Compare CNA programs side by side with a clearer view of the differences

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.
 

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.
 

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