Program Description

Early Childhood Educator is dual credit program that can be taken through Mohawk College or through Sheridan College.  In this program you can start your career as an Early Childhood Educator while still getting high school credits.  We get you out working as an Early Childhood Educator while in the co-op portion of the program.  With this course, you will receive 2 college credits toward your Early Childhood Educator diploma along with co-op credits.  

NOTE:  If you choose to do an apprenticeship while in this program, your courses can count towards your apprenticeship.

What is the difference between Early Childhood Educator and Child Development Practitioner?

Early Childhood Educator is a college program which takes 2 years of college training.  In order to be part of the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators, you must get the diploma.  In order to work in the Elementary schools in Ontario, you are required to have your diploma.

Child Development Practioner is an apprenticeship program, where the majority of the learning is done on the job in a daycare centre.  It requires 5280 hours of working in order to complete the apprenticeship as well as 720 hours of moduals which must be completed at a college.  At the end of the apprenticeship, you will receive a Certificate of Qualification if you pass the exam.  You can also get a diploma for Early Childhood Educator if you do a number of other courses (usually 5 courses) at the college along with the apprenticeship courses. 

Success Story

Would you like to read a great success story about one of our ECE students?  Click here

Read this article that was written about the ECE Dual Credit program at L.B. Pearson High School to find out more about the program.  Click here

Program Planning

Certifications

Career Opportunities

Early Childhood Educator (NOC CODE 4214)

ECE's work with children in daycare centres and Junior Kindergarten classes.  Most ECE's work with children between the ages of 2 and 5 but some are also working in before and after school programs.  ECE's will understand how children learn and develop cognitively, physically, socially and emotionally.  Some ECE's will specialize in working with children with special needs.  They need to be creative and resouceful in planning activites that will help children develop and build their self-esteem, as well as keep them interested and motivated.   

Related Career Pathways: Special Education Teacher, Social Worker, School Counsellor, Psychologist, Pediatrician, Probation Officer, Correctional Officer, Adoption Counsellor, Addiction Counsellor, Elementary or Secondary School Teacher.

Salaries

Salaries can range from $30,000 - $85,000 depending on occupation.

Interesting Facts

Process:

The OYAP process consists of 4 main stages 1. The information gathering and awareness stage 2. The program contact stage (log onto www.onsorts.ca and choose up to 2 courses that you may be interested in.) 3. The interview preparation stage 4. The interview

To learn more about the process or to start the process you can download the following documents. These documents designed to help you through the process of being accepted into a Concentrated OYAP Program.

Downloads:

• OYAP Application Package All forms required to apply for OYAP

You may also pick up a complete package from the School to Career Guidance contact at your present school to book a visit or interview.

For the name of the School to Career Contact at your school go to our Contact Us page.

To apply or find out more about an OYAP school to career program, click here