Overview

Assiniboine’s six-month Early Childhood Program Management (ECPM) advanced diploma program is designed to help early childhood educators advance to leadership positions within their field. The ECPM program helps students meet government standards for training at the ECE III level.

Program Learning Outcomes 

  • Use professional communication skills, grant writing, and presentations when engaging with stakeholders.  
  • Coordinate fiscal management, human resource management and coordination, and policy development.
  • Liaise working with boards, building partnerships with families, institutions, and other stakeholders. 
  • Incorporate Indigenous perspectives and topics that honor and respect First Nations, Metis, and Inuit cultures through inclusive practices in early learning and childcare administration.  
  • Lead organizational change using various leadership approaches by enacting ethical standards that reduce conflict in various situations that may occur in an early childhood setting.

Examples of what jobs ECE IIIs can do: 

  • ECE IIIs work in a variety of a leadership role and management-level responsibilities. ECE IIIs can work in director’s roles, and assume responsibilities as the leader, manager and administrator of an early childhood setting. 

Success Factors 

You might be a good fit for this program if you are a qualified ECE II and you might enjoy: 

  • Taking on a leadership responsibility for an early learning centre. 
  • Developing your own enterprise in early childhood education. 
  • Developing management and leadership skills to further your professional practice.

 

ECE Expansion

Early Learning Training and Education Programs

Assiniboine will offer six new programs, made possible by an $11.4 million investment from the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada. These programs complement our early learning and child care training and education offerings.

Learn More

Admissions

Note: This is an advanced diploma and requires a prior diploma or degree as a pre-requisite.

  • Two-year Early Childhood Education diploma or current  Early Childhood Education 2 (ECEII) from the Manitoba Child Care program. 

  • Minimum one-year Early Learning Centre experience as an ECEII verified in a letter from an Early Learning Centre Director or equivalent.

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. 

Program Application Checklist

Please use the CPM Program Application Checklist to help you submit a complete application.

 

Careers & Connections

Careers

This program helps students meet government standards for training at the ECE III level and is designed to help early childhood educators advance to leadership positions within the field. Director positions are available in a variety of early learning childcare settings.

Connections

This program is provincially accredited by the Child Care Qualifications and Training Committee (CCQTC).

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 our Articulation Agreements page.

Tools & Supplies

Distance-delivered courses make use of several delivery methods. The type of interaction varies depending on the course and the program. All courses are delivered online with the exception of Integration Seminar, Practicum and the electives. Textbooks are required in some courses. You will maintain contact with your instructor and other students through a variety of technologies as needed. 

Computer access is required. Course material is delivered over the Internet on a learning platform called Moodle. Moodle allows assignments to be transmitted to the instructor electronically. You may also participate in online discussions.

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 and Textbooks/Supplies

Technology Requirements

Students in this program are expected to have a computer at home with internet access that meets the technical needs outlined by the program. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.

Courses & Costs

To graduate with an Early Childhood Program Management advanced diploma, students must successfully complete 29 credits. The passing grade for all courses is C+ or 66%. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.

The suggested order of course completion can be viewed on the ECPM Course Order form, this will guide you on which course to register for next. Note: Integration Seminar and Practicum are completed simultaneously, once all academic course requirements are completed. Students who have successfully completed Ethics Training IV through the Manitoba Childcare Association may receive credit for the elective course. 

Active students can track their progress to graduation by logging into MyACC and using viewing Program Evaluation.

Estimated Program Costs

Tuition, fees and Students’ Association fees total approximately $2,490. Estimated costs for books and supplies are $890. All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice. 

Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
Conflict Resolution (PSSY-0012)

In this course, students learn techniques on how to resolve conflicts before they escalate to a crisis situation. They learn how to analyze a variety of confrontational situations and learn personal triggers and reactions to conflicts. Through situational role-playing and other techniques, students learn defusing skills.

3 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Early Childhood Administration (ECED-0026)

Prerequisites: HRMG-0033 Human Resource Function, PSSY-0001 Organizational Behaviour 1, PSSY-0002 Organizational Behaviour 2, ACCT-0032 Financial Management, PSSY-0080 Family and Community Relations
This course is the critical element of the certificate program. Managing effectively is fundamental to the success and quality of the early childhood setting. This course describes and analyzes the systems, relationships, roles and skills necessary to effectively manage an early childhood setting.

