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Before registering for courses, you must apply and be accepted into this program. Please review the admission requirements and procedures before applying.

About the program

Conestoga College's part-time Early Childhood Education (ECE) Fast Track program is designed for individuals with previous experience studying or working with children and families, or in a related field, who are seeking a flexible pathway to earn their ECE diploma. Combining online asynchronous coursework with in-person field placements, the program allows students to balance their education with work and other commitments.

Through interactive learning and work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences, students develop the skills needed to collaborate effectively with families, colleagues and community partners in the design, implementation, and evaluation of inclusive, play-based early learning programs. Grounded in a strong understanding of child development and responsive practice, students will gain hands-on experience in child development centres, kindergarten classrooms, licensed early learning and child care programs, and community agencies. These experiences help students connect theory to practice in meaningful and engaging ways.
Note: Admission to the program is required prior to registration for courses.

Admission requirements

  • An Ontario College Diploma in Community Studies or a University Degree in Social Sciences, or a combination of relevant education and work experience in a related field as judged by the college to be equivalent to the above.

Note re: admission requirements

  • Canadian citizens and permanent residents with transcripts from outside Canada require a course-by-course credential evaluation. You can request this through an approved provider such as ICAS or WES.

  • Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Please refer to English language requirements for details.

Admission procedures

  • Submit proof of admission requirements.
  • A sound background in the English language is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process.
  • Final acceptance is based on a review of post-secondary background and relevant documentation.

Program requirements

  • All students must complete a minimum of three general education courses in Conestoga diploma programs. Based on the admission requirements for Early Childhood Education Fast Track, students may have fulfilled the general education course requirements through the successful completion of a previous diploma, advanced diploma and/or degree.
  • Mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) document requirements must be completed by students prior to student WIL experiences. Successful WIL completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for WIL experiences, students must present the following at the start of the program in accordance with pre-admission information provided by the College:
    • A complete immunization record including MMR and Tdap. COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccination is recommended during flu season (October – March).
    • TB Testing: Evidence of current 1-step (completed within 1 year of your program start date).
    • Intermediate (Standard) First Aid (includes CPR/AED Level C or BLS). Must be completed through Conestoga Continuing Education.
    • A Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) completed within 3 months of program start date. Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in WIL experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for WIL is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of WIL start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
  • Students entering the ECE program are expected to have behaviours imperative for the ECE field: self-reflection, responsibility, honesty, integrity, punctuality, strong written, oral and non-verbal communication skills, solid problem-solving abilities, and a sincere commitment to learning and the ECE profession.

Graduate opportunities

Employment opportunities as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) are found in licensed child care centres working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school age children, as well as home day care, integrated centres, and other social agencies. Graduates meet the academic and field work requirement for registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Create learning contexts to enable, build and maintain caring, responsive relationships in partnerships with children, families and communities that value and respect social, cultural and linguistic diversity including indigenous peoples' worldviews and francophone identity.
  • Co-create, facilitate and reflect upon inquiry and play-based early years and child care programs and pedagogical approaches to support children's learning, holistic development and well-being following children's capabilities, interests, ideas and experiences.
  • Co-design and maintain inclusive early learning environments to value and support equitable, accessible and meaningful learning opportunities for all children, their families and communities in a range of early years and child care settings.
  • Collaborate with children, families, colleagues, agencies and community partners to create, maintain, evaluate and promote safe and healthy early learning environments to support independence, reasonable risk-taking and healthy development and well-being.
  • Use observation strategies to identify children's strengths and challenges and to ascertain when children and families might benefit from additional support or community resources.
  • Use professional communication in interactions with children, families, colleagues, employers, the regulatory body, government authorities and children's service agencies to meet legal and ethical standards of the early years sector.
  • Act in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, college of early childhood educators code of ethics and standards of practice, agency policies and procedures and principles of evidence-informed practice and reflect upon their impact on one's own role in early years and child care settings.
  • Identify, report and document when a child is in a situation of perceived risk for, or actual neglect or abuse, in accordance with legislation, the college of early childhood educators code of ethics and standards of practice, policies and procedures.
  • Create and engage in partnerships with families, communities, colleagues, interdisciplinary professionals, authorities and child service agencies to advocate for quality early years and child care programs and services.
  • Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional learning in accordance with principles of lifelong learning, evidence-informed practices in the early years sector and requirements of the college of early childhood educators.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Winter registration: Now open
Spring registration: Opens March 1, 2027