The Early Childhood Education Distance Diploma (ECED) program allows the student flexibility and interactive learning without the requirement of classroom attendance. This program prepares you to work with children either individually or within groups. Graduates work as Early Childhood Educators in settings that include full day early learning kindergarten programs, child care centres, nursery schools, private home child care, live in/out nanny, resource centres, cruise ships and resorts.
This program is delivered via distance. Course outline, schedule, lessons, assessments and web links are posted on Blackboard in each individual course. Most courses will have proctored tests included where the student will make arrangements to complete under supervision. This does not mean tests need to be written at Loyalist College. More specific details will be given within your course. Practicum is also arranged by the student in their Ontario community with approval given by Loyalist College.
Program Entry:
September, January or May
Admission Requirements:
(a) Required academic preparation –
• OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U), (M) or (O) level, and
• Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent
OR
Mature Applicants
Applicants who are 19 years of age on the first day of classes in the year of admission, and who do not have OSSD, are considered as mature applicants. Such applicants must complete the required subjects for admission. If they lack the required subjects, they may be requested to write a diagnostic test. Mature applicants are treated on an individual basis and should consult the Admissions Office as early as possible to determine if pre-entry testing and/or college preparatory studies are required.
NOTE: Applicants who are not Canadian citizens or who do not have permanent residence status are considered under this clause.
Please contact act@loyalistcollege.com for information about CAAT testing.
Academic Upgrading is available at Loyalist. For more information click here.
Standard First Aid and CPR Level C prior to Practicum In order to participate in Practicum, students are required to produce a clean criminal record check, including the screening for vulnerable populations, by their local police service. If you have been convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code for which you have not been pardoned, you may be ineligible for Practicum.
How to Apply:
To apply for this program through Ontario College Application Services (OCAS), click here
**RETURNING STUDENTS FOR FALL 2024** Please ensure you have enrolled in the ECE Distance Community Hub and complete the Pre-registration Form if you plan on taking courses in the Fall 2024 semester (The form will become available early July).
Diploma Requirements:
Diploma requirements are listed in the Student Handbook .
Completion of this diploma may qualify students for university transfer. For more information click here.
Transfer/Exemption Credits:
Transfer of credit is when a student is transferring credit from another approved post-secondary institution to Loyalist.
Exemptions are courses that have been taken at Loyalist College in a different program.
To apply for transfer and/or exemption credits, your post-secondary education must be from an approved institution and have been completed within the last 7 years to be considered for assessment. Please complete the Credit Transfer and Exemption Application
Important Dates:
For a list of ECE Important Dates click here.
Curriculum: *Please Note: There are specific pre-requisites and co-requisites for courses.
For more information, consult the student handbook at loyalistfocus.com. Students that started prior to Fall 2014, please contact ceece@loyalistcollege.com, for program of study course match.
REQUIRED COURSES: *Take Courses in Listed Order**
BLOCK 1
COMM 1048
College Writing Skills
CADW 1007
Intro. to Child Development
ECEP 1006
Introduction to ECE
CADW 1005
Creative Play
ECEP 1010
Observing Early Development
GNED 1100
Becoming a Global Changemaker
BLOCK 2
CADW 1006
Infant Toddler Development
ECEP 1008
Infant Toddler Learning Environment
ECEP 1012
Responsive Relationships 1
ECEP 1013
Health, Safety and Nutrition
PROF 1010
Practicum Seminar 1
WKPL 1032
Practicum 1 - Infant Toddler
General Education Course
BLOCK 3
ECEP 2008
Child, Family & Community
CADW 2001
Preschool Development
ECEP 2002
Preschool Learning Environment
ECEP 2009
Responsive Relationships 2
PROF 2017
Practicum Seminar 2
WKPL 2049
Practicum 2 - Preschool
BLOCK 4
CADW 2002
Children with Exceptionalities
CADW 2003
School-Age Development
ECEP 2005
School-Age Learning Environment
ECEP 2010
Policy, Advocacy & Professionalism
ECEP 2007
Evidence-Informed Practices
WKPL 2050
Practicum 3 - School Age
Elementary School Setting
(Not offered in the spring term due to schools closed
for summer break).
General Education Course
Disclaimer: Applicants must have all admission requirements*, including pre-requisites and co-requisites listed for your program of choice.
