Early Childhood Education Diploma
Launch your Early Childhood Education journey with classroom learning and three practicums, preparing you for rewarding careers and ECE registration.
Your Future as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
As an early childhood educator, you'll guide children's learning and development during their most formative years. Blending knowledge, creativity, and care, you'll create nurturing environments that support growth and play a vital role in shaping brighter futures across childcare and education settings.
Why This Program Stands Out
Approved Excellence:
CECE-approved – meets the highest educational standards, provides a pathway for registration in Ontario.
Real-World Training:
Build skills through three distinct practicums with infants, preschoolers, and school-aged children.
Fast-Track Path:
75 weeks, includes 15-week practicum; graduate ECE-registration ready and equipped for diverse roles.
Career Services – for Life:
Resume building, interview prep, job fairs – all you need to land your first, or next, career.
Leading-Edge Support:
Industry-expert instructors, a committed team with a 140-year track record of student support.
What To Expect
- 01
75-week, CECE-approved, full-time program with three supervised practicum placements.
- 02
Comprehensive training combining theory, child development, and hands-on practice.
- 03
Develop confidence, creativity, and expertise to succeed and register as an ECE.
What You'll Learn
Tap a card to explore the curriculum.
Ask Your Admissions Advisor About Financial Aid
Financial Assistance may be available to those who qualify
Admissions Readiness Hub
- Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent and proof of English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course.*
- OR Graduate of a recognized Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES) ECA program with an 80% overall average and proof of English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course.*
- OR Pass the Wonderlic SLE with a cut score of 16 and proof of English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course.*
- *One year of English at a post-secondary institution must be at a public college/university.
- If English is not the first language, demonstration of knowledge and skills in English can be obtained in three ways: successful completion of Anderson College ESL program; OR previous postsecondary education in English for minimum of one year; OR achieving the minimum requirements of an English-language proficiency test.
Career Outlook
Graduates are qualified to work in these early childhood education careers:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Childcare Centre Educator
- Preschool Program Leader
- Nursery School Educator
- Kindergarten Assistant
- Full-Day Kindergarten Support
- Before & After School Program Facilitator
- School-Age Care Specialist
- Community Program Coordinator
- EarlyON or Settlement Centre Support
- Home-Based Childcare Provider
- Private or Family Caregiver
Employment prospects for early childhood educators and assistants in Ontario are rated “Good,” reflecting steady growth driven by increased childcare investment, more parents in the workforce, and expanded early learning programs.
Where ECE graduates can apply their skillset:
- Childcare centres — licensed programs for infants to preschoolers
- Nursery schools — part-time early learning programs
- Full-day kindergarten — support in elementary schools
- Before & after school programs — school-age care
- Community & settlement centres — family services
- Camps & EarlyON programs — seasonal and community-based learning
Career pathway & pay (Ontario)
This program prepares graduates for roles classified under NOC 42202 (Early childhood educators and assistants). Median wage: $22.00/hour — Job Bank (Ontario), 2025.
Employment outlook: Good (2025-2027) — Job Bank, Ontario.
How We Prepare You for Success
CECE-approved ECE program in small classes, taught by education experts with real-world experience.
Hands-on training in three practicums – infants, preschoolers, school-aged children – in diverse learning settings.
Anderson is student-centred and has been a partner to over 150,000 students, over 140 years.
Career services team empowers you – resume build, interview prep, job fair connect - to stand out to employers - for life!
Alumni network access – from job leads to career growth though networking with Anderson grads and leading professionals.
Is a career as an ECE right for you?
This three-minute online quiz reveals your strengths, communication style, and ideal career. Before pursuing early childhood education courses, get your personalized results and discover whether an ECE diploma program is the best path for you.
Take the Education Career Discovery QuizFunding your Early Childhood Education Program
Multiple financial-aid pathways — from government loans and bursaries to interest-free college financing. Pick the path that matches how you'd like to fund your studies.
Tuition Fees: For the most current and detailed information on program-specific fees, please contact our Admissions team directly; we'll be happy to discuss the details with you.
Financial Aid: We aim to make the financial part of this process as easy to navigate as possible. We're here to help and are happy to support as you survey your options.
Please Note: Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
For detailed information or to discuss your eligibility for financial support, please reach out to our Admissions team.
Loans & Grants
Personal Financing
Education Savings & Tax Benefits
See It in Action
Verified Reviews
Anderson College changed my career trajectory. The instructors were industry professionals who genuinely cared about my success, and the hands-on training prepared me for my first interview. I felt confident walking in and got the offer the same week.
I was nervous about going back to school as a working parent, but the faculty and student services team made the experience manageable. The schedule worked around my life, and the career support didn't stop after graduation — they helped me land my first role.
The class sizes are small, so you actually build relationships with your instructors and classmates. Every concept was reinforced through real workplace scenarios, and the placement experience put me ahead of other candidates when I started applying for jobs.
What stood out for me was how current the curriculum is — we worked with the same tools and protocols used in the field today. The financial aid team also made tuition manageable. I'd recommend Anderson to anyone serious about a career change.
Get Your Custom Program Information Package
Answer a few quick questions to discover the program, campus details, dedicated faculty, and Anderson's unwavering commitment to your success. Your journey to excellence starts here.
Still Have Questions?
Early childhood educators support children's learning and development, creating nurturing environments that foster growth, curiosity, and well-being during their most formative years.
Faculty
Experienced, industry-expert instructors who bring real-world experience to the classroom.
From the Anderson Blog
Articles for future Early Childhood Educations
Mar 20, 2026Is an Early Childhood Education Diploma Worth It in Ontario?
Mar 24, 20254 Tips to Land an Early Childhood Education Role at a Daycare
Dec 17, 2024Early Childcare, Assistant or Educator – The Differences – to Find Your Best Fit
Oct 8, 2024Essential Checklist of Must-Dos for Early Childhood Educators
Sep 16, 2024Early Childhood Educator Shortages + Government Support = Your Next Thriving Career
Ready to launch your ECE career?
Your career in education begins right here, right now. Take the first step toward your future in a rewarding and in-demand field – in one year, you could be celebrating a new and thriving career as an ECE professional!
Get Your Custom Program Information Package
Answer a few quick questions and an Admissions Advisor will share program details, campus options, funding pathways, and the next steps tailored to your goals.
Fall 2026 Bursary · Ends Oct 31
Start Early Childhood Education between Sept 1 and Oct 31, 2026 and receive your $2,885 bursary when you graduate. Speak to an Advisor to find out how.
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