Study Early Childhood Education part-time

Ontario College Diploma

Enjoy engaging faculty. Experience exciting, project-based classes. Choose a variety of hands-on experiences in the ECE field.

Please refer to the Early Childhood Education program page for all of the main details, including admissions requirements.

Program information

Program description

Within this program’s unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students prepare to work with children (birth to 12 years old) and their families. Students learn how to support children’s holistic development and facilitate their adaptation to the challenges of everyday life. Students acquire the skills to be responsive caregivers while respecting diversity and the rights of children and families. They discover the multifaceted benefits of play-based learning through experiential courses that focus on outdoor learning, creative expression, and science and technology. Emphasis is placed on partnerships with families, other professionals, and community programs, as these form the foundation of working in the field of early learning and care. This approach to learning reflects the view that children are curious, capable and skilled and grow up in families with diverse social, linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Through two field placements, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and transfer their skills as they engage with children and adults in early years learning settings within the community. Students develop a range of abilities and best practices crucial for success in the various learning environments they may find employment in within the field of early childhood education. 


Review program admission requirements and information about career opportunities.

An Early Childhood Educator (ECE) reading to a group of young children in a daycare centre

Course information

Course offerings and equivalents

Currently available courses are linked below. Please see our course listings of available General Education and Communications courses for this program.

Creative Expression
ECED 1039
Curriculum and Practice
ECED 2031
Field Placement: Early Learning 1- Childcare
ECED 1036
Field Placement: Early Learning 2 Kindergarten and Unique
ECED 2030
Professional Practice and Preparation for Field Placement
ECED 1035
Responsive Relationships in Diverse Communities
ECED 1042
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math and Outdoor Learning
ECED 1041
Social Entrepreneurship
ENTR 1004
Supporting Inclusive Play Experiences
ECED 1033

How to apply to the part-time Early Childhood Education diploma program

Apply online through ontariocolleges.ca

  1. Make sure you meet program admission requirements
  2. Complete an online application using the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) using the part-time program code
  3. When registration opens,  select the course(s) from the program webpage course listing and follow the prompt steps to register and pay

Need help with your application?

Watch a video tutorial

Contact the Office of the Registrar

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Finance and fees

Are part-time students eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)?Georgian College Chevron

As a part-time student, you may be eligible for OSAP funding, depending on the number of courses you take per semester.

For more information about OSAP, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the OSAP/financial aid webpage.

What is the cost of the program?Georgian College Chevron

As a part-time student, you can take one to three courses per semester, paying on a course-by-course basis.

For course fee information, select a course from the course information section of this page.

Online learning

What is an OntarioLearn (ODE) course?Georgian College Chevron

These courses are offered through OntarioLearn. Visit the OntarioLearn webpage to learn more.

OntarioLearn courses are set up as equivalents to the Georgian courses. You can choose to take the ODE courses or the Georgian courses.

When a Georgian course isn’t available to be delivered online, we’ve listed an OntarioLearn course in the delivery schedule. The majority of the Georgian courses have ODE equivalents set up. You can choose to take either course.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Can I transfer credits or prior life or work experience to fast track my studies?Georgian College Chevron

Previous postsecondary education: If you’ve completed courses, or some or all of a program, at another accredited postsecondary institution, you may be able to transfer all or some of your courses into a related program at Georgian.

Relevant work or life experience: If you have relevant work and/or life experience that relates to your program(s) of interest at Georgian, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is an academic credit option.

To learn more about transfer credit and PLAR, visit the Credit for Prior Learning webpage.

Do you have questions about studying Early Childhood Education part-time?

Questions about the program?

Continuing Education