In this four-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.
If you choose to study in the summer, you will have the option to earn your Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma in 16 months.
As a graduate of this program who meets GPA requirements, you are eligible to pursue internal pathway opportunities at Seneca, including the Honours Bachelor of Child Development and Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies.
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.
Note: If you are currently working in child care and would like to work towards your Certificate of Apprenticeship and ECE diploma at Seneca, please contact your local Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Apprenticeship Office:
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
Field placement is central to the learning experience. You will obtain over 500 field placement hours in a variety of Childcare and Early Years professional settings. These experiences will provide you with the opportunity to integrate classroom learning into practice with groups of children within the community.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | King | Open |
| Sept. 2025 | Newnham | Open |
| Sept. 2025 | Online | Waitlist |
| Jan. 2026 | King | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Newnham | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Online | Open |
| May 2026 | King | Open |
| May 2026 | Newnham | Open |
| May 2026 | Online | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | King | Open |
| Sept. 2025 | Newnham | Limited |
| Jan. 2026 | King | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Newnham | Open |
| May 2026 | King | Open |
| May 2026 | Newnham | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.
This program is offered online and is also available in person for students at Newnham Campus or King Campus. Students choosing in-person delivery at Newnham Campus or King Campus are required to come on campus. Please note that you must attend field placement in person and reside in Ontario for its duration to complete the ECE program.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:
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
Upon graduation you will qualify to join the following affiliations and associations:
This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.
Every Seneca diploma has a degree pathway. You have the opportunity to continue your studies and complete a degree at Seneca or a partner institution.
Graduate career-ready and world-ready. This program has a field placement to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.
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Seneca Works offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking and more.
You will gain hands-on, practical experience in our state-of-the-art ECE Labs, preparing you for your in-demand career.
Hear from Valedictorian, Arif Karedia, about his experience as a Seneca student and preparing for a career in early childhood learning and care.
Graduate, Early Childhood Education
After completing Seneca’s ECE diploma program, Fumiko Fujikawa returned to Japan in 2007 and began working for an international kindergarten. She then became an English teacher and implemented her newly found ECE techniques in her classes, which became a great success among students and their parents. By 2011, Fumiko opened her own school in Japan, FLAT English School, which teaches the English language to children and adults. The school has also created space for Seneca ECE and Bachelor of Child Development (BCD) students to work there virtually in field placements.
“I'm extremely proud of what I’ve learned through Seneca and am trying to prove that the philosophy and theory of ECE, ‘Learning Through Play’ is the best way for children to learn English,” says Fumiko, who also conducts workshops for educators and parents, promoting ECE and play-based learning. She inspires and influences others with her methods and is the organizer, translator and driver of these workshops and lectures.
Fumiko’s goal is to change English education in Japan.
“I love Seneca and that’s why I keep going back every year,” says Fumiko. “My whole ECE experience made me realize that I was born to be a teacher.”
Graduate, Early Childhood Education
“If it weren't for the ECE program at Seneca and the incredibly passionate professors, I would not understand how crucial the early years in a child’s life are. ECE helped set a solid foundation for always making sure I create a positive, motivating, safe and stimulating environment for every child I work with. So much so, that it drove me to want to work one-on-one with children with special needs - helping them improve their learning, communication and social skills. I can confidently say that I cannot picture myself doing anything other than working with young children and helping them flourish in their early years.”
Penny currently works at the Geneva Centre for Autism as an Instructor Therapist. As an Instructor therapist, she observes behaviour and provides intensive behavioural intervention in a one-on-one setting. She is responsible for preparing, delivering and presenting teaching materials for individualized programs for children with Autism; as well as monitoring the progress and effectiveness of the individual programs.
Graduate and 2022 Valedictorian, Early Childhood Education
"One of the most memorable experiences I had at Seneca was exploring the innovative environment in ECE labs. It was there that I discovered the power of play being driven by curiosity. This experience truly solidified my belief that our role as educators is truly to engage with children as co-learners. I currently work as Assistant Supervisor for an early learning centre which specializes in Infant and Early Mental Health. I plan to pursue becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) specializing in disability studies."
