Program Overview

The Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) Ontario College Diploma program will get your career started in just one-year. This program will give you the necessary skills and experience to shape and nurture young minds. Students will learn the importance of child playing, family involvement, and curriculum design. Graduates will have a diverse set of skills and be qualified to work a variety of jobs.

Program Details

Program Code
ECE5J
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
48 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 January
Simcoe
Open
2025 March
Simcoe
Open
2025 April
Simcoe
Open
2025 May
Simcoe
Open
2025 July
Simcoe
Open
2025 August
Simcoe
Open
2025 October
Simcoe
Open
2025 November
Simcoe
Open
2026 January
Simcoe
Open
2026 March
Simcoe
Open
2026 April
Simcoe
Open
2026 May
Simcoe
Open
2026 July
Simcoe
Open
2024 October
Simcoe
Closed
2024 November
Simcoe
Closed

Your Learning Experience

This two-year Ontario College Diploma program is delivered in 12 months and will give you the skills and the hands-on experience to get you on your way. With the accelerated option of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, you'll go from student to career in just 12 months.

Watch our program video to learn more.

This unique program blends theory and coursework with practical experience in the field, so you’ll graduate with all of the skills necessary to begin your career. You’ll develop your knowledge and professional skills in child development. You’ll learn about your valuable and specialized role in the community, the importance of play in children's learning, family involvement, and curriculum design and implementation.
When you graduate, you’ll have a diverse and dynamic set of skills for the always evolving world of childhood education. You’ll be qualified to work in a variety of jobs including child care centres, early learning and family centres, Best Start programs, before and after school programs and with school boards. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to apply for your RECE designation with the College of Early Childhood Educators.

HyFlex Delivery:

The Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) program is currently offered as a HyFlex program. Classes are delivered in a blended format and placements are in-person. Classes on Monday through Thursday are delivered exclusively online, while Friday's classes are HyFlex. HyFlex Friday classes are delivered both online via Zoom and in the classroom at the College, allowing the student to decide which delivery format works for them. These interactive classes allow for a practical learning experience that actively engages students in each lesson.

At the end of the day, a child’s education is only as effective as their educator. The Early Childhood Education program will allow you to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of children. Join today!

Career Information

Graduates of Fanshawe’s Early Childhood Education program will have the knowledge and skills to work with children, families and the community in the context of early learning and development programs for children from birth to 12 years of age. Graduates will be prepared to find employment in a variety of early childhood settings, including:

  • child care centres
  • early learning and parenting centres, 
  • best start programs
  • nursery schools
  • pre-kindergarten and kindergartens
  • social and family centres
  • before and after school programs
  • community centres
  • hospital playrooms
  • centres or programs for children with exceptionalities
  • school boards

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

Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Early Childhood Education (Fast Track) (Weekend) program:

Early Childhood Educator
Deliver enthusiastic and passionate support working with children aged 3 months to four years in a child care centre.

Early Childhood Education Centre Supervisor
Recruit, supervise, mentor and motivate staff to develop and deliver quality curriculum in a classroom setting.

Early Childhood Educator

Plan and implement a child care program while building relationships with families, children and community agencies.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Create learning contexts to enable, build and maintain caring, responsive relationships in partnerships with children, families and communities that value and respect social, cultural and linguistic diversity including Indigenous peoples’ worldviews and Francophone identity;
  2. Co-create, facilitate and reflect upon inquiry and play-based early years and child care programs and pedagogical approaches to support children’s learning, holistic development and well-being following children’s capabilities, interests, ideas and experiences;
  3. Co-design and maintain inclusive early learning environments to value and support equitable, accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for all children, their families and communities in a range of early years and child care settings;
  4. Collaborate with children, families, colleagues, agencies and community partners to create, maintain, evaluate and promote safe and healthy early learning environments to support independence, reasonable risk-taking and healthy development and well-being;
  5. Use observation strategies to identify children’s strengths and challenges and to ascertain when children and families might benefit from additional support or community resources;
  6. Use professional communication in interactions with children, families, colleagues, employers, the regulatory body, government authorities and children’s service agencies to meet legal and ethical standards of the early years sector;
  7. Act in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, agency policies and procedures and principles of evidence-informed practice and reflect upon their impact on one’s own role in early years and child care settings;
  8. Identify, report and document when a child is in a situation of perceived risk for, or actual neglect or abuse, in accordance with legislation, the College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, policies and procedures;
  9. Create and engage in partnerships with families, communities, colleagues, interdisciplinary professionals, authorities and child service agencies to advocate for quality early years and child care programs and services;
  10. Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning in accordance with principles of lifelong learning, evidence-informed practices in the early years sector and requirements of the College of Early Childhood Educators.

