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Please note:

Financial support is available to eligible applicants in the form of a leadership education grant and leadership travel grant. Apply online at ecegrants.on.ca.

About the program

Conestoga's part-time Early Childhood Education Resource Consulting graduate certificate program provides early childhood educators with the specialized knowledge, skills and abilities to work with children who have special needs and their families.

Through flexible asynchronous learning delivery and integrative field placement experiences, you will develop skills that will enable you to collaborate with families, colleagues and communities to support inclusive early learning environments.

Please note that the program's two field placement experiences must be completed in person at a college-approved agency and supervised by a qualified Resource Consultant.

Program information

All courses must be completed within 5 years of acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements

  • An Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent in Early Childhood Education, recognized by the College of Early Childhood Educators Ontario.

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

  • Apply at Ontario Colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Program requirements

  • To qualify for field placement, students must present the following before classes begin:
    • Completed Conestoga College Immunization Records, which are to be maintained throughout the program.
    • A satisfactory Police Records Check for Vulnerable Populations.
  • Applicants are considered individually for exemption from courses completed previously.
  • To effectively participate in this program, students must have reliable Internet access and a device that meets these requirements.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates are qualified to become resource teachers as defined by the Day Nurseries Act.

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

  • Build and maintain responsive relationships and partnerships with children with special needs and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds including Indigenous peoples' worldviews and Francophone identity, to provide culturally relevant early learning opportunities, programs and services.
  • Recommend, discuss and plan, in partnership with families and early childhood educators, inquiry and play-based early learning program adaptations to accommodate and support learning, holistic development and well-being in children with special needs.
  • Advise and lead early childhood educators and children's service partners in the development of a philosophy of inclusion and policies and practices that support diverse, equitable and accessible learning opportunities for children with special needs and their families.
  • Administer observation strategies and screening tools to interpret and document children's learning and to identify children with challenges and facilitate family's referrals to resources for further assessment and intervention as necessary.
  • Collaborate with children, families, early learning educators, health professionals and children's service partners to facilitate the planning, co-ordination and evaluation of individualized support plans for children with special needs.
  • Plan, deliver and evaluate strength-based training to children, families, early childhood educators and children's service partners to support quality, inclusive early years and child-care programs and services for children with special needs and families.
  • Provide consultation, service coordination and referral support to families, early childhood educators and children's service partners to support communication, collaboration and continuity of services for children with special needs and families.
  • Comply with current legislation, regulations, policies and evidence-informed practices in early years and childcare settings to provide quality early learning programs and services for children with special needs and their families.
  • Advocate for inclusive, meaningful and purposeful early learning opportunities and services for children with special needs, their families and communities.
  • Engage in reflective practice and keep current in emerging research within the early years sector to lead initiatives related to inclusive practice and improving early learning opportunities, programs and services for all children and especially those living with special needs and their families.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

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

Spring registration: Opens March 2, 2026
Fall registration: Opens June 29, 2026