The program takes 2 years.
The next deadline is 15 Nov 2026. Apply early, because some programs close when places fill up.
Tuition is $15,885 CAD per year. The application fee is $100 CAD. The deposit is $7,943 CAD. The estimated living cost is $23,448 CAD.
Accepted language tests: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 83, Duolingo 115.