 

Academic School

Program Coordinator:

Marie Poss

open house graphic

Explore our vibrant campuses and discover what makes Fanshawe unique. Get a firsthand look at classrooms, labs, student spaces, and residence halls, and connect with faculty, staff, and current students. Whether you're interested in learning more about academic programs, student services, or extracurricular activities, this is your chance to experience campus life up close. Don't miss the opportunity to see how we can help you achieve your academic and career goals!

Register for Open House

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant with the following course:

- Grade 12 English (C or U)

Students who do not meet the admission requirements are recommended for academic upgrading. A conditional offer may be possible with proof of enrolment.

Note:
Graduates of this program may choose to transfer into level 5 of the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership Degree program after completing the bridging requirements.
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.
English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

Test Score
TOEFL iBT 79
IELTS Academic Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands
CAEL Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening
PTE Academic 53
Cambridge English Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162
ESL4/GAP5 Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10
Duolingo Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95

 

Learn More about English Language Requirements

Recommended Academic Preparation

Recommended Academic Preparation

  • Grade 11 Raising Healthy Children (O)
  • Grade 11 Working with Infants and Young Children (C)
  • Grade 12 Challenge and Change in Society (U)
  • Grade 12 Families in Canada (C) or (U)
  • Grade 12 Human Development Throughout the Lifespan (M)
Recommended Personal Preparation

Recommended Personal Preparation

  • Students should develop leadership experience in schools, churches, community and special activity interests appropriate to preparation for this field
  • Knowledge of and interest in this field plus good writing skills
  • Visitation at two Nursery schools and/or Day Care Centres for observation purposes is highly recommended
Applicant Selection Criteria

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:

  1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
  2. Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
  3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements

Note:

  • Admission to the Fanshawe College Human Services Foundation program does not guarantee admission in a subsequent year to the Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) program. Successful completion of the Fanshawe College Human Services Foundation program, however, does enable the student to be given additional consideration when applying to the Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) program.  The Human Services Foundation program is the preferred designated preparatory program for admission to the Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) program.
Post-Admission Requirements

Post-Admission Requirements

The following items are applicable to the program and are time sensitive. Please refer to www.fanshawec.ca/preplacement for important information about preparing for placement by the due date.

