Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
As a graduate of this program, you may pursue future career options within:
Campus
Duration
3 Semesters (12 Months)Credential Awarded
Ontario College DiplomaProgram and course delivery
This program is offered in person. Students are required to come on campus to attend classes.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
About the Program
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 has a lab school, which is a model childcare centre, that gives you unique 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.
Skills
- 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.
Work Experience
Field Placement
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.
Your Career
- 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
Affiliations and Associations
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)
Bursary Announcements
Bursary Announcement for Returning ECYA Students
All full-time domestic ECYA students who are enrolled in the program in September 2023 are eligible to receive tuition bursaries of up to $2,000.
An email will be sent to eligible students with instructions on how to receive the bursary. Please contact your Program Co-ordinator if you have any questions.
This opportunity is funded in partnership with the regional municipality of York (York Region), the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada under the new Canada–Ontario Early Childhood Workforce Agreement, which provides “one-time federal funding to support the retention and recruitment of a high-quality childcare and early years workforce.”
Student Works and Experiences
Becoming an Early Childhood Educator
Seneca ECE students, graduates and professors collaborated with York Region to offer insight into the rewarding field of Early Childhood Education.