3 credit(s) No Yes No
Family and Community Relations (PSSY-0080)

Quality early learning and child care programs support families in their day-to-day lives and activities. Students practice professional and respectful strategies to balance the needs of children and families attending the centre. Current issues, professional partnerships and community initiatives are covered in this course.

3 credit(s) No Yes No
Financial Management (ACCT-0032)

Students are introduced to the accounting and administrative concepts that are essential for a director of an early learning and child care centre. Students learn to prepare budgets, keep accurate records and manage the day-to-day financial requirements of the early learning centre. Students become familiar with the provincial reporting system and grant applications.

6 credit(s) No Yes No
Human Resource Function (HRMG-0033)

The work of organizations is done through people. This course introduces the topic of leading and managing people in organizations. Topics include the strategic importance of the human resource function, recruitment and selection, orientation and training, performance appraisal, job motivation and relevant legislation.

3 credit(s) No Yes No
Integration Seminar (ECED-0025)

Prerequisites: Two years experience in an early childhood setting.
Corequisite: PRAC-0018 Practicum - ECMGT
Using various group process strategies and problem-solving techniques, students prepare for practicum and are assisted to integrate the theory they have learned with their own experiences in an early childhood setting. Effectiveness of various administrative policies and practices are evaluated.

3 credit(s) No Yes No
Leadership Skills (PEDV-0106)

This course is a foundation for further development of students' knowledge and skills in leadership. Students learn the skills necessary for practicing competent, ethical leadership. Through assigned class work and activities, students are provided opportunities for the practice of leadership skills.

3 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Organizational Behaviour 1 (PSSY-0001)

Students study behaviour science theory and concepts useful in organizations. Topics include: perception and learning, stress management, applied performance practices and team dynamics.

3 credit(s) No Yes No
Organizational Behaviour 2 (PSSY-0002)

Prerequisite: PSSY-0001 Organizational Behaviour
Building on Organizational Behaviour 1, students focus on decision-making, power and influence in the workplace, as well as organizational structure, design, culture and change.

3 credit(s) No Yes No
Practicum - ECMGT (PRAC-0018)

Corequisite: ECED-0025 Integration Seminar
This practicum gives students the opportunity to become familiar with the day-to-day experiences of a manager. The student shadows the manager and completes tasks as assigned. Self-evaluation is an important part of the learning process during this practicum.

2 credit(s) No Yes No

Distance Education

The Early Childhood Program Management advanced diploma program is available for study through distance education. To see when courses are being offered, the costs and how long you have to complete them, view the schedule below. 

2023-24 EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM MANAGEMENT DISTANCE EDUCATION SCHEDULE

Registration options:

  • If you are an active Assiniboine student in the Early Childhood Education program, you can register and pay online for your next course using MyACC. You can also register directly with the Registrar's Office by calling 204.725.8701 to register with a credit card.
  • If you are not an active Assiniboine student in the Early Childhood Education program but are interested in taking a course(s), you may do so up to a maximum of 12 credits. To register, contact the Registrar's Office by calling 204.725.8701 to register with a credit card.

The deadline to register is the 20th of the month prior 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.

Program Details

Length
Variable
Program Start
Flexible Start
Credential
Advanced Diploma
Credits
29
Course Load
Part-time
Program Details
Available by Distance
School of Health & Human Services
204.725.8730
1.800.862.6307 ext 6228 (toll free)
Locations

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next program information session?

Program information sessions are completely free to attend, and we invite you to bring a guest along as well. It's a good idea to register in advance so we know you're coming.

To find the complete schedule for our program information sessions and to RSVP, visit the program information session page.

Am I eligible for reimbursement?

Eligibility requirements for this reimbursement program can be found here.

How much can I get reimbursed with the ECE Tuition Reimbursement program ?

You can find details about the program, including reimbursement amounts, on the province’s website.

How do I apply for reimbursement?

Visit the following webpage to learn more about the application process and requirements

How do I get the proof of enrolment and tuition costs as required by the application?

The current application requires proof of enrolment and tuition costs be submitted alongside your application. You can locate these required documents on your MyACC account. See the instruction sheet attached.

Am I eligible for reimbursement if my tuition was paid by a sponsor?

Please visit the tuition reimbursement webpage, which includes full program details, FAQs and contact information for the program: