Early Childhood Education
Overview
Do you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of young children? Let our caring faculty support you as you gain the skills and competencies to become an 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 500 hours of practical experience through opportunities 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.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
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.
ECE Ontario Grants - Education Grant
The education grant may be available to cover tuition fees related to study in a recognized Early Childhood Education diploma program. Limited funds are available.
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, visit the Ontario Education Grant website offered by the ECE Qualifications Upgrade program.
Costs
- Year 1 $4,250.34
- Year 2 $4,144.68
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2026-2027 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Additional Fees
Costs Associated with Placement
Students are responsible for providing the following documents or training at their own expense:
- Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector
- Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C)
- Health Clearance
There may be additional fees incurred for classroom assignments and field placement.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Labs & Equipment
EarlyON Centre
The EarlyON Centre is located right on campus and is a great place for students to practice skills learned in the ECE program. Many students complete placement hours at this facility.
Parent & Professional Resource Centre
This centre is also located right on campus and students can access free resources to help develop activities and learning tools to use within the program or while on placement.
Courses
Contact
School of Fire Science, Health & Community Services
Program Information
After Graduation
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.
Accreditations & Certifications
Early Childhood Educator Certification
Graduates must apply to the College of Early Childhood Educators in order to practice as (or use the title of) Early Childhood Educators in Ontario.
Pathways
Build on your education and complete a college diploma or university degree in Ontario, Canada, or abroad
Want to see more Ontario transfers? Visit ONTransfer.ca.
Placement
- You’ll complete a placement as part of this program, giving you the chance to apply what you learn in a real-world setting. This hands-on experience helps you build practical skills, explore your career interests, and gain experience valued by employers.
Placement Requirements
All placements have requirements that must be completed before you begin. These typically include a Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector and proof of immunizations.
More Information
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that you use a Windows laptop for your coursework. While other devices like MacBooks or Chromebooks might work for some tasks, they may not support all the software required for your program. If you're unsure, check with your professors before buying.
Internet Speed Requirements
To get the best experience while learning online, we recommend having an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you use video calls, attend online lectures, and access other learning tools smoothly.
Because students live in many different areas, we can't suggest a specific internet provider. You'll need to check with local companies to find one that works best for you.
Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
Students will require a mobile device (smartphone) for:
- Accessing your digital student ID
- Using campus applications and services
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.