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Early Learning Programs
Shape the future—one child at a time.
Early childhood educators play an essential role in helping children grow, learn and thrive. At Assiniboine, we offer flexible, accredited Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs that fit where you are—and where you want to go.
Whether you’re starting out, already working in childcare, or ready to move into leadership, there’s a pathway for you.
Where can your ECE education take you?
Graduates work in:
Early learning and childcare centres
Nursery schools
Family and home-based childcare programs
School-age programs
Child and family service agencies
Career opportunities include:
Early childhood educator (ECE II)
Program supervisor or director
Curriculum coordinator
Centre manager or administrator
Compare your options
Everyone’s path into early learning looks a little different.
Take a look at how our early learning programs line up—based on your experience, schedule, and where you want to take your career.
| You are... | Want to study... | Program fit | Duration | Delivery | Leads to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New to childcare, looking to get started quickly | While working in a childcare centre | Child Care Assistant (CCA) | Varies (short courses) | Online | Employment as CCA; pathway to ECE programs |
| New to the field | Full-time, on campus | ECE Diploma | 2 years | In-person (Brandon or Dauphin) | ECE II classification |
| Already working in a licensed childcare centre | While continuing to work | ECE Workplace Mentorship | 18 months | In-person (Sept) or Online (Jan) | ECE II classification |
| An experienced ECE professional | To move into leadership | ECE Program Management (ECE III) | 1 year (varies) | Online | ECE III classification |
Child Care Assistant (CCA)
In Manitoba, it's a requirement for Child Care Assistants (CCAs) and licensed home-based child care providers to complete a 40-hour early childhood education course within their first year of employment.
Early Childhood Education Workplace Mentorship
Fast-track your career and earn your Early Childhood Education diploma in only 18 months with Assiniboine’s Workplace Mentorship program. Through our partnership, you have the opportunity to work as a Childcare worker to gain valuable practical experience and earn an income, while completing your studies in class two days a week.
Early Childhood Program Management (ECE III)
This advanced diploma program is designed to help early childhood educators advance to leadership positions within their field. If you love working in early learning and want to take the next step in your career, this program is for you. Early Childhood Program Management (ECPM) will give you the skills that you need to take on a leadership role and management-level responsibilities.
Early Childcare Education
Assiniboine’s two-year Early Childhood Education diploma program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality early learning and child care to young children.
Tuition Reimbursement
The governments of Canada and the Province of Manitoba offer an Early Childhood Education Tuition Reimbursement program to make ECE education more accessible to individuals entering the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) workforce and those working to obtain or upgrade their certification.
To learn more information, including who is eligible and how to apply, visit the Province of Manitoba’s webpage.
Free live, online info sessions
Join us for an information session designed to give you the inside scoop on our college, our early learning programs and life at Assiniboine! Register in advance and from the comfort of your own home, log in to learn what Assiniboine has to offer.
Can't make an information session? To learn more, connect with our recruitment team at [email protected] or 204.725.8750.