Courses

ECE - Accelerated
Gen Ed - Take 2 General Education elective courses.
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
DEVL-3002Professional Development7
This course prepares students for assuming the responsibilities associated with professional practice. Students examine their personal values in the context of their professional obligations and ethical standards. The personal characteristics of the human service professional including a commitment to excellence, life long learning, professional development and wellness will also be addressed.
FLDP-3005Professional Development Practicum2
This practicum is designed to allow students an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the academic component of this module, and develop the skills needed to practice in the profession. Special emphasis during this practicum experience is on demonstrated professional attitudes and behaviours, critical reflection in practice, and consolidating knowledge of theory with skills developed in practice. Post admission requirements in order to participate in the practicum course include; completion of the mandatory practicum sessions satisfactorily, valid Standard First Aid/CPR level C certification, completed Vulnerable Sector Police Check, completed Pre Placement Health Form, successful completion of mandatory modules, and successful completion of the corresponding academic course component. Early Childhood Education students will complete three practicum blocks. Block One: Licensed Child Care- In this block the student must complete 1 practicum in each of the following groups: Infant, Toddler & Pre-school. Block Two & Three: School-Age practicums - In this block the student must complete three school age practicums, and 1 Non-Traditional Setting practicum. Developmental Services Worker students will complete three practicum blocks. Block One: 3 practicums in a Supported Living or Group Living in a community-based agency. Block Two & Three: 3 Educational Assistant practicums and 1 Non-Traditional Setting practicum.
SOCI-3014Lifespan Development4
This course prepares students to recognize developmental periods in a person's life. Emphasis will be placed on the pattern and sequence of development in each developmental period. Factors influencing development will also be considered.
FLDP-3006Lifespan Development Practicum2
This practicum is designed to allow students an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the academic component of this module, and develop the skills needed to practice in the profession. Special emphasis during this practicum experience is on demonstrated professional attitudes and behaviours, critical reflection in practice, and consolidating knowledge of theory with skills developed in practice. Post admission requirements in order to participate in the practicum course include; completion of the mandatory practicum sessions satisfactorily, valid Standard First Aid/CPR level C certification, completed Vulnerable Sector Police Check, completed Pre Placement Health Form, successful completion of mandatory modules, and successful completion of the corresponding academic course component. Early Childhood Education students will complete three practicum blocks. Block One: Licensed Child Care- In this block the student must complete 1 practicum in each of the following groups: Infant, Toddler & Pre-school. Block Two & Three: School-Age practicums - In this block the student must complete three school age practicums, and 1 Non-Traditional Setting practicum. Developmental Services Worker students will complete three practicum blocks. Block One: 3 practicums in a Supported Living or Group Living in a community-based agency. Block Two & Three: 3 Educational Assistant practicums and 1 Non-Traditional Setting practicum.
LAWS-3047Legislation7
This course give students an opportunity to review and apply the requirements of current legislation and regulatory bodies within a framework of ethical and professional standards. An emphasis will be placed on establishing safe and healthy environments and the careful consideration of changing social contexts when developing policies and procedures.
FLDP-3007Legislation Practicum2
This practicum is designed to allow students an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the academic component of this module, and develop the skills needed to practice in the profession. Special emphasis during this practicum experience is on demonstrated professional attitudes and behaviours, critical reflection in practice, and consolidating knowledge of theory with skills developed in practice. Post admission requirements in order to participate in the practicum course include; completion of the mandatory practicum sessions satisfactorily, valid Standard First Aid/CPR level C certification, completed Vulnerable Sector Police Check, completed Pre Placement Health Form, successful completion of mandatory modules, and successful completion of the corresponding academic course component. Early Childhood Education students will complete three practicum blocks. Block One: Licensed Child Care- In this block the student must complete 1 practicum in each of the following groups: Infant, Toddler & Pre-school. Block Two & Three: School-Age practicums - In this block the student must complete three school age practicums, and 1 Non-Traditional Setting practicum. Developmental Services Worker students will complete three practicum blocks. Block One: 3 practicums in a Supported Living or Group Living in a community-based agency. Block Two & Three: 3 Educational Assistant practicums and 1 Non-Traditional Setting practicum.
ECED-3031Relationships with Children7
This course emphasizes the role of the Early Childhood Educator in building emotionally healthy and supportive relationships with children and their families. Best practices for guiding children's behaviour in a developmentally appropriate fashion will be introduced and practiced.
FLDP-3010Relationships with Children Practicum2
This practicum is designed to allow students an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the academic component of this module, and develop the skills needed to practice in the profession. Special emphasis during this practicum experience is on demonstrated professional attitudes and behaviours, critical reflection in practice, and consolidating knowledge of theory with skills developed in practice. Post admission requirements in order to participate in the practicum course include; completion of the mandatory practicum sessions satisfactorily, valid Standard First Aid/CPR level C certification, completed Vulnerable Sector Police Check, completed Pre Placement Health Form, successful completion of mandatory modules, and successful completion of the corresponding academic course component. Early Childhood Education students will complete three practicum blocks. Block One: Licensed Child Care- In this block the student must complete 1 practicum in each of the following groups: Infant, Toddler & Pre-school. Block Two & Three: School-Age practicums - In this block the student must complete three school age practicums, and 1 Non-Traditional Setting practicum.
