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Early Childhood Education
Open to International Students
Area of study
Health & Human Services
Credential
Diploma
Program Length
2 Years | Full time
Open Virtual Tour
Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 per year is available
A tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 per year is available to help cover tuition-related costs for students in Early Childhood Education programs. MITT students qualify for this reimbursement.
Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, attending part-time or full-time in a recognized ECE program in the 2023/24 until 2025/26 academic years, and commit to working for two years in Manitoba’s licensed ELCC sector following graduation.
For full information including application deadlines, and to download the application forms, visit the Province of Manitoba website.
Program Overview
CIP Code: 19.0709
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma program prepares you to nurture and guide the next generation. Whether you are passionate about helping children explore their world, fostering creativity, or laying the foundation for lifelong learning, this program offers a pathway to a fulfilling career.
Key features include provisional accreditation by the Child Care Qualifications and Training Committee (CCQTC), an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Level II designation, and a curriculum that incorporates Indigenous perspectives.
Core Information
January 2027 (Days)
Program Highlights
- Provincial Accreditation: Accredited by the Child Care Qualifications and Training Committee (CCQTC).
- Specialized Curriculum: Focuses on child development, guiding strategies, and inclusive programming.
- Indigenous Perspectives: Promotes cultural understanding through Indigenous-focused courses.
- Practicum Learning: Three practicum placements in licensed childcare facilities.
- Career Readiness: Includes MITT’s Bridging to Work workshops for employability skills.
Career Outcomes
- Early Childhood Educator (ECE II)
- Infant and preschool educator
Entry Requirements
2026-2027
Domestic
Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent, including:
- Credit in 40S English Language Arts
Mature Student eligibility and requirements for this program can be found on our Mature Students page.
International
Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent, including:
- Minimum grade of 50% in a Senior Level First Language Literature course
Additional Requirements
- Demonstrated English language proficiency (if educated outside Canada).
Visit Admission Requirements to learn more.
Tuition and Fees
| Estimated Program Costs | Year 1 | Year 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,955 | $4,955 |
| Fees | $660 | $660 |
| Estimated Textbook Costs | $515 | $170 |
| Total Estimated Program Costs | $6,130.00 | $5,785.00 |
Costs are estimates and are subject to change. Visit Tuition and Fees and Program Information for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program is primarily taught in person during full-day sessions, with less than 10% of course content delivered online.
Students in this program can expect to attend classes for 10 months, followed by a 2-month break, and then another 10 months of study. This excludes student success weeks and holidays. See the Academic Schedule for details.
Textbooks and Supplies
A complete supply list and textbook information can be found on the Program Information page.
Laptop Requirements
Students must bring a Tier 2 laptop for this program. More information and technical specifications are available on the Laptop and Technical Needs page.
Yes. The program includes three practicum placements in diverse childcare settings, where you will:
- Apply developmental theories and guiding strategies
- Design and implement age-appropriate programs
- Build meaningful relationships with children and families
To qualify for the Early Childhood Education work practicum, you must meet the following criteria:
- Clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) or RCMP equivalent (dated within six months of the practicum end date)
- Clear Provincial Child Abuse Registry (CAR)
- Current, approved immunization record (as per the WRHA guidelines for Health Care Workers)
- Valid Child First Aid/CPR certificate*
- Valid Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certificate*
- Valid Food Handlers certificate*
- Valid co-op work permit (international students only)
*This training will be offered through the program.
When you graduate, you’ll be able to apply for the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Level II qualification in Manitoba, giving you a variety of career options in early learning and child care settings.
Yes, we offer campus tours. Explore our Campus Tour options.
