Child Development Practitioner [Apprenticeship]

Program Overview

If you’re already working as an early childhood educator and wish to build on your successes, the Childhood Development Practitioner Apprenticeship program is specifically designed for you. Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll graduate with an Ontario College Certificate in Early Childhood Education. The apprenticeship portion of this program will provide a meaningful learning experience in child development and best practices in early childhood, making you more valuable to your current or future employer.

Program Details

Program Code

CDP1

Credential:

Ontario College Certificate

Your Learning Experience

This unique program allows you to continue earning while you learn and work toward your Ontario College Certificate in Early Childhood Education.

Throughout the early childhood educator apprenticeship portion of this program, you’ll further develop upon the skills that you’ve gained throughout your career and explore the role and responsibilities of a child practitioner, the importance of play in children’s learning, family involvement and curriculum design and implementation, while being exposed to a wide variety of age groups and organizations.

This program is conveniently delivered in a blended format, featuring a combination of synchronous online evening classes and independent learning. This part-time program allows you to learn at your own pace.

View Progression Tracking Form

In order to qualify to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators, apprentices will have to complete a Bridge Program to earn their Early Childhood Education Diploma.

Bridge to Diploma

To be eligible to bridge to an Early Childhood Education diploma, individuals must complete the Child Development Practitioner apprenticeship program and receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship (C of A) issued by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD).

After the issuance of the Certificate of Apprenticeship (C of A), candidates must complete the bridging courses required by the designated College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) that delivered their in-school apprenticeship program courses.

To progress toward the Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma, CDP apprentices must successfully complete three General Education Electives—1 mandatory (SOCI3003) and 2 courses of their choice. These electives can be taken during any term. Upon completion of these requirements, the Early Childhood Education Diploma will be awarded, qualifying individuals to register as an RECE.

For a list of General Education courses, visit this link and select the Diploma option.

Note: External credits granted for General Education Electives will not count toward program residency. It is essential to fulfill the General Education Electives at Fanshawe College to meet residency requirements and earn your diploma.

For more information on the Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship program, visit skilledtradesontario.ca.

Admissions

This is an apprenticeship program. You cannot apply to this program through ontariocolleges.ca. Applicants should contact the nearest Ministry office to ask for an "Application for Apprenticeship", which can be completed online. To speak with a representative at the Ministry, please contact:

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)
Apprenticeship/Client Services
72-1200 Commissioners Road East
London, Ontario, N5Z 4R3
519-675-7788
appr.london@ontario.ca
MLTSD is responsible for scheduling your in-school training at Fanshawe College.

Once signed as an Apprentice your registration is sent to Fanshawe College, we will then contact you regarding your registration.

Learn More

Career Information

Fanshawe's Child Development Practitioner [Apprenticeship] program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to seek out employment opportunities in child care centres, public schools, children's museums, Ontario Early Years Centres, family centres and school boards.

Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?

Here’s an example of an employment opportunity for graduates of Fanshawe’s Child Development Practitioner program:

Early Childhood Educator

Educate children from the age of 3 years until they begin formal schooling.

The part-time nature of this program allowed me to balance work, study, and personal commitments. Another valuable aspect of this program was the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in real-life situations while learning. I am currently employed with London Children’s Connection as a Program Supervisor in a School Age Program. The knowledge and skills gained in this program have proven indispensable in my career as an ECE, enabling me to create developmentally appropriate curriculum, engage in meaningful interactions with children and provide a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Varinder Pannu Virk, RECE

Child Development Practitioner [Apprenticeship] graduate 2023

Learning Outcomes

Apprenticeship Training Standard

Academic School

School of Community Studies

Program Coordinator:

Sheryl Third

For registration inquiries, please contact:

Jennifer Dayment
j_dayment@fanshawec.ca

International Admission Equivalencies

Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.

Courses

Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory courses:
ECED-1030	Child Development 1	3
Apprentices are introduced to general principles and sequences of human development. Emphasis will be placed on child study methods, especially observation techniques. Apprentices will examine the contribution of different theories to our present understanding of what constitutes normal growth and development in physical, motor, social, emotional, language and cognitive development from birth to five years.
ECED-1086	Creative Expression	3
This is a Creative Expression course.
COMM-1131	Foundations of Early Learning	3
This course provides students the opportunity to explore positive ways of communicating with young children and to plan programs that encourage self-expression and creativity. Students will be introduced to the role of the teacher. In addition, students form small groups to discuss personal reactions and constructive interactions in their field placement.
FLDP-1030	Foundation Early Learning Placement	1.2
Upon successful completion, the Apprentice is able to respond to children's needs and support play and inquiry based early learning in a placement environment.
HLTH-3012	Health, Safety & Nutrition	3
This course will identify components of a safe and healthy environment which meets the requirements of current legislation and regulatory bodies. The nutritional and health needs of young children are identified, and the implementation of appropriate environments and practices are discussed.

View all courses