This page offers insight into the multiple pathways to become an Early Childhood Educator. In partnership with Fanshawe College, we want to share with the community the variety of options to obtain a diploma in ECE. Obtaining a diploma is key to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
If shaping and nurturing the young minds of the future while enjoying a satisfying and in-demand career interests you, Fanshawe’s Early Childhood Education program will give you the skills and the hands-on experience to get you on your way.
Fanshawe’s unique early childhood education program blends theory and coursework with real experience in the field, so you’ll graduate with all of the skills necessary to begin your career. You’ll develop your knowledge and professional skills in child development with the assistance of our diverse early childhood education courses. Additionally, you’ll learn about your valuable and specialized role in the community, the importance of play in children’s learning, the family involvement, and curriculum design and implementation on your way to securing your diploma in early childhood education.
Fanshawe offers Early Childhood Education programs at a variety of locations including:
St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus
Woodstock/Oxford Regional Campus
Simcoe/Norfolk Regional Campus
The type of programs offered are unique to each campus. Below are the programs offered at the London Campus.
Full-Time Diploma Program
Full Time Program
Timeline: 2 Academic Years (8 month periods)
For:
- High school Graduates
Fast Track Program – Advanced Standing Program
Full Time Program
Timeline:
Full-Time: 10 months
For:
- Ontario College Diploma in Community Studies Graduates,
- University Degree in Social Sciences Graduates, OR
- A combination of relevant education and work experience in a related field as judged by the College to be equivalent to the above
Fast Track Program – Advanced Standing Program
Full Time Program
Online/Weekend: 12 months
For:
- Ontario College Diploma in Community Studies Graduates,
- University Degree in Social Sciences Graduates, OR
- A combination of relevant education and work experience in a related field as judged by the College to be equivalent to the above
- Those who may be currently working up to full-time
Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership
Full Time Program
Timeline: 4 Academic Years
For:
- High school graduates (University Stream)
Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (Degree Completion)
Full Time Program
Timeline: 2 Academic Years
For:
- Graduates of an Early Childhood Education Diploma Program
Apprenticeship – Child Development Practitioner (CDP)
Part Time Program
Timeline: 3-4 Years
For:
- High school graduates
- Those currently working in the field of Early Childhood Education
For more information: CDP General Information
Online (Coming Soon!)
Full Time Program
Timeline: 16 months consecutive
For:
- High school graduates