Overview
Sault College is temporarily suspending a new intake of this program for the 2025 / 2026 Academic Year. The program is still running for all in-progress students. This program may be reinstated in a future Academic Year.
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, EarlyON 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 programs from The Hanen Centre®. 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.
Courses
Requirements & Program Information
Ontario Secondary School diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C, or mature student status.
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 www.ontariocolleges.ca 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.
Clinical/Lab and Field Placement Requirements
You will be required to submit documentation of having completed the following procedures prior to entering your field placement. If the appropriate documentation is not received at least two weeks prior to the start of the field placement, it may be necessary to withdraw from the course.
A current (within six months) Police Records Search is required, since you will be enrolled in a program where you will have access to vulnerable people. For detailed information regarding the specifics and process, please refer to the `Police Records Search Procedure`. You are responsible for all costs associated with these requirements.
Immunization and Health Record Form:
This form includes the following immunization requirements:
Immunity against measles, mumps and rubella
- Current tetanus-diphtheria
- You will also be required to sign a Statement of Confidentiality Form.
- CPR (Level C), WHMIS, and First Aid Certificates are required. You must provide copies of your certification prior to starting your field placement.
Over your time in the ECE Program at Sault College, you will experience a variety of placements with children of differing age groups. These placement agencies are diverse and provide different opportunities to learn new skills in preparation for your professional career. You will work closely with Registered Early Childhood Educators and other professionals in community services, so that you learn the breadth of the profession and the services available to children and families in the community.
Some examples of some of the placements that you may experience are:
- Licenced infant, toddler, preschool or after-school programs
- Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten programs
- Best Start Hub programs
- Children`s Rehabilitation Centre
- Infant Child Development Program
- Waabinong Aboriginal Head Start program
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). For more information and membership requirements, contact the AECEO.