Ontario College Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Sault College

You believe that children are the future. Hey, we have that in common! So, how can we work together to inspire tomorrow’s generation today. The Early Childhood Education program (ECE program) at Sault College provides exclusive research-based training opportunities for students.

This hands-on experience is a huge advantage when entering the workforce whether it’s an early learning program, Early ON centre, health care facility or one of the many other career opportunities available to ECE grads.

Our ECE program is one of few in Ontario to offer training in Learning Language and Loving It The Hanen Program. This approach to education promotes children’s social, language and literacy development. With an ECE diploma, you will be eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) and use the title of Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE).

You can also continue your education at the university level by transferring eligible earned credits to partnering schools.

Educational Paths

Opportunities for transferring credits to other educational institutions are also available by contacting the educational institution that you are interested in attending. In this way, you can take the knowledge and the practical hands-on skills earned with your Sault College ECE diploma and add these to further educational experiences at the university level. Many employers are looking for individuals with a combination of practical and theoretical skills and the Diploma to Degree route gives you this advantage.

Further post-diploma certifications are also available such as the Communication Disorder Assistant, Autism and Behavioural Sciences, Infant-Toddler, School-age, ECE Administration and ECE Resource Consultant. Refer to the Ontario Colleges website at and do a keyword search for the post-graduate program that you are interested in.

As a graduate, you will also have the option of earning a three year Child & Youth Care (CYC) Diploma in only two academic years. This dual diploma option is available according to a predetermined educational map that provides you with one full year of advanced standing in the CYC program at Sault College.

Career Path

As a graduate and upon registration with the College of ECE, you may refer to yourself as an Early Childhood Educator and work in a variety of settings.

These include but are not limited to:

• Half day and full day licensed infant, toddler, preschool and after- school programs
• Ministry of Education Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten programs
• Parent resource centre programs
• Inclusive settings with children with disabilities/special needs.

Other employment options that you may wish to pursue are as:

• An educational assistant or literacy educator for the school board
• Other roles in the community working with children and families

You are also encouraged to seek certification through your professional organization - the Association of Early Childhood Educators, Ontario (AECEO).