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Overview
Prepare for a rewarding career promoting the development of young children with our Early Childhood Education program. Help guide children as they grow physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially.
What you help children learn and experience through their early years will impact their entire future. With this two-year diploma program, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality early learning and child care to young children. This program is provincially accredited by the Child Care Qualifications and Training Committee (CCQTC).
Be part of enhanced learning experiences, including collaborating with community partners on projects, industry field trips and guest speakers, and four practicum placements. Learn from knowledgeable instructors who model industry best practices.
Learn how important play is for childhood development; learn the skills you need to provide the right intellectual stimulation, as well as opportunities for physical, emotional and social growth. As an Early Childhood Educator, your warmth, understanding and patience are essential to working with culturally diverse children and families.
With an increasing need for early learning and child care settings, employment opportunities are abundant. You can find work in full and part-time programs with children from infants to school-age.
Please note: We are currently not accepting any new students into the distance delivery of this program; however, applicants are able to apply to this program and will be waitlisted for future course registration.
Admissions
This is a competitive entry program. Early application is strongly recommended. To view the competitive entry requirements for this program, please visit the competitive entry page.
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A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
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English 40G/40S or equivalent with a minimum mark of 60%.
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Current criminal record check
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Current child abuse registry check
Many agencies where students are placed for practicum experience require students to disclose convictions for any offenses. In some instances, applicants with a criminal record or listed on the Child Abuse Registry may be unable to complete the program. If you fall into one of these categories, please contact the School of Health & Human Services prior to applying.
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.
Please use the ECE Program Application Checklist to help you submit a complete application.
Credit For Past Work and Informal or Formal Education and Training
As long as you have the equivalent of two full years of work experience in an early childhood setting, you are eligible to pursue credit through the Prior Learning Assesment and Recognition (PLAR) process for practicums. You may also be eligible for transfer of credit for related post-secondary education completed at the college or university level.
Child Care Assistant: 40-Hour Course Registration
For information regarding 40-hour course registration for classification as a Child Care Assistant, please refer to the Child Care Assistant course webpage.
Early Childhood Education Workplace Program
For information regarding the ECE Workplace program, please refer to the Workplace Education tab above.
Careers & Connections
Careers
Positions are available in a variety of settings, including infant, pre-school and school age programs, nursery schools, Head Start, and other Child and Family resource facilities.
Connections
This program is provincially accredited by Child Care Qualifications and Training Committee (CCQTC). Graduates are eligible for classification from Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care as an Early Childhood Educator Level 2 (ECE II).
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit the Articulation Agreements page.
Tools & Supplies
Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Bookstore website to learn more.
Program Checklist:
- Program Checklist - Early Childhood Education - Brandon
- Program Checklist - Early Childhood Education - Dauphin
- Program Checklist - Early Childhood Education - Workplace Education
Booklists:
- Booklist - Early Childhood Education Year 1 Parkland Campus
- Booklist - Early Childhood Education - Year 1 Distance
- Booklist - Early Childhood Education - Year 2 Distance
Note: The cost ($90) for digital, day-one access to the e-textbook for PEDV-0345 College Foundations, a mandatory year one course, will be applied to the applicable student accounts. Students are not required to purchase additional course materials for this course.
At-Home Computing
Programs at Assiniboine have certain technology requirements. Students require access to computer devices at home and may be required to bring these on campus when instructed.
For this program, you are expected to have access to a computer at home. It should have a webcam, microphone and internet access to enable remote learning for the theory portions of your programs.
Courses & Costs
To graduate with an Early Childhood Education diploma, students must successfully complete 136 credits.
Estimated Program Costs
Tuition, fees and Students’ Association fees total approximately $4,770 for year one and $3,990 for year two. Estimated costs for books and supplies are $1,890 for year one and $630 for year two. All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Estimated Program Costs (International, 2021-22)
| Credits | Tuition & Related Fees | Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies | Student Health Insurance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education (Year 1) | 74 | $18,650 | $1,890 | $1,000 |
| Early Childhood Education (Year 2) | 62 | $15,580 | $630 | $1,000 |
All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.
