Campus
Duration
3 Semesters (12 Months)
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma

Program and course delivery

This program is offered in person. Students are required to come on campus to attend classes.

About the Program

The ECYA program is an accelerated program specially designed for those who have completed an undergraduate degree.  In the accelerated program, you are eligible to earn your Early Childhood Education diploma in 12 months. 

In this three-semester diploma program, you will learn about the physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs of children. You will understand how to develop and implement inclusive programming in order to support the healthy development of children ranging in age from infancy to school-age.

Your studies will include courses in child development, curriculum, philosophy of education, communication, working with families and administration. 

Seneca has a lab school, which is a model childcare centre, that gives you unique opportunities for observation and programming.

To practice in Ontario as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) graduates must apply for registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE). Graduates of this program will meet the educational requirement for membership.

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • Design healthy, safe, inclusive and engaging environments for children from infancy to school age. 
  • Plan and implement inclusive programming to support children’s development using current theories.
  • Build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues and other professionals.

Work Experience

Field Placement

Field placement is central to the learning experience, so you will be placed in the field during each semester.  Field placement provides the opportunity to integrate classroom learning into practice with groups of children in the community. 

Your Career

As a graduate of this program, you may pursue future career options within:

  • Child care centres
  • Family resource programs
  • Settlement centres
  • EarlyON centres
  • After-school programs
  • Nursery schools
  • Parent co-operative centres
  • Private home child care
  • Centres for children with special needs
  • Kindergarten in the elementary school system

Affiliations and Associations

You will also have the opportunity to join the following affiliations:

  • Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO)
  • The Canadian Association for Young Children (CAYC)
  • Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF) 
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Student Works and Experiences

Becoming an Early Childhood Educator

Seneca ECE students, graduates and professors collaborated with York Region to offer insight into the rewarding field of Early Childhood Education.

 

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