Early Childhood Learning courses

About Early Childhood Education (ece) in Seneca College

About the Program

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.

Each week you will spend three days in class and two days practicing your skills in field placement. If you choose to study in the summer, you will have the option to earn your Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma in 16 months.

Seneca offers two lab schools, which are model child care centres that provide you with 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.

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 Training, Colleges and Universities Apprenticeship Office:

• Toronto 416.326.5800
• Peel 1-800-736-5520
• Markham 905-513-2695

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 for two days each week during each semester. Field placement provides the opportunity to integrate classroom learning into practice with groups of children in the community.

Your Career

When you graduate from this program, these are the types of employers waiting for you:

• 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

Academic qualification equivalents

When applying to a Seneca degree program you must submit:

• High school transcripts for grades 10, 11 and 12 showing all program specific pre-requisite courses.

• Transcripts must include six (6) senior level courses equivalent to Ontario university preparatory credits with an overall average of 65%.
• High school/secondary school diploma (certificate of completion).
• You may submit transcripts or certificates for any completed university/postsecondary college courses or programs taken inside or outside of Canada.
• Academic records that are in a language other than English must include an official/certified English translation.
• Seneca reserves the right to verify submitted transcripts at any time. For courses and credentials earned inside of Canada, Seneca reserves the right to request original transcripts be sent directly to Seneca from the issuing institution. Applicants will be notified if this is needed.

When applying to a Seneca graduate certificate program you must submit:

• Complete university and college transcripts for all years of study.
• University or college credential (degree, diploma or certificate).
• A credential assessment from a recognized agency such as WES (World Education Services) may be required for some programs. Applicants will be informed by email if this is needed.
• Academic records that are in a language other than English must include an official/certified English translation.
• Seneca reserves the right to verify submitted transcripts at any time. For courses and credentials earned inside of Canada, Seneca reserves the right to request original transcripts be sent directly to Seneca from the issuing institution. Applicants will be informed by email if this is needed.

When applying to a Seneca certificate program and two- or three-year diploma program you must submit:

• High school transcripts for grades 10, 11 and 12 showing all program specific pre-requisite courses.
• High school/secondary school diploma (certificate of completion).
• You may submit transcripts or certificates for any completed university/postsecondary college courses or programs taken inside or outside of Canada.
• Academic records that are in a language other than English must include an official/certified English translation.
• Seneca reserves the right to verify submitted transcripts at any time. For courses and credentials earned inside of Canada, Seneca reserves the right to request original transcripts be sent directly to Seneca from the issuing institution. Applicants will be notified if this is needed.

English language requirements (one of the below):

Degree Programs and Graduate Certificate Programs

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 with no skill below 6.0
• PTE: Minimum score 60

Certificate Programs, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Programs

• IELTS: Minimum 6.0 with no skill below  5.5
• PTE: Minimum score 58

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Seneca College The Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the demands and requirements of the students attending Seneca College. To estimate the cost of things like food, accommodation, transportation, and other expenses, students can look at the table below.

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