Take Your First Step Towards Success
Learn more about this program
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Early Childhood Education
All Courses
Child Development 1: The Early Years (ECE-200) — 80 hours
This course will provide students with an understanding of the historical and current theories of child development, including research approaches to prenatal, infant, and toddler development.Written Communication Skills (ECE-210) — 40 hours
This course focuses on the development and practice of writing skills and forms of written communication. Students learn to create documents and use online tools that are required for success in the Early Childhood Education program.Interpersonal Communication (ECE-220) — 40 hours
The focus of this course is to help students understand, evaluate, and improve their interactions with others in their personal and professional lives. Students will learn to recognize issues regarding listening, conflict resolution, assertiveness, and non-verbal communication. Emphasis is on mastering skills to prevent issues with miscommunication to the daily lives of the students.Observation and Documentation (ECE-230) — 40 hours
This course is a foundational introduction to observation and documentation. Students will learn how to write anecdotal observations and use the webbing tool to explore deeper interests, concept and skill development, as well as the link to program planning. Students will also create a documentation board based on an observation as a visual representation of children’s learning.Play and the Environment (ECE-240) — 40 hours
This course focuses on early learning programs and childcare for children from infancy to 6 years of age. The importance of play and building relationships through responsive interactions is explored. Students will apply knowledge of planning and implementing developmentally curriculum to support learning in an inclusive environment.Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECE-250) — 40 hours
This course presents an overview of early childhood care and education. Students will gain an appreciation of the historical development of child care, including Canadian and Indigenous perspectives, as well as provincial regulations and their impact on a variety of program approaches to curriculum.Family (ECE-260) — 40 hours
This course explores the changes to family life in Canada. Students examine a variety of family challenges and issues that have direct relevance to early learning and child care.Health and Safety (ECE-270) — 80 hours
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote the well-being of children and explores topics such as illness recognition, prevention, and universal precautions. Students will learn about the provision of a safe environment in childcare and the role and responsibilities of the early childhood educator in recognizing, preventing, reporting, and handling child abuse and neglect as per licensing standards and "best practice" protocols.Personal Development (ECE-280) — 40 hours
Students will explore and develop an appreciation for their role as a professional in the lives of young children. They will look at ways to be a change agent through advocacy and work within Manitoba.Child Development 2: Preschool Years (ECE-300) — 80 hours
This course is a continuation of Child Development 1: The Early Years, with a focus on children from 3 to 6 years of age. Students will develop an understanding of the major theories and research findings that examine physical, cognitive, social, emotional and language skills development so that they may work with children effectively within a holistic and inclusive environment.Practicum 1 Seminar (ECE-305) — 10 hours
This seminar prepares students for the ECE Practicum 1 experience, including the practicum placement, observation, and evaluation processes. Topics include key practicum roles and responsibilities, assignment requirements, and evaluation structure.Early Childhood Education Practicum 1 (ECE-310) — 272 hours
This practicum is the foundational experience within a series of three practicums in the Early Childhood Education Program. Students will put newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice. This experience provides opportunities to build positive relationships, practice positive guiding strategies, implement learning experience plans and participate in authentic play experiences with children. Students will engage in reflective practice and apply feedback to enhance emerging skills. Curriculum focuses on story-telling, process-based art, and blocks.Curriculum and the Environment 1 (ECE-320) — 80 hours
The first course of four curriculum courses will introduce students to curriculum and pedagogy, as well as key approaches and frameworks. Topics will include literacy and storytelling, process-based art and blocks, as well as the set-up for each. Students will create and adjust learning experience plans based on feedback, which they will implement during practicum.Professionalism (ECE-330) — 40 hours
Students will explore and develop an appreciation for their role as a professional in the lives of young children. They will look at ways to be a change agent through advocacy and work within Manitoba.Curriculum and the Environment 2 (ECE-410) — 80 hours
This is the second course in a series of four curriculum courses. Key topics will include sensory play, music and movement and dramatic play, as well as the set-up for each. Students will create and adjust learning experience plans based on feedback, which they will implement during practicum.Child Nutrition (ECE-420) — 40 hours
This course addresses fundamental concepts of nutrition. Students will study essential nutrients and learn about promoting healthy eating for children. Students will develop a working knowledge of Canada's Food Guide and utilize this knowledge in the planning and preparation of healthy snacks and meals.Family and Community Relationships (ECE-430) — 40 hours