Year One Courses
| Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Applied Practical Skills 1 (ECED-0044)Prerequisites: PSSY-0029 Child Development 1, ECED-0004 Curriculum Planning 1, ECED-0031 Overview of Early Childhood Education, ECED-0006 Art |
5 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Applied Practical Skills 2 (ECED-0045)Prerequisites: ECED-0044 Applied Practical Skills 1, ECED-0049 Music and Movement, ECED-0005 Literature |
6 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Art (ECED-0006)Prerequisite: ECED-0004 Curriculum Planning 1 |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Child Development 1 (PSSY-0029)This course involves the study of developmental stages from birth to toddlerhood that are essential for the early childhood educator to provide children with a nurturing and stimulating environment. The principles, processes and theories of development, birth and the newborn baby are discussed. The development of the physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language domains and milestones reached through infancy and toddlerhood are the focus of this course. |
6 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Child Development 2 (PSSY-0020)Prerequisites: PSSY-0029 Child Development 1, COMP-0414 Documentation |
6 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
College Foundations (PEDV-0345)This course will improve students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment. In this course, students will reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and selfdirected learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, communication skills, test taking strategies, academic integrity, and information literacy, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Curriculum Planning 1 (ECED-0004)Early childhood educators require knowledge and ability to plan and provide activities that meet the child's development skill levels, needs and interests. They require skill in assessing activities and evaluating its potential. In this course, students become familiar with activity planning strategies and the planning form used throughout the diploma program curriculum. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Documentation (COMP-0414)Students are introduced to documentation strategies used in early childhood settings and create documents using the computer and other technology. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Family Dynamics (PSSY-0019)Early childhood educators must understand the significance of positive family relationships. This course provides an opportunity to reach this understanding. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Guiding Children's Behaviour (ECED-0001)Prerequisites: COMP-0414 Documentation, PSSY-0029 Child Development 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Health, Nutrition and Safety 1 (ECED-0002)This course introduces students to the basic principles and practices of good health promotion, occupational health and illness prevention, and management. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Interpersonal Communications (COMM-0035)This course provides students with a general introduction to the theory and principles of interpersonal communication. Students develop and practice skills to improve communication effectiveness. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Leadership and Team Building (PEDV-0178)This course introduces students to the principles, issues and skills involved in developing effective leadership and group communication abilities. It emphasizes leadership skills, group process and problem solving. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Literature (ECED-0005)Prerequisite: ECED-0004 Curriculum Planning 1 |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Music and Movement (ECED-0049)Prerequisites: ECED-0004 Curriculum Planning 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Overview of Early Childhood (ECED-0031)Corequisite: COMP-0414 Documentation |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Play (ECED-0020)Prerequisites: PSSY-0020 Child Development 2, ECED-0001 Guiding Children's Behaviour |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Professional Development (PEDV-0179)This course reviews basic professional development including an introduction to ethics, basic writing skills, basic principles of communication and identification of personal goals. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Self Understanding 1 (PSSY-0050)Focusing on the self, the course assists in examining the multidimensional facets of one's identity, personal development and definitions of quality of life. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Understanding Child Abuse (PSSY-0021)This course introduces the early childhood educator's role and responsibilities in recognizing, reporting, handling and assisting in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Year Two Courses
| Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Applied Practical Skills 3 (ECED-0046)Prerequisites: ECED-0045 Applied Practical Skills 2, ECED-0006 Art, ECED-0049 Music & Movement ECED-0005 Literature, PSSY-0020 Child Development 2 |
7 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Applied Practical Skills 4 (ECED-0047)Prerequisites: ECED-0046 Applied Practical Skills 3, ECED-0019 Design the Children's Setting, ECED-0051 Curriculum Development, ECED-0048 Language and Literacy |
7 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Building Partnerships (PSSY-0073)Students develop strategies and skills to build partnerships with parents and community agencies. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Children With Special Needs (PSSY-0025)Prerequisites: PSSY-0020 Child Development 2, ECED-0013 Teaching Strategies, ECED-0050 School Age Care, ECED-0001 Guiding Children's Behavior |
6 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Critical Issues (ECED-0022)Prerequisite: COMP-0414 Documentation |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Curriculum Development (ECED-0051)Prerequisites: ECED-0004 Curriculum Planning 1, PSSY-0022 Child Development 2 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Design the Children's Setting (ECED-0019)Prerequisites: ECED-0006 Art, ECED-0005 Literature, ECED-0010 Science, ECED-0049 Music & Movement PSSY-0020 Child Development 2, ECED-0020 Play |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Health, Nutrition and Safety 2 (ECED-0015)This course introduces students to the basic principles and practises of good nutrition of children from birth to age 12, safety promotion within the early childhood setting, and explores how the integrated health curriculum supports the overall development of children. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Language and Literacy (ECED-0048)Prerequisites: PSSY-0020 Child Development 2 |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Philosophy and Curriculum (ECED-0052)Prerequisite: ECED-0051 Curriculum Development |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Professionalism (PEDV-0009)This course provides early childhood educators with the knowledge essential to providing quality early childhood care and education, demonstrating professional and ethical behaviour and growing as advocates for the rights of children and families. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
School Age Care (ECED-0050)Prerequisite: PSSY-0029 Child Development 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Science (ECED-0010)Prerequisites: ECED-0004 Curriculum Planning 1, PSSY-0020 Child Development 2 |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Teaching Strategies (ECED-0013)Prerequisites: ECED-0001 Guiding Children's Behaviour, PSSY-0020 Child Development 2 |
6 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Workplace Education
Early Childhood Education Workplace Program
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Workplace Education program is an accelerated program delivered over two years. It is designed for employed childcare assistants with two years of work experience who are currently employed at a childcare centre.
