92 Early Childhood and Special Education Degree Programs in Canada

The Early Childhood Education (Fast Track) program is an Ontario College Diploma delivered in a face-to-face, traditional classroom environment. The "fast track" allows students with a related diploma, degree or work experience to gain advanced standing into the diploma program, graduating to an ECE career in just 10-months.

VIU's Inclusive Education (Special Education) Graduate Diploma embodies an innovative approach to the field of Inclusive Education. Grounded in current research and evidence–based practices, our program challenges each educator to critically examine historical and contemporary Inclusive Education policies and approaches to formulate a best practice specific to their context. Faculty bring their expert knowledge and extensive experiences to guide, support and maximize student learning in each part of the program.

Canadian Business College’s Early Childcare Assistant (ECA) program provides students with innovative childhood education courses and practical experience – based on current infant and childhood research and practice. CBC’s ECA program focuses on early childhood development, curriculum development, health and safety, and the key communication skills needed to effectively work with children, parents, and community members.

Aligned with the overarching objectives of technical education, the program-specific component of the Educational Practice in Early Childhood program is meticulously structured to achieve multifaceted outcomes. A primary focus is to actively promote the seamless integration of graduates into the professional sphere by equipping them with competencies and skills that are highly sought after in the dynamic labor market.

This program provides in-depth knowledge of child development from birth through age eight. You’ll study physiological, psychological and social perspectives and develop understanding and skills pertaining to family support, early childhood education, arts, literacy and disabilities in young children. Field education each year, international placement and research opportunities and the chance to apply to a consecutive BEd program with York University will prepare you to work with children, families and professionals in a variety of settings.

Early Childhood Educators (ECE) plan and lead activities for preschool children to encourage their intellectual, physical, emotional, social, linguistic and cultural growth. Children acquire 85% of their personality, skills, and intellect by the time they're five years old. Be a part of their education during their most formative years.

The program is designed to enable the individual, upon entering the job market, to fulfill the roles, perform the duties and carry out the tasks related to the educational mission and basic care of children aged 0 to 12. This program allows a seamless integration into the workforce. We provide essential insights into the job market and the chosen profession. It also encourages the individual's professional growth and development.

The Education and Skills for Employment program is designed to increase the success of people with cognitive disabilities in a variety of areas of employment. Through individual learning plans, courses introduce students to workplace skills, provide the opportunity to demonstrate employment readiness and open the door for future learning and employment in our communities and beyond. This program combines an interactive classroom experience with work placement within the community.

The Honours Early Childhood Leadership is a four-year honours degree program for students who want to become passionate leaders. Students will learn a solid foundation in child development, pedagogy, human relationship, curriculum development, and leadership skills. Graduates find employment in guiding and leading curriculum and pedagogy, family support programs, and early intervention services.

The Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership is a four-year honours degree program for students who want to become passionate leaders. Students will learn a solid foundation in child development, pedagogy, human relationship, curriculum development, and leadership skills. Graduates find employment in guiding and leading curriculum and pedagogy, family support programs, and early intervention services.

Early childhood educators care for our youngest citizens and foster their growing sense of identity and well-being through play-based learning. Evidence abounds that the first five years of life, before most children enter the traditional elementary school system, are critical for social, emotional and brain development. In the Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum program, you learn about the unique needs of early childhood learners, with a focus on equity, social justice and advocacy. You work closely with children in childcare settings at MacEwan and in the community. Through field placements and a fourth-year internship, you connect theory to professional practice.

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.

The two-year diploma program is a specialized and inclusive program for international students designed to cultivate the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in early childhood education. This program is tailored to meet the diverse needs of international students, combining theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on experiences in early learning environments. Participants gain a deep understanding of child development, curriculum planning and effective teaching methodologies, while also honing cultural competence and language proficiency to engage effectively with children and families from various backgrounds.

Employment prospects are very good in this area and the placement rate is 90%. Graduates can work in many types of existing childcare services such as in family-run childcare centers, school-based child care, kindergarten schools and daycares. The student’s versatility is an important element because they must be able to practice in each of these care settings.

In this two-year program, you will specialize in primary and secondary education for students with special needs. You will learn how to give them the support they need to flourish and become active community members.