This course focuses on the partnership between the parent and Early Childhood Educator while promoting the importance of parent education and parent involvement in the centre. Students will learn how to make reports to parents and understand the diversity of families and the needs of families with atypical or mainstream children. Students will develop their knowledge of the community, as well as how to access community services and contribute positively to their community.Curriculum and the Environment 3 (ECE-440) — 80 hours
This course emphasizes outdoor and nature-based play, along with STEAM activities. Students will create and implement learning experiences during practicum, refining their teaching approaches.Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood Education (ECE-450) — 40 hours
This course provides an introduction to the diversity of Canadian culture with an emphasis on empathy and creating an inclusive classroom. Understanding the diversity of Canadian classrooms and ways this affects personality, language, cognitive development, and socialization is a crucial skill for an Early Childhood Educator. In this course, students acquire skills for creating inclusive learning environments and curriculum in Early Childhood Education.Indigenous Perspectives in Early Childhood Education (ECE-460) — 40 hours
The course will provide students with an introduction to perspectives related to working with Indigenous families in Canada, particularly in Manitoba. Students will explore historical perspectives, current trends, and new directions for the future of education of Indigenous peoples and Canadians.School-Age Development and Curriculum (ECE-470) — 80 hours
Students will develop knowledge and skills for working with children aged 5 through 12. The course focuses on the unique needs of school-age children and how these needs are met through a developmentally appropriate approach to programming. Students will learn about child development patterns and milestones in middle childhood. Attention is paid to the various roles of the early childhood educator in the designing, planning, and implementing of an inclusive environment with emphasis on developing an appropriate physical, social-emotional, and cognitive atmosphere.Professional Behaviour Practices (ECE-480) — 40 hours
Career resilience in the ever-changing field of early childhood education depends on current knowledge, key competencies, evidence-based practices, and lifelong learning. Through guided discussion, this course will examine key performance indicators of high quality early childhood care programs and how professional behaviour practices contributes to this outcome. Students will define a professional philosophy to help guide career decisions and strategies. The impact of emerging political, regulatory, and social change on early childhood education advocacy work will also be explored.Practicum 2 Seminar (ECE-495) — 10 hours
This seminar prepares students for the ECE Practicum 2 experience, including the practicum placement, observation, and evaluation processes. Topics include key practicum roles and responsibilities, assignment requirements, and evaluation structure.Early Childhood Education Practicum 2 (ECE-500) — 272 hours
This practicum is the second in a series of three Early Childhood Education practicum experiences. This experience will provide opportunities to foster positive relationships with families and children, strengthen guiding techniques, and refine health and safety practices. Students will implement learning experience plans and expand on play experiences with children. Students will engage in reflective practice and apply feedback to enhance emerging skills. Curriculum focuses on sensory play, music and movement, and dramatic play.Practicum 3 Seminar (ECE-505) — 15 hours
This seminar prepares students for the ECE Practicum 3 experience, including the practicum placement, observation, and evaluation processes. Topics include key practicum roles and responsibilities, assignment requirements, and evaluation structure.Early Childhood Education Practicum 3 (ECE-510) — 272 hours
This practicum is the final in a series of three Early Childhood Education practicums. This experience will provide opportunities to initiate non-positive, judgmental relationships with families and children, refine guiding techniques, and lead health and safety initiatives. Students will implement learning experience plans and seize teachable moments during play experiences with children. Students will engage in reflective practice and integrate feedback appropriately into future actions. Curriculum focuses on outdoor and nature-based play and STEAM.Guiding Young Children 1 (ECE-291) — 40 hours
This first guiding course introduces students to basic guiding strategies that promote prosocial behaviour in children, as well as positive child and early childhood educator relationships. The course examines typical characteristics and needs of children across various chronological and developmental stages.Guiding Young Children 2 (ECE-292) — 40 hours
This course builds on the concepts introduced in Guiding Young Children 1 with a focus on strategies that encourage and promote prosocial behaviour. Students will explore the role of rules and consequences, as well as how guiding language shapes behaviour.Advanced Behaviour Guidance 1 (ECE-401) — 40 hours
Building on themes from the earlier guidance courses, this course explores how the physical environment affects behaviour. Students will be introduced to the running record tool and the seven-step process to problem solving.Advanced Behaviour Guidance 2 (ECE-402) — 40 hours
This is the final course in the series of four guidance courses. Students will explore aggressiveness and bullying behaviour in children and effective guiding strategies. Students will also be introduced to the ABC Observation tool and Tally Sampling Record.Early Childhood Education Capstone 1 (ECE-370) — 40 hours
The Early Childhood Education Capstone 1 course provides students an opportunity to debrief their Practicum 1 experience. Students will explore their unique professional self through reflective practice and create a professional portfolio. Through this course, student will develop collaborative solution-focused problem-solving skills.