Are you an individual with a passion for making a difference in the lives of young children? Then we invite you to join us at Lambton College where you will be supported by our caring faculty as you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become a competent Early Childhood Educator.
Our two-year program blends classroom theory and hands-on practical experience both in our beautiful new state of the art classroom and through community field placements. This dynamic combination gives students the knowledge and skills to work with young children aged 0-12 years in a variety of settings, while preparing them for this in-demand profession.
Students graduate with over 600 hours of practical experience through placements in child care centres (infant, toddler and preschool), drop-in centres, Indigenous child care centres, as well as kindergarten classrooms. Students also have the unique opportunity to complete a placement in our on-site EarlyON Child and Family Centre. Our on-site Parent & Professional Resource Centre offers valuable resources for curriculum planning, research, and professional development.
ECE Ontario Grants - Education Grant
The education grant is available to cover tuition fees related to study in a recognized Early Childhood Education diploma program.
Students who have worked for at least six months (past or present) within the following areas may be eligible for this grant:
- Licensed home or centre-based child care agencies
- Publicly funded schools
- Private schools
- Other formal early learning child care, child and family programs, or curriculum linked school programming
For application information and to see if you qualify, please visit the Ontario Education Grant offered by the ECE Qualifications Upgrade Program.
See Course List
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission
subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, it is mandatory to own a reliable laptop to complete tests and assignments.
Course List
ECE-1102: Foundations of ECE
This course is designed to familiarize students with early childhood education from theoretical, practical, and political points of view. Various types of early learning and care will be examined in relation to the needs of children, families and educators. Students will be introduced to Ministry of Education documents and regulations, in addition to professional organizations and applicable legislation which affects early learning and care policies and operations.
ECE-1174: Health, Safety and Nutrition
This course will identify components of a safe and health environment which meets the requirements of current legislation and regulatory bodies. The health and nutritional needs of young children are identified, and the implementation of appropriate environments and practices are discussed.
ECE-1149: Field and Seminar I
This course introduces the student to Early Childhood environments through placements in a variety of settings. Through practice, planning, observation, report writing, and weekly seminars the student prepares for the role of an Early Childhood Educator.
ECE-1164: Play Based Learning I: Music, Art, Drama and Movement
This course introduces students to planning purposeful, creative experiences into their practical settings through hands on experiences in art, sand, water, music, movement, and drama for children ages 0-12 years.
COM-1013: Critical Thinking and Writing
In this writing course, students respond to current issues and news articles via various styles of paragraphs and essays. Students strive for clarity of message and diplomatic expression of opinion based on fact. Students practice thinking critically and organize and hone their writing to ensure clarity and correctness in their messages. Critical Thinking and Writing lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course.
ECE-1184: Child Development: The Early Years
This course provides a comprehensive study of child development. Topics include; various theories and theorists who have made the greatest contribution to our understanding of human development; the specific physical, language, social, emotional and cognitive developmental milestones that occur from conception through the formative years; the social/ecological context that impact development; a review of the ELECT document, how does learning happen, and current research that is relevant to the learning outcomes.
ECE-1153: Observation and Documentation
This course is based on the premise that observation is a critical element of the Early Childhood Educator's role. This course is an introduction to the developmental milestones from conception through age 12. Each unit of study will review a variety of observation and documentation tools and their effectiveness in developing curriculum in a variety of Early Childhood environments. Through guided observations, the student will gain experience using a variety of observation and documentation tools.
ECE-1224: Play Based Learning II: Storytelling and Literacy
This course focuses on developing literacy (speaking, listening, reading and writing) in young children. Materials and methods that develop literacy in developmentally appropriate environments from birth through school age are explored. Techniques of reading aloud to children as well as story-telling and preparation of materials such as flannel boards and puppets are included in this course.
ECE-1243: Infant and Toddler Curriculum
This course focuses on the developmental needs of the children placing special emphasis on observation of the developing child, from conception through toddler years. Appropriate care strategies, learning environment, activities, experiences and play materials for this group will be discussed.
ECE-1259: Field and Seminar II
This course is a continuation of ECE 1149. The student continues to experience Early Childhood environments through placements in a variety of settings. Through practice, planning, observation, report writing and weekly seminars the student prepares for the role of Early Childhood Educator.
ECE-2344: School-Age Curriculum
This course will explore school-age curriculum and development and will prepare students to work with school-age children in full-day early learning kindergarten programs, before and after school programs, and recreation programs.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
ECE-2323: Play Based Learning III: S.T.E.M.
This course introduces the student to various types of, science, technology, math, blocks and woodworking experiences for children aged 0-12 years.
ECE-2359: Field and Seminar III
This course is a continuation of ECE 1259. The student continues to experience Early Childhood environments through placements in a variety of settings. Through practice, planning, observation, documentation, and weekly seminars the student prepares for the role of the Early Childhood Educator.
ECE-2363: Pedagogy and Curriculum Models
This course provides a forum for in class and online discussions of specific philosophical questions and their application to Early Childhood Education settings today. An introduction to a variety of innovative curriculum approaches that can be applied to current Early Childhood Education programs will be undertaken. An examination of personal values, beliefs and practices and how they are related to the diverse theoretical approaches to Early Childhood Education will result in the development of a personal philosophy statement.
ECE-2493: Diversity
This course focuses on diversity education, anti-bias approach, effective communication strategies, inclusionary practices, meeting diverse family needs and sensitivity awareness.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
ECE-2413: Current Practices (capstone)
An early childhood educator's commitment to "lifelong learning" implies an understanding that the ECE field continually changes. Keeping current allows early childhood educators to improve their practice. This course is designed to investigate the concepts of professionalism and advocacy as it relates to professional development and practice. Completion of three 'required' elements include the documentation of a minimum number of professional development hours (obtained over the 4 terms in ECE), the completion of a workshop series (focus will be based on current professional trends), and the compilation of a personal professional portfolio.
ECE-2459: Field and Seminar IV
This course is a continuation of ECE 2359. The student will continue to experience Early Childhood environments through placements in a variety of settings. Through practice, planning, observation, documentation, and weekly seminars the student will prepare for the role of the Early Childhood Educator.
ECE-2463: Professionalism and Group Dynamics
This course is designed to further investigate the concepts of professionalism and advocacy. The principles of managing Early Childhood programs will be emphasized. Components include effective leadership and management skills, a review of the legislation, staffing, record keeping, and managing the budget. Advocacy will be explored and related to current issues and trends in the legislation.
ECE-2473: Children with Diverse Abilities
Early Childhood environments include children with diverse abilities. This course prepares the student to meet these abilities through a variety of developmentally appropriate curriculum. Inclusionary practices and collaboration with families and community agencies will be analyzed.
ECE-2483: Working with Families
This course lays the foundation for identifying strategies for establishing positive family-teacher partnerships in early childhood environments. Respecting diverse family structures is critical to this course. Benefits and challenges to family-teacher relationships are examined. Strategies for establishing effective partnerships; creating welcoming environments; supporting new families; encouraging family involvement; maintaining effective verbal and written communication; and sharing guidance strategies will be examined.
Program Maps
Current Students
Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website.
You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.
Employment Opportunities
Our graduates have a diverse and dynamic set of skills for the evolving profession of Early Childhood Education. Our graduates have found rewarding employment opportunities in a variety of settings including child care centres, before and after school programs, with the school boards as teaching partners in the Kindergarten Program and early learning and family centres. With additional education, graduates can also work as resource teachers and educational assistants.