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Early Childhood Education

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Early Childhood Education

  • Program Code: 826
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: Two Years
  • School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
  • Area: Applied Arts
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: CLOSED
Unavailable Delivery Options
Domestic:
C
Prince Philip Drive
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Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
  • C
    Carbonear - On Campus - September 2026
  • C
    Corner Brook - On Campus - September 2026
  • C
    Gander - On Campus - September 2026
  • C
    Port aux Basques - On Campus - September 2026
  • C
    Prince Philip Drive - On Campus - September 2026
  • OS
    Online - Synchronous - September 2026

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) have a lasting, positive impact on the development of children, and provide an essential support for families, communities, and society. Early literacy and numeracy, socialization, indoor and outdoor physical activities, and creative experience in art, music, movement, and dramatic play, are some of the areas in which students will acquire knowledge and skills to support and encourage children's development. Students will have the opportunity to apply their learning on field placements, with different age groups in a variety of child care settings.

The usual work environment for ECEs involves daily indoor and outdoor activity. Being in good health and having, energy, patience, physical stamina, good communication and interpersonal skills are assets that will help students in this profession.  

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - DIPLOMA

Students in the two-year diploma program support children's learning, and their development in all areas: physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development. In addition, students learn how to develop, maintain, and evaluate a child care program based on best practices, and support the inclusion of all children, in programming. Students are introduced to the administrative skills necessary to manage a child care service. With relevant work experience, a diploma graduate will be qualified to become the Administrator of a licensed child care centre.

There is a direct link between the level of education an ECE has and the quality of education and care that is provided to children. The Early Childhood Education diploma program is an important step on the career ladder (certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, degree) to increasing qualifications as an ECE. Diploma graduates are eligible for Level II Child Care Services Certification in infant, preschool and school-age care, working with children ages 0-12.
 

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the diploma program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Support and promote the overall development of children aged birth to 12 years.
  2. Develop and maintain developmentally appropriate programs, and indoor and outdoor environments that reflect best practices.
  3. Explain variations in the developmental abilities of children aged birth to 12 years.
  4. Maintain caring and responsive relationships with the children in their care.
  5. Carry out effective and positive behaviour guidance, and discuss challenging behaviour.
  6. Create and implement a philosophy statement, and develop programs and policies based on the philosophy.
  7. Support staff in the delivery of programs, policies and guidelines.
  8. Set up and maintain an environment that supports diversity and inclusion.
  9. Observe, document and evaluate program delivery, child development, and adult/child interactions.
  10. Discuss and illustrate the principles of early learning.
  11. Demonstrate professional behaviour, reflective practice, and effective relationships with children, families, staff, and the community.
  12. Apply provincial child care legislation, standards and policies, and all other applicable legislative and regulatory requirements.

FIELD PLACEMENT

Students complete four field placements during the diploma program, two in year 1 and two in year 2. All students have the opportunity to apply their learning with different age groups in a variety of approved early learning and child care settings. For those students attending the Corner Brook and Prince Phillip Drive campuses, field Placements include time spent at the College's onsite demonstration child care centre.  Please Note: Students work with the ECE faculty to determine approved field placement sites.
 
Prior to the start of a field placement, students must submit to Student Services a current copy of at least an emergency level (one day) diploma/certificate in first aid and CPR dealing with children. A list of approved first aid training providers can be found on the Workplace NL website.

CERTIFICATION

The graduate is awarded a diploma of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Education from the College. This parchment indicates successful completion of two years of post-secondary education, combining theory and practical experience in the care, education, and guidance of children, as well as best practices in developmentally appropriate programming and environments. Completion of this program is one of the steps towards provincial Child Care Services (CCS) Certification granted through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL). Currently, the Early Childhood Education diploma is equivalent to a Level II CCS Certification for infant, preschool and school-age children. Please note: Students who successfully complete EE2040 - Family Child Care will also receive a provincial CCS Certification in family home.

INCENTIVES

Early Childhood Education incentives such as bursaries, grants and benefits can be explored by visiting https://aecenl.ca/index.php/bursariesgrants

Admission Requirements

1.  High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2.  College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate
3.  Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4.  Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

Eligibility for direct admission to Year 2 of the Early Childhood Education diploma program requires the applicant to meet the following academic criteria:

1. Have already graduated from the current CNA Early Childhood Education Certificate program (or equivalent)
OR
2. Graduated prior to the current CNA Early Childhood Education Certificate program (or equivalent) and holds minimally a current Level I Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL) for preschool and school-age children.

