Early Childhood Program Management (ECE III)
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.
Early Learning Training and Education Programs

Assiniboine offers 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.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- Two-year Early Childhood Education diploma or current Early Childhood Education II (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 requirements.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR EDUCATION JOURNEY?
Start your online application today and join Assiniboine College! View the ECPM Program Application Checklist for further details and get a better understanding of the admission requirements.
DON'T HAVE An ECE DIPLOMA? START HERE.
We understand that a fulfilling career in early learning is not only for those who already hold academic qualifications. If you're at the beginning of your journey and do not have a diploma or degree, consider exploring other similar programs at Assiniboine.
Early Childhood EducationECE Accelerated (Mentorship)ECE Accelerated Mentorship - Online
ARE YOU EDUCATED INTERNATIONALLY IN EARLY LEARNING OR CHILD CARE?
We've got a perfect option for you!
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 to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For information on agreements, see Articulation Agreements.
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.
Program Checklists, Textbooks, and Supplies
ASSINIBOINE BOOKSTORE
Textbooks, supplies and uniforms may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program.
Technology Requirements
Computer access is required. Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. For more details, see At-Home Computing.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Estimated Program Costs
Tuition, fees and Students’ Association fees total approximately $3,580. Estimated costs for books and supplies are $890. All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Courses
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 viewing Program Evaluation.
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 |
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. |
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 |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Practicum - ECMGT (PRAC-0018)Corequisite: ECED-0025 Integration Seminar |
2 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Locations
Dauphin | February 1, 2025
Assiniboine’s Early Childhood Program Management advanced diploma is available in a blended delivery format as an accelerated 9-month program at the Parkland Campus, starting February 2025. This offering complements our existing distance delivery option.
Flexible and accessible, the program is tailored to fit busy schedules, allowing participants to learn from anywhere while balancing work and personal commitments.
Monthly in-person seminars at the Parkland Campus in Dauphin provide valuable face-to-face interactions, enhancing understanding, building connections within the cohort, and fostering engaging discussions with peers and instructors.
Students move through the program together, creating a supportive professional network and cultivating a sense of community among ECEs facing shared challenges and pursuing common goals.
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.
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.
Please note, payment is required at the time of registration.
2024-25 DISTANCE EDUCATION SCHEDULE
Registration options
Active Student
- 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.
Not an Active Student
- 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.
Policies
Please ensure that you review our academic policies, including policy A20: Refunds, Registration, Adding and Dropping of Courses, which explains the refund policy for distance education courses; and A10: Maintaining Active Student Status, which details how often you need to complete a course to remain active in your program. You have five years to complete a program.
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: