Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) (ECYA)

The ECYA program is an accelerated program specially designed for those who have completed an undergraduate degree.  In the accelerated program, you are eligible to earn your Early Childhood Education diploma in 12 months. 

In this three-semester diploma program, you will learn about the physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs of children. You will understand how to develop and implement inclusive programming in order to support the healthy development of children ranging in age from infancy to school-age.

Your studies will include courses in child development, curriculum, philosophy of education, communication, working with families and administration. 

Seneca offers two lab schools, which are model child care centres that provide you with opportunities for observation and programming.

To practice in Ontario as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) graduates must apply for registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE). Graduates of this program will meet the educational requirement for membership.

Part-time option is available >

Field placement is central to the learning experience, so you will be placed in the field during each semester.  Field placement provides the opportunity to integrate classroom learning into practice with groups of children in the community. 

As a graduate of this program, you may pursue future career options within:

• Child care centres
• Family resource programs
• Settlement centres
• EarlyON centres
• After-school programs
• Nursery schools
• Parent co-operative centres
• Private home child care
• Centres for children with special needs
• Kindergarten in the elementary school system

• Design healthy, safe, inclusive and engaging environments for children from infancy to school age. 
• Plan and implement inclusive programming to support children’s development using current theories.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues and other professionals.

You will also have the opportunity to join the following affiliations:

• Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO)
• The Canadian Association for Young Children (CAYC)
• Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF) 
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)