AND
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Documentation Required:
1. Certified Criminal Records Check (issued by RCMP) or Criminal Records Screening Certificate (issued by RNC)
2. Certified Vulnerable Sector Records Check (issued by RCMP/RNC)
3. Current Record of Immunization or Statement of Immunization

*Please note: The certified Criminal Records Check (issued by RCMP) or Criminal Records Screening Certificate (issued by RNC), Vulnerable Sector Records Check (issued by RCMP/RNC), and the current Record of Immunization or Statement of Immunization must be submitted to the College prior to online registration. Further information on obtaining ECE program documentation may be found HERE.
 
The certified Criminal Records Check or Criminal Records Screening Certificate and the Vulnerable Sector Records Check:
• Must be dated no more than three months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the program;
• Is valid for a period of three years unless the student is absent from the program for six months or more.
 
To be employed in the field of early childhood education and to successfully fulfill field placement requirements, students must be able to lift and move children, materials and equipment (up to 50 pounds) on a consistent basis. As well, physical effort, strength and endurance is required in the supervision and care of children, e.g., maintaining balance, kneeling and bending, pushing and pulling strollers and carts, and moving quickly to assist children in emergency situations.
 

Courses

COURSES

CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1 - Fall Cr Le La
EE1180 Curriculum I 3 3 0
EE1340 Child Development I 2 2 0
EE1290 Positive Behaviour Guidance 4 4 0
EE1420 Creative Experiences I 3 2 2
FH1340 Health & Safety 3 3 0
FW1605 Field Placement I 6 1 5 wks
         
Five weeks of Field Placement during the semester; Field Placement lecture in the other 10 weeks. Hours of other courses will be adjusted to reflect 10 weeks of the semester.
         
Semester 2 - Winter Cr Le La
EE1181 Curriculum II 3 3 0
EE1341 Child Development II 3 3 1
EE1360 Observation 2 2 1
EE1421 Creative Experiences II 3 2 2
FH1360 Childhood Nutrition 2 2 0
HR1300 Communications & Human Relations 2 2 0
FW1610 Field Placement II 6 1 5 wks
         
Five weeks of Field Placement during the semester; Field Placement lecture in the remaining 10 weeks. Hours of other courses will be adjusted to reflect 10 weeks of the semester.
         
Semester 3 - Intersession Cr Le La
EE2500 School-Age Development & Care 4 4 0
EE1440 Family Studies I 3 3 0
EE1480 Inclusion I 2 2 0
         
The lecture and lab hours per week are based on a 15-week semester. In Intersession, the lecture and lab hours will be adjusted to reflect the shorter semester length. Refer to course outline.
         
Semester 4 - Fall Cr Le La
EE2180 Curriculum III 5 4 2
EE2340 Child Development III 4 4 0
CM2300 Report Writing 2 2 0
EE2255 Advanced Behaviour Guidance 3 3 0
EE1870 Community Resources 2 2 0
  OR      
FH1500 Personal Wellness 2 2 0
  OR      
EE2040 Family Child Care 2 2 0
FW2605 Field Placement III 5 1 4 wks
         
Four weeks of Field Placement during the semester; Field Placement lecture in the other 11 weeks. Hours of other courses will be adjusted to reflect 11 weeks of the semester.
         
Semester 5 - Winter Cr Le La
EE2260 Introduction to Child Care Administration 3 3 0
EE1441 Family Studies II 3 3 0
EE2350 Professional Practice 2 2 0
EE2470 Infant Development and Care 3 3 1
EE1481 Inclusion II 4 4 0
FW2610 Field Placement IV 5 1 4 wks
         
Four weeks of Field Placement during the semester; Field Placement lecture in the other 11 weeks. Hours of other courses will be adjusted to reflect 11 weeks of the semester.

ECE Certificate courses are those listed in Semesters 1, 2, and 3 above.

Careers & Pathways

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the diploma program will be prepared for employment with organizations providing early learning and child care, or self-employment in the child care field. With relevant work experience, graduates will be able to develop programs for and/or supervise in child care services in communities throughout the province.

There’s a world of possibilities in the Early Childhood Education sector! With a variety of dynamic roles and settings to choose from, you will inspire and nurture young minds during their most formative time, while gaining certification in early-learning environments and growing your career along the way. Learn more about one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most in-demand sectors at https://www.ecehrc.ca/become-an-ece

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $1,197.00 (per semester) $572.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $4,581.00 (per semester) $2,291.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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