ECED-3032Curriculum Design7
This course emphasizes curriculum planning for children from birth to 12 years of age based on a thorough knowledge of child development. Observation and documentation as well as developmentally appropriate practices for curriculum planning will be emphasized.
FLDP-3011Curriculum Design Practicum2
This practicum is designed to allow students an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the academic component of this module, and develop the skills needed to practice in the profession. Special emphasis during this practicum experience is on demonstrated professional attitudes and behaviours, critical reflection in practice, and consolidating knowledge of theory with skills developed in practice. Post admission requirements in order to participate in the practicum course include; completion of the mandatory practicum sessions satisfactorily, valid Standard First Aid/CPR level C certification, completed Vulnerable Sector Police Check, completed Pre Placement Health Form, successful completion of mandatory modules, and successful completion of the corresponding academic course component. Early Childhood Education students will complete three practicum blocks. Block One: Licensed Child Care- In this block the student must complete 1 practicum in each of the following groups: Infant, Toddler & Pre-school. Block Two & Three: School-Age practicums - In this block the student must complete three school age practicums, and 1 Non-Traditional Setting practicum.
ECED-3029Family Violence9
This course prepares student s to deal with situations where a child or a parent discloses abuse or domestic violence. Ethical and legal responsibilities including identifying, documenting and reporting suspicions of abuse will be emphasized. Strategies for supporting families and children by connecting with community resources as well as opportunities to understand personal biases and feelings related to family violence will be explored.
ECED-3041Understanding Child Abuse & Neglect3
In this online course students analyze the causes and dynamics of child maltreatment through an anti-oppressive lens. Indicators of child abuse, disclosure and effective responses along with the educator's legal responsibilities as a mandatory reporter are examined. Students will simulate a report to child protection as part of their evaluation and reflect on their own well-being throughout the course and as a future educator by creating a self-care plan.
ECED-3045Studies in Brain Development7
Students will be presented with opportunities to review the current status of brain development research and will develop an appreciation of the impact this information has on parenting and Early Childhood Education pedagogy. Engagement strategies for enhancing the healthy development of growing brains will be explored.
FLDP-3028Studies in Brain Development Practicum2
This practicum is designed to allow students an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the academic component of this module, and develop the skills needed to practice in the profession. Special emphasis during this practicum experience is on demonstrated professional attitudes and behaviours, critical reflection in practice, and consolidating knowledge of theory with skills developed in practice. Post admission requirements in order to participate in the practicum course include; completion of the mandatory practicum sessions satisfactorily, valid Standard First Aid/CPR level C certification, completed Vulnerable Sector Police Check, completed Pre Placement Health Form, successful completion of mandatory modules, and successful completion of the corresponding academic course component. Early Childhood Education students will complete three practicum blocks. Block One: Licensed Child Care- In this block the student must complete 1 practicum in each of the following groups: Infant, Toddler & Pre-school. Block Two & Three: School-Age practicums - In this block the student must complete three school age practicums, and 1 Non-Traditional Setting practicum.
COMM-3090Communication & Advocacy7
This course focuses on professional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Students will use a variety of technological supports as a means of enhancing their recording and documentation responsibilities in their related professions. In addition, students will learn about research methods and documentation formats as a basis for developing their critical thinking and advocacy skills. The goal of this course is to prepare students for the communication tasks and considerations as they relate to the changing social context of their practice in the community.
FLDP-3048Communication & Advocacy Practicum2
This practicum is designed to allow students an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the academic component of this module, and develop the skills needed to practice in the profession. Special emphasis during this practicum experience is on demonstrated professional attitudes and behaviours, critical reflection in practice, and consolidating knowledge of theory with skills developed in practice. Post admission requirements in order to participate in the practicum course include; completion of the mandatory practicum sessions satisfactorily, valid Standard First Aid/CPR level C certification, completed Vulnerable Sector Police Check, completed Pre Placement Health Form, successful completion of mandatory modules, and successful completion of the corresponding academic course component. Early Childhood Education students will complete three practicum blocks. Block One: Licensed Child Care- In this block the student must complete 1 practicum in each of the following groups: Infant, Toddler & Pre-school. Block Two & Three: School-Age practicums - In this block the student must complete three school age practicums, and 1 Non-Traditional Setting practicum. Developmental Services Worker students will complete three practicum blocks. Block One: 3 practicums in a Supported Living or Group Living in a community-based agency. Block Two & Three: 3 Educational Assistant practicums and 1 Non-Traditional Setting practicum.
View all courses

Tuition Summary

Simcoe

Canadian Costs
$6,487.92
Total Cost of Program
International Costs
$30,841.68
Total Cost of Program

*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.

 

Contact/Questions