This fast-track diploma program allows students to attend class two days per week and continue their employment at the childcare centre during the remainder of the work week. Students will complete the practicum components of the program at the centre in which they are employed.
Upon successful completion of the ECE Workplace Education program, students will receive a diploma in Early Childhood Education and can then apply for classification for a Level II ECE from the province of Manitoba.
This program is offered every two years, rotating throughout the province based on community need. It is not open to international students.
When does the ECE Workplace Education program start?
The next ECE Workplace Education program begins February 22, 2021 and runs until February 2023. Applications open December 18, 2020.
What are the locations for the ECE Workplace Education program?
- Brandon – 25 spots
- Boissevain – 15 spots
*applications for both locations open December 18, 2020.
What are the costs?
Please refer to the Courses & Costs tab.
What resources will I require for this program?
Please refer to the Tools & Supplies tab on this program page for information related to course materials (program checklist and booklists).
How do I apply?
Please visit the admissions tab above (on the Early Childhood Education webpage), and click on the program application checklist.
How will I receive information on the program if I am accepted?
You will receive information from the Registrar’s Office about the progress of your application. As soon as you are accepted, you will need to pay a $400 tuition deposit to confirm your seat. You will then be registered in your 2021 winter and spring term courses and be sent an email with your username, password and registration information.
Does this program qualify for financial aid?
Yes, please review our Financial Aid & Awards page and attend an upcoming Financial Aid & Awards online information session. View the info session schedule and register.
Who can I contact for further questions?
Please email hhs@assiniboine.net. Don’t forget to include your name and student number in the email (if applicable).
Distance Education
The entire Early Childhood Education diploma program is currently not available for study through distance education. A select number of courses in the Early Childhood Education program are available for study by distance. To see when courses are being offered throughout the year, the costs and how long you have to complete them, click on the schedule below.
If you are interested in the full program, applications are currently being accepted for the full-time, on-campus, day program. Apply online at www.assiniboine.net/applynow.
2020-21 Early Childhood Education Distance Education Schedule
Registration options:
- If you are an active Assiniboine student in the Early Childhood Education diploma program, you can register for these courses directly with the Registrar’s Office. See contact information below. Please note there are caps to enrollment, early registration is recommended.
- If you are not an active Assiniboine student in the Early Childhood Education diploma program, but you are interested in taking a few courses, you may do so up to a maximum of 12 credits. Please register directly with the Registrar’s Office. See contact information below. Please note there are caps to enrollment, early registration is recommended.
- If you are interested in options for Child Care Assistants and Family Child Care Providers to fulfill the 40-hour training requirement visit the Child Care Assistant webpage.
To register, call 204.725.8701 to register with a credit card.
The deadline to register is the 20th of the prior month however, you can register at any time - you don’t need to wait for the deadline. For example, for February 1st courses, the deadline to register is January 20th.
Once you have registered for your course, you’ll get information about your instructor, how to purchase your textbook(s) and course delivery.
We recommend that you start with one course to get a feel for the course load. After that, it's up to you how many courses you take.
Please ensure that you review our academic policies, including policy A20: Registering, Adding and Dropping Courses, which explains the refund policy